Top Selection
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's bold critique addresses the tyranny of female beauty as well as the feared consequences of growing older. Demi Moore offers an inspired performance playing Elisabeth, a mature film star forced into presenting an aerobics show on television. Edged out thanks to her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes a mysterious and terrifying process known as "The Substance". This creates a youthful duplicate called Sue, resulting in a progressively vampiric relationship between the two. Friday 17 October, Paramount Plus
This Mystery Thriller
This classic whodunit story stars Keira Knightley as Laura, an ace reporter who decides to take a break from covering global conflict to join an opulent ship accompanied by a terminally ill wealthy inheritor and donor, her husband, and other affluent passengers. But after an unknown lady goes overboard overnight and everyone claims she was never there, the reporter's sleuthing skills awaken. Streaming currently, on Netflix
This Supernatural Story
Steven Soderbergh challenges his directorial skills with this innovative supernatural story filmed completely from the viewpoint of the phantom. When a household including mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe settles into their new suburban house, the camera – as the unseen entity – shadows their actions. Chloe seems sensing the supernatural presence, and it seems protective of her. But why? The premise is enjoyable that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation that may be unexpected. This Saturday, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, the Sky channel
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Nicolas Cage wholeheartedly adopts his eccentric image through this self-referential adventure. He acts as an egotistical celebrity named Nicolas Cage who agrees to a million-dollar gig to appear at a festive event on the Spanish island for billionaire Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Recruited by government spies to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, his “nouveau shamanic acting ability” is put to the test. October 11th, prime time, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller holds up well even without a follow-up. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, multiple disappearances has left the local kids on edge. After Finney is kidnapped by the kidnapper and imprisoned in a dungeon, he dreads a fatal end. However, the old telephone mounted nearby keeps ringing, with eerie communicators offering help, while the intuitive nightmares from his sibling Gwen may be his salvation. A solid creepfest. This Saturday, late evening, on Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the battle between spirituality and money, the victory is clear for greed in Showalter's wonderfully garish biopic of the disgraced televangelist and her felon spouse. Andrew Garfield acts as the corrupt Bakker, who states at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. Both individuals begin capitalizing on the American public's Christian beliefs. It's an extravaganza of bad interior design, excessive cosmetics and insincerity, yet Chastain achieves to depict the character as a sympathetic figure. October 14th, late night, Film4
The Spy Mystery
This week's another release from Steven Soderbergh is a intelligence thriller as precise similar to the collars sported by Michael Fassbender's UK spy. He receives a mission to discover a double agent among the team from five suspects – including is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Both actors are masters of deadpan cool, so a delicious mental battle of fact versus fiction develops. The supporting cast join in the intelligent intelligence fun. October 17th, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, the Sky channel
