Top Selection
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching critique examines the demanding standards for women's appearance as well as the perceived horrors of ageing. The veteran actress presents an inspired portrayal in the role of Elisabeth, a mature actress demoted to hosting a fitness program on the small screen. Edged out by her unscrupulous employer Harvey, she undergoes a secretive and horrifying procedure called "The Substance". This creates a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, culminating in an increasingly parasitic dynamic between them. This Friday, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This classic whodunit mystery stars Knightley in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who takes a break from reporting on world issues to embark on a high-end voyage alongside a terminally ill Scandinavian billionaire and donor, her spouse, plus additional filthy rich guests. But after an enigmatic female goes overboard overnight and everyone denies she ever existed, her journalistic curiosity take over. Out now, Netflix
Presence Film
The acclaimed director pushes his film-making abilities in this clever paranormal narrative filmed completely through the eyes of the phantom. As a family with Lucy Liu as Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe occupies their recent residence, the camera – AKA the Presence – tracks their movements. The daughter appears aware of the poltergeist, and it looks like protective of her. However, the motive remains? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist that could catch you off guard. October 11th, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Nicolas Cage embraces his eccentric image through this autobiographical spoof. He portrays an egotistical Hollywood actor playing himself who accepts a million-dollar gig to visit a festive event at a Mediterranean location for billionaire superfan Javi. Contacted by the intelligence agency to investigate the alleged criminal, his unconventional method comes in handy. Saturday 11 October, prime time, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
The director's claustrophobic thriller holds up well even without a continuation. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, a series of disappearances has made the children on edge. After Finney is kidnapped by “the Grabber” and imprisoned in a basement, he dreads the worst. Yet the old telephone mounted nearby continues to ring, with eerie communicators providing assistance, as the intuitive nightmares from his sibling Gwen might rescue him. A genuinely scary movie. October 11th, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between faith and wealth, the winner is obvious for materialism in this director's delightfully tacky true story of the disgraced televangelist and her criminal husband. Garfield portrays the greedy Jim, who declares at the beginning, “God does not want us to be poor,”. Both individuals begin profiting from the nation's Christian beliefs. It's an extravaganza of poor styling, excessive cosmetics and bad faith, though the lead actress manages to show the real-life figure in a likable light. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, the Film4 channel
This Espionage Thriller
This week's additional entry by the same director presents a intelligence thriller as sharp as the polo necks used by Fassbender's intelligence officer. He is tasked to discover a double agent inside the organization out of five possibilities – including is his spouse. Each performer are experts of calm composure, so a delicious mind game of fact versus fiction takes place. The supporting cast join in the clever spy entertainment. October 17th, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema Premiere
