Top Selection
This Satirical Thriller
The filmmaker's bold critique addresses the demanding standards for female beauty and the perceived horrors of ageing. Demi Moore offers an inspired portrayal in the role of Elisabeth, an aging film star forced into hosting an aerobics show on TV. Pushed out thanks to her unscrupulous employer her manager Harvey, she undergoes a secretive and terrifying treatment called "The Substance". This creates a younger clone called Sue, resulting in an increasingly vampiric relationship between them. Friday 17 October, the streaming service Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This classic whodunit story features the talented actress as Laura, a skilled journalist who takes some time off from writing about world issues to board a luxury cruise alongside an ailing wealthy inheritor and charitable figure, her husband, plus additional filthy rich individuals. However when an enigmatic female disappears from the ship one night and the entire crew claims she was never there, her journalistic curiosity take over. Out now, the Netflix platform
Presence
Steven Soderbergh tests his directorial skills with this clever paranormal narrative captured wholly from the viewpoint of the phantom. When a household including mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe occupies their fresh home, the lens – AKA the Presence – follows them around. The teen shows signs of sensing the supernatural presence, and it seems defensive toward her. However, the motive remains? This is an entertaining concept that avoids overstaying, featuring a surprise that may be unexpected. October 11th, multiple showings, the Sky channel
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor embraces his unique fame through this self-referential adventure. He plays a self-obsessed Hollywood actor named Nicolas Cage who agrees to a lucrative offer to appear at a birthday party in Mallorca for the rich Javi Gutierrez. Recruited by government spies to gather intel on the potential kingpin, Cage's unique performing skills proves useful. Saturday 11 October, 9pm, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone
The director's locked-room horror holds up well even without a continuation. Taking place in 1970s Colorado, a series of child abductions has left the youth on edge. Once Finney is taken by “the Grabber” and imprisoned in a basement, he fears a fatal end. However, the non-functional line on the wall keeps ringing, with spooky callers giving advice, while the intuitive nightmares from his sibling Gwen may be his salvation. An effective horror. This Saturday, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the struggle between God and Mammon, the winner is obvious for materialism in this director's brilliantly over-the-top true story about the fallen televangelist and her criminal husband. The actor acts as the corrupt Bakker, who declares initially, asserting religious justification for riches. The couple commence monetising the nation's religious faith. It's a riot of tacky decor, overdone appearance and hypocrisy, though the lead actress manages to present the character as a sympathetic figure. October 14th, late night, Film4
Black Bag
This week's second offering by the same director is a spy mystery as precise as the polo necks worn by the actor's intelligence officer. He is tasked with uncovering a traitor inside the organization out of five possibilities – including is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars are experts of deadpan cool, leading to a delightful mind game of truth or lie unfolds. Additional actors take part the clever spy entertainment. October 17th, various showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
