Top Selection
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching satire examines the oppressive nature of women's appearance as well as the dreaded aspects of ageing. Demi Moore delivers a masterful performance in the role of Elisabeth, a mature film star reduced to starring in an aerobics show on television. Pushed out by her slimy boss Harvey, she turns to an enigmatic and terrifying process called this experimental method. This creates a younger clone named Sue, culminating in an increasingly toxic connection between them. This Friday, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This Agatha Christie-esque story stars Knightley playing Laura, a top-notch writer who opts for a hiatus from writing about global conflict to join a high-end voyage alongside a terminally ill Scandinavian billionaire and donor, her husband, and other extremely wealthy individuals. Yet once a mysterious woman disappears from the ship during the evening and the entire crew claims she was never there, the reporter's sleuthing skills kick in. Available now, on Netflix
Presence Film
Steven Soderbergh challenges his film-making abilities through this clever supernatural story shot entirely from the perspective of the spirit. As a family with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their fresh home, the camera – representing the ghost – tracks their movements. The teen shows signs of aware of the supernatural presence, and it looks like defensive toward her. But why? The premise is enjoyable that doesn't outstay its welcome, featuring a surprise you might not see coming. Saturday 11 October, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
The iconic actor wholeheartedly adopts his cult stardom through this meta comedy caper. He portrays a self-obsessed film star playing himself who agrees to a $1m payday to visit a birthday party in Mallorca for billionaire Javi Gutierrez. Hired by the intelligence agency to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, his “nouveau shamanic acting ability” proves useful. Saturday 11 October, prime time, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone
Derrickson's contained scarefest stands strong without requiring a follow-up. Located in 1970s Colorado, a series of disappearances has left the youth on edge. When Finney is taken by the villain and held captive in a dungeon, he dreads a terrible outcome. However, the disconnected phone mounted nearby continues to ring, with spooky callers offering help, as the prescient dreams from his sibling Gwen might rescue him. An effective horror. October 11th, late evening, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the struggle between God and Mammon, the winner is obvious for greed in this director's wonderfully garish biopic about the fallen TV preacher and her felon spouse. Garfield portrays the venal Jim, who proclaims early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye begin monetising the nation's religious faith. It's a riot of bad interior design, overdone appearance and bad faith, however the lead actress manages to show Tammy Faye in a likable light. Tuesday 14 October, early morning, the Film4 channel
Black Bag
The current week's additional entry from the filmmaker delivers a spy mystery as precise as the polo necks worn by Michael Fassbender's British agent. His assignment is with uncovering a double agent among the team out of five possibilities – among them is his own wife. Both actors excel of understated style, resulting in an engaging psychological game of deception or honesty takes place. The supporting cast participate the smart espionage amusement. This Friday, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, the Sky channel
