Top Selection
The Substance Film
The filmmaker's daring critique tackles the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics and the perceived horrors of advancing years. Demi Moore presents an inspired acting turn as Elisabeth, a 50-year-old actress forced into starring in an aerobics show on the small screen. Forced aside by her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she turns to an enigmatic and horrifying treatment known as the Substance. This produces a younger clone portrayed by Margaret Qualley, resulting in a steadily more parasitic dynamic between the two. Friday 17 October, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque story features Keira Knightley as Laura, a skilled journalist who takes a break from reporting on world issues to board an opulent ship alongside an ailing wealthy inheritor and philanthropist, her husband, and other filthy rich individuals. But after an unknown lady disappears from the ship during the evening and all passengers denies she ever existed, her journalistic curiosity kick in. Streaming currently, the Netflix platform
Presence
Steven Soderbergh tests his directorial skills with this nifty ghostly tale captured wholly through the eyes of the phantom. When a household with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe occupies their fresh home, the camera – as the unseen entity – tracks their movements. The teen shows signs of sensing the poltergeist, and it seems defensive toward her. Yet what is the reason? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
This Self-Referential Film
Nicolas Cage fully commits to his cult stardom via this meta comedy caper. He plays a self-obsessed Hollywood actor called Nicolas Cage who accepts a lucrative offer to attend a celebration on the Spanish island for billionaire Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Recruited by government spies to spy on the alleged criminal, the actor's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” proves useful. October 11th, evening, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone
The director's contained scarefest remains effective without requiring a continuation. Taking place in 1978 Denver, a series of child abductions has rendered the local kids on edge. When Finney is kidnapped by the villain and imprisoned in a basement, he dreads a fatal end. But the old telephone on the wall continues to ring, with spooky callers providing assistance, as the prophetic visions of Gwen, his sister could save him. A genuinely scary movie. October 11th, late evening, Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the conflict between God and Mammon, the winner is obvious for Mammon in Michael Showalter's wonderfully garish true story of the disgraced televangelist and her criminal husband. Andrew Garfield plays the venal Jim, who proclaims early on, “God does not want us to be poor,”. He and Tammy Faye commence profiting from the American public's spiritual convictions. It's a spectacle of tacky decor, excessive cosmetics and hypocrisy, though the lead actress succeeds to show Tammy Faye with compassion. Tuesday 14 October, late night, on Film4
The Spy Mystery
The current week's second offering by the same director presents a intelligence thriller as tight as the polo necks used by Fassbender's intelligence officer. His assignment is to identify a double agent among the team from a group of five – including is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Each performer are masters of calm composure, so a delicious psychological game of truth or lie takes place. Additional actors participate the clever spy entertainment. Friday 17 October, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
