Top Selection
The Substance Film
The filmmaker's bold satire examines the tyranny of female beauty and the feared consequences of advancing years. The veteran actress presents an inspired acting turn playing Elisabeth, a 50-year-old film star demoted to starring in a workout series on television. Pushed out by her slimy boss her manager Harvey, she undergoes a mysterious and terrifying process known as the Substance. This creates a youthful duplicate named Sue, leading to a steadily more vampiric relationship between them. Friday 17 October, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This Agatha Christie-esque thriller features Knightley as Laura, a skilled journalist who opts for a break from writing about international wars to board a high-end voyage alongside a gravely sick Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her husband, as well as other filthy rich passengers. But after a mysterious woman goes overboard overnight and everyone insists she wasn't real, her journalistic curiosity take over. Out now, the Netflix platform
Presence Film
The acclaimed director challenges his creative boundaries with this innovative supernatural story filmed completely through the eyes of a ghost. When a household including mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe settles into their new suburban house, the filming device – representing the ghost – follows them around. The teen shows signs of conscious of the ghostly being, and it looks like guarding her. But why? The premise is enjoyable that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation that may be unexpected. October 11th, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Cage fully commits to his eccentric image in this meta comedy caper. He plays an egotistical celebrity playing himself who accepts a million-dollar gig to visit a festive event on the Spanish island for billionaire Javi Gutierrez. Recruited by the CIA to investigate the potential kingpin, his unconventional method is put to the test. Saturday 11 October, prime time, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller remains effective despite the lack of a continuation. Located in 1970s Colorado, a series of disappearances has left the children frightened. Once Finney is kidnapped by “the Grabber” and imprisoned in a cellar, he fears a fatal end. But the old telephone mounted nearby keeps ringing, with eerie communicators giving advice, while the prescient dreams from his sibling Gwen may be his salvation. A solid creepfest. October 11th, 10.50pm, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the struggle between spirituality and money, it's a knockout win for greed in Showalter's delightfully tacky film adaptation of the disgraced religious broadcaster and her criminal husband. Andrew Garfield portrays the venal Jim, who declares initially, asserting religious justification for riches. Both individuals begin capitalizing on the American public's spiritual convictions. It's an extravaganza of tacky decor, overdone appearance and bad faith, yet the lead actress achieves to depict the real-life figure in a likable light. October 14th, 1.15am, on Film4
Black Bag
This week's second offering from Steven Soderbergh is a espionage tale as sharp similar to the collars sported by the actor's British agent. He is tasked to identify a double agent within their ranks from five suspects – among them is his own wife. Both actors are masters of deadpan cool, resulting in an engaging mind game of deception or honesty unfolds. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela take part the clever spy entertainment. This Friday, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, the Sky channel
