Top Selection
This Satirical Thriller
The filmmaker's daring satire addresses the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics as well as the dreaded aspects of advancing years. The veteran actress delivers a masterful acting turn playing Elisabeth, a 50-year-old film star reduced to hosting a workout series on TV. Pushed out thanks to her deceitful superior Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she seeks out an enigmatic and gruesome process titled "The Substance". This creates a younger clone called Sue, resulting in a steadily more parasitic dynamic between the two. Friday 17 October, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This Agatha Christie-esque mystery stars Keira Knightley playing Laura, an ace reporter who decides to take a hiatus from writing about global conflict to join a high-end voyage accompanied by an ailing Norwegian shipping heiress and donor, her partner, and other affluent passengers. However when an unknown lady disappears from the ship overnight and the entire crew claims she was never there, the reporter's sleuthing skills kick in. Out now, the Netflix platform
This Supernatural Story
Steven Soderbergh tests his film-making abilities with this innovative supernatural story filmed completely from the viewpoint of the phantom. As a family including mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe settles into their recent residence, the camera – representing the ghost – shadows their actions. The teen shows signs of aware of the poltergeist, and it seems defensive toward her. However, the motive remains? This is an entertaining concept that avoids overstaying, with a twist that may be unexpected. October 11th, multiple showings, the Sky channel
This Self-Referential Film
Nicolas Cage fully commits to his cult stardom via this self-referential adventure. He acts as a narcissistic celebrity named Nicolas Cage who agrees to a million-dollar gig to visit a festive event on the Spanish island for the wealthy Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Contacted by the intelligence agency to investigate the suspected cartel boss, the actor's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” proves useful. Saturday 11 October, 9pm, on Channel 4
The Black Phone
Derrickson's contained scarefest stands strong without requiring a sequel. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, multiple child abductions has made the youth frightened. Once Finney is kidnapped by the kidnapper and locked up in a dungeon, he anticipates a terrible outcome. However, the old telephone on the wall keeps ringing, with ghostly voices offering help, and the intuitive nightmares of Gwen, his sister could save him. A genuinely scary movie. October 11th, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the conflict between God and Mammon, the winner is obvious for materialism in Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top true story regarding the shamed religious broadcaster and her criminal husband. Andrew Garfield acts as the corrupt Bakker, who proclaims initially, asserting religious justification for riches. The couple set about capitalizing on the American public's religious faith. It's a spectacle of tacky decor, overdone appearance and hypocrisy, yet the lead actress succeeds to show the character in a likable light. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, Film4
Black Bag
This period's additional entry by the same director is a espionage tale as precise as the polo necks used by Michael Fassbender's UK spy. His assignment is to discover a traitor inside the organization out of five possibilities – among them is his own wife. The two stars are experts of deadpan cool, resulting in an engaging mind game of truth or lie takes place. The supporting cast join in the clever spy entertainment. This Friday, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema Premiere
