Top Selection
This Satirical Thriller
Director Coralie Fargeat's daring commentary tackles the demanding standards for female beauty and the feared consequences of growing older. The veteran actress delivers a masterful portrayal playing Elisabeth, a mature film star demoted to presenting a workout series on the small screen. Pushed out thanks to her slimy boss her manager Harvey, she undergoes a secretive and gruesome procedure called "The Substance". This creates a younger clone portrayed by Margaret Qualley, culminating in an increasingly vampiric relationship between them. Friday 17 October, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10
This classic whodunit thriller includes Keira Knightley playing Laura, a skilled journalist who opts for some time off from covering global conflict to join a luxury cruise accompanied by a gravely sick Norwegian shipping heiress and donor, her husband, and other affluent individuals. But after a mysterious woman disappears from the ship during the evening and the entire crew insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills kick in. Out now, on Netflix
This Supernatural Story
The acclaimed director tests his directorial skills with this nifty paranormal narrative shot entirely through the eyes of a ghost. As a family featuring mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe occupies their new suburban house, the lens – representing the ghost – follows them around. Chloe seems aware of the poltergeist, and it looks like defensive toward her. Yet what is the reason? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema
This Self-Referential Film
Nicolas Cage fully commits to his cult stardom through this autobiographical spoof. He acts as a narcissistic Hollywood actor named Nicolas Cage who accepts a $1m payday to attend a celebration on the Spanish island for billionaire Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Contacted by the CIA to investigate the potential kingpin, his “nouveau shamanic acting ability” comes in handy. Saturday 11 October, prime time, Channel 4
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's locked-room horror remains effective even without a sequel. Taking place in 1978 Denver, a series of child abductions has rendered the children on edge. Once Finney is taken by the villain and held captive in a cellar, he dreads a terrible outcome. But the old telephone in the room keeps ringing, with spooky callers offering help, while the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. An effective horror. Saturday 11 October, nighttime, the Film4 channel
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the battle between God and Mammon, the victory is clear for Mammon in this director's brilliantly over-the-top film adaptation regarding the shamed TV preacher plus her lawbreaking partner. Andrew Garfield portrays the greedy Jim, who proclaims at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. Both individuals commence capitalizing on the people's Christian beliefs. It's an extravaganza of bad interior design, excessive cosmetics and hypocrisy, however Chastain manages to present the character in a likable light. October 14th, late night, the Film4 channel
This Espionage Thriller
This week's second offering from Steven Soderbergh presents a espionage tale as tight like the turtlenecks sported by the actor's UK spy. His assignment is to discover a double agent among the team from five suspects – among them is his spouse. Both actors are masters of calm composure, resulting in an engaging psychological game of deception or honesty takes place. Additional actors join in the clever spy entertainment. Friday 17 October, various showings, Sky Cinema
