Top Selection
This Satirical Thriller
Coralie Fargeat's bold commentary examines the tyranny of women's appearance along with the perceived horrors of growing older. The veteran actress presents a masterful performance as Elisabeth, a 50-year-old film star demoted to starring in a workout series on TV. Pushed out by her unscrupulous employer Harvey, she turns to a secretive and gruesome procedure titled the Substance. This produces a younger clone portrayed by Margaret Qualley, leading to an increasingly vampiric relationship between them. October 17th, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This Agatha Christie-esque mystery includes Keira Knightley playing Laura, a skilled journalist who decides to take some time off from covering global conflict to embark on a luxury cruise accompanied by a terminally ill Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her partner, plus additional filthy rich individuals. But after a mysterious woman disappears from the ship one night and the entire crew claims she was never there, Laura's investigative instincts awaken. Available now, the Netflix platform
Presence
Steven Soderbergh pushes his film-making abilities through this nifty ghostly tale captured wholly from the perspective of the phantom. As a family with Lucy Liu as Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe moves into their fresh home, the filming device – AKA the Presence – tracks their movements. Chloe seems conscious of the supernatural presence, and it looks like guarding her. But why? It's a fun idea that remains concise, including a revelation you might not see coming. Saturday 11 October, multiple showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
The iconic actor wholeheartedly adopts his unique fame via this autobiographical spoof. He acts as an egotistical celebrity called Nicolas Cage who agrees to a $1m payday to appear at a birthday party at a Mediterranean location for the wealthy Javi Gutierrez. Recruited by the intelligence agency to gather intel on the potential kingpin, Cage's unique performing skills comes in handy. Saturday 11 October, evening, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's locked-room horror holds up well without requiring a continuation. Located in 1970s Colorado, multiple child abductions has made the local kids anxious. Once Finney is kidnapped by the villain and locked up in a cellar, he fears the worst. But the disconnected phone in the room keeps ringing, with ghostly voices offering help, and the intuitive nightmares of Gwen, his sister might rescue him. A genuinely scary movie. October 11th, nighttime, the Film4 channel
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the conflict between God and Mammon, the winner is obvious for greed in Michael Showalter's wonderfully garish film adaptation about the fallen TV preacher and her criminal husband. The actor plays the venal Jim, who declares initially, asserting religious justification for riches. Both individuals set about capitalizing on the people's Christian beliefs. It's a riot of tacky decor, bad makeup and bad faith, however the lead actress succeeds to present Tammy Faye as a sympathetic figure. Next Tuesday, late night, the Film4 channel
The Spy Mystery
This week's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh delivers a espionage tale as sharp like the turtlenecks sported by Fassbender's British agent. He is tasked to discover a mole among the team out of five possibilities – among them is his spouse. The two stars are masters of understated style, leading to a delightful psychological game of truth or lie unfolds. Additional actors join in the intelligent intelligence fun. October 17th, various showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
