Top Selection
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching satire examines the demanding standards for women's appearance along with the perceived horrors of ageing. The veteran actress presents an inspired portrayal in the role of Elisabeth, an aging celebrity reduced to starring in an aerobics show on television. Pushed out due to her unscrupulous employer her manager Harvey, she seeks out a secretive and gruesome procedure known as "The Substance". This produces a youthful duplicate called Sue, leading to a steadily more toxic connection between them. Friday 17 October, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This classic whodunit thriller includes the talented actress in the role of Laura, an ace reporter who takes a break from reporting on world issues to join a high-end voyage accompanied by an ailing wealthy inheritor and donor, her husband, and other affluent guests. Yet once a mysterious woman falls into the sea during the evening and all passengers insists she wasn't real, Laura's investigative instincts kick in. Streaming currently, on Netflix
This Supernatural Story
The acclaimed director tests his creative boundaries through this innovative supernatural story filmed completely from the perspective of the spirit. As a family including mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe settles into their fresh home, the camera – representing the ghost – shadows their actions. Chloe seems conscious of the ghostly being, and it seems protective of her. But why? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist that may be unexpected. October 11th, multiple showings, the Sky channel
This Self-Referential Film
Nicolas Cage wholeheartedly adopts his unique fame via this meta comedy caper. He acts as a narcissistic celebrity named Nicolas Cage who agrees to a lucrative offer to appear at a celebration in Mallorca for the rich Javi Gutierrez. Hired by the intelligence agency to investigate the alleged criminal, the actor's unique performing skills proves useful. Saturday 11 October, 9pm, Channel 4
The Black Phone
Derrickson's locked-room horror remains effective despite the lack of a sequel. Set in 1970s Colorado, a series of child abductions has left the youth frightened. Once Finney is kidnapped by the kidnapper and held captive in a basement, he anticipates the worst. Yet the disconnected phone mounted nearby keeps ringing, with spooky callers offering help, while the intuitive nightmares from his sibling Gwen might rescue him. A genuinely scary movie. Saturday 11 October, 10.50pm, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the battle between faith and wealth, it's a knockout win for greed in Showalter's wonderfully garish film adaptation about the fallen religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. Garfield plays the corrupt Bakker, who declares early on, asserting religious justification for riches. He and Tammy Faye set about monetising the American public's religious faith. It's a spectacle of bad interior design, overdone appearance and insincerity, though the lead actress succeeds to present Tammy Faye in a likable light. October 14th, 1.15am, the Film4 channel
This Espionage Thriller
This period's second offering from the filmmaker presents a spy mystery as sharp as the polo necks worn by Fassbender's UK spy. He receives a mission with uncovering a traitor inside the organization from a group of five – including is his own wife. Each performer are experts of understated style, leading to a delightful psychological game of deception or honesty unfolds. The supporting cast join in the intelligent intelligence fun. Friday 17 October, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
