Top Selection
The Substance
The filmmaker's unflinching critique addresses the tyranny of women's appearance along with the feared consequences of ageing. The veteran actress presents a masterful acting turn as Elisabeth, a mature film star reduced to presenting an aerobics show on television. Forced aside thanks to her deceitful superior her manager Harvey, she seeks out a mysterious and horrifying treatment called "The Substance". This produces a youthful duplicate portrayed by Margaret Qualley, leading to a steadily more vampiric relationship between them. October 17th, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This classic whodunit thriller features Knightley in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who takes a hiatus from reporting on international wars to join an opulent ship alongside a terminally ill wealthy inheritor and donor, her partner, as well as other filthy rich passengers. But after a mysterious woman goes overboard during the evening and the entire crew insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills take over. Streaming currently, the Netflix platform
This Supernatural Story
The acclaimed director tests his creative boundaries with this nifty ghostly tale filmed completely from the viewpoint of the phantom. As a family with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe moves into their recent residence, the camera – as the unseen entity – shadows their actions. Chloe seems sensing the supernatural presence, and it looks like protective of her. However, the motive remains? This is an entertaining concept that avoids overstaying, featuring a surprise you might not see coming. October 11th, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema
This Self-Referential Film
Nicolas Cage wholeheartedly adopts his eccentric image through this self-referential adventure. He portrays an egotistical film star called Nicolas Cage who accepts a million-dollar gig to visit a festive event on the Spanish island for the rich Javi Gutierrez. Hired by the intelligence agency to gather intel on the alleged criminal, his unconventional method comes in handy. October 11th, prime time, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest remains effective despite the lack of a continuation. Taking place in 1970s Colorado, multiple disappearances has left the youth on edge. When Finney is kidnapped by the kidnapper and imprisoned in a basement, he fears a fatal end. Yet the disconnected phone mounted nearby continues to ring, with eerie communicators offering help, while the intuitive nightmares of his sister Gwen could save him. A solid creepfest. October 11th, late evening, on Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the struggle between God and Mammon, it's a knockout win for materialism in Showalter's delightfully tacky true story about the fallen religious broadcaster and her criminal husband. Andrew Garfield plays the greedy Jim, who declares at the beginning, “God does not want us to be poor,”. Both individuals commence monetising the American public's spiritual convictions. It's a spectacle of poor styling, excessive cosmetics and insincerity, though Chastain succeeds to present Tammy Faye as a sympathetic figure. Tuesday 14 October, early morning, on Film4
Black Bag
The current week's additional entry from the filmmaker presents a spy mystery as sharp as the polo necks worn by Fassbender's UK spy. He is tasked to identify a traitor among the team out of five possibilities – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Each performer are masters of understated style, resulting in an engaging mental battle of fact versus fiction takes place. The supporting cast join in the smart espionage amusement. This Friday, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema
