Top Selection
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's daring commentary addresses the demanding standards for feminine aesthetics as well as the dreaded aspects of ageing. The veteran actress delivers an inspired acting turn as Elisabeth, a 50-year-old film star reduced to hosting an aerobics show on TV. Edged out by her unscrupulous employer her manager Harvey, she seeks out a secretive and horrifying process known as "The Substance". This generates a youthful duplicate portrayed by Margaret Qualley, leading to an increasingly toxic connection between the two. Friday 17 October, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10
This suspenseful mystery includes Keira Knightley playing Laura, a skilled journalist who decides to take a hiatus from writing about international wars to board an opulent ship accompanied by an ailing Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her husband, as well as other affluent passengers. But after an enigmatic female goes overboard overnight and all passengers insists she wasn't real, Laura's investigative instincts awaken. Available now, on Netflix
This Supernatural Story
The acclaimed director tests his film-making abilities with this nifty ghostly tale shot entirely through the eyes of a ghost. As a family including mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their new suburban house, the lens – AKA the Presence – tracks their movements. The daughter appears conscious of the ghostly being, and it looks like defensive toward her. But why? This is an entertaining concept that remains concise, with a twist you might not see coming. Saturday 11 October, multiple showings, Sky Cinema
This Self-Referential Film
Cage wholeheartedly adopts his unique fame via this autobiographical spoof. He portrays a narcissistic Hollywood actor named Nicolas Cage who agrees to a lucrative offer to attend a festive event in Mallorca for billionaire superfan Javi. Recruited by the CIA to gather intel on the alleged criminal, the actor's unique performing skills is put to the test. October 11th, 9pm, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller stands strong despite the lack of a sequel. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, a series of child abductions has left the children frightened. Once Finney is kidnapped by “the Grabber” and locked up in a basement, he fears a fatal end. Yet the non-functional line in the room keeps ringing, with ghostly voices giving advice, as the prophetic visions of Gwen, his sister might rescue him. A solid creepfest. Saturday 11 October, nighttime, on Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the battle between spirituality and money, it's a knockout win for Mammon in Michael Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top biopic regarding the shamed televangelist and her criminal husband. The actor acts as the corrupt Bakker, who declares at the beginning, asserting religious justification for riches. He and Tammy Faye set about capitalizing on the nation's Christian beliefs. It's an extravaganza of poor styling, bad makeup and insincerity, though the lead actress manages to show the character with compassion. Tuesday 14 October, late night, the Film4 channel
This Espionage Thriller
The current week's another release by the same director is a spy mystery as sharp as the polo necks sported by the actor's British agent. His assignment is to identify a mole among the team from five suspects – including is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Each performer are masters of deadpan cool, leading to a delightful mind game of truth or lie takes place. Additional actors participate the smart espionage amusement. October 17th, various showings, the Sky channel
