Top Selection
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's daring critique addresses the demanding standards for women's appearance and the dreaded aspects of ageing. Demi Moore offers an inspired acting turn in the role of Elisabeth, a mature actress demoted to hosting an aerobics show on television. Forced aside by her unscrupulous employer Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she seeks out a mysterious and terrifying process known as "The Substance". This generates a new version of herself called Sue, culminating in a progressively parasitic dynamic between them. October 17th, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10
This suspenseful thriller features the talented actress as Laura, a top-notch writer who opts for some time off from writing about international wars to join a high-end voyage alongside a gravely sick wealthy inheritor and donor, her spouse, as well as other extremely wealthy guests. Yet once an unknown lady falls into the sea overnight and everyone denies she ever existed, her journalistic curiosity take over. Streaming currently, on Netflix
This Supernatural Story
Steven Soderbergh tests his creative boundaries through this nifty paranormal narrative filmed completely through the eyes of the phantom. When a household including mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their new suburban house, the lens – representing the ghost – tracks their movements. The teen shows signs of conscious of the poltergeist, and the entity appears guarding her. Yet what is the reason? The premise is enjoyable that avoids overstaying, including a revelation you might not see coming. October 11th, afternoon and evening times, the Sky channel
This Self-Referential Film
Nicolas Cage fully commits to his cult stardom through this meta comedy caper. He acts as a narcissistic Hollywood actor playing himself who accepts a $1m payday to attend a birthday party in Mallorca for the wealthy superfan Javi. Hired by the CIA to spy on the suspected cartel boss, his “nouveau shamanic acting ability” is put to the test. Saturday 11 October, 9pm, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone Horror
The director's contained scarefest holds up well without requiring a follow-up. Located in 1970s Colorado, several kidnappings has left the local kids anxious. After Finney is taken by the kidnapper and locked up in a cellar, he anticipates a terrible outcome. But the non-functional line mounted nearby continues to ring, with ghostly voices offering help, while the intuitive nightmares from his sibling Gwen could save him. An effective horror. Saturday 11 October, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between spirituality and money, the winner is obvious for materialism in Michael Showalter's delightfully tacky biopic about the fallen TV preacher and her criminal husband. The actor plays the greedy Jim, who declares initially, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye commence capitalizing on the American public's spiritual convictions. It's a spectacle of poor styling, excessive cosmetics and bad faith, however Chastain manages to present Tammy Faye as a sympathetic figure. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, the Film4 channel
The Spy Mystery
This period's second offering by the same director is a intelligence thriller as precise like the turtlenecks used by Fassbender's British agent. He is tasked to discover a double agent among the team from five suspects – among them is his spouse. The two stars are experts of deadpan cool, so a delicious mental battle of fact versus fiction develops. The supporting cast participate the intelligent intelligence fun. Friday 17 October, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, the Sky channel
