Top Selection
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's bold critique examines the tyranny of female beauty along with the dreaded aspects of ageing. The veteran actress delivers a brilliant portrayal as Elisabeth, an aging actress forced into presenting an aerobics show on television. Pushed out due to her slimy boss her manager Harvey, she seeks out a mysterious and gruesome process called the Substance. This produces a younger clone portrayed by Margaret Qualley, leading to an increasingly toxic connection between them. This Friday, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This Agatha Christie-esque thriller stars Knightley in the role of Laura, an ace reporter who takes a hiatus from reporting on global conflict to join an opulent ship with a gravely sick Norwegian shipping heiress and donor, her partner, as well as other filthy rich guests. But after an unknown lady goes overboard during the evening and the entire crew insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills take over. Streaming currently, Netflix
This Supernatural Story
The acclaimed director tests his creative boundaries in this nifty paranormal narrative filmed completely from the perspective of the phantom. After a clan with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe settles into their new suburban house, the filming device – AKA the Presence – tracks their movements. Chloe seems sensing the supernatural presence, and the entity appears defensive toward her. Yet what is the reason? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation that could catch you off guard. October 11th, multiple showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor wholeheartedly adopts his cult stardom through this meta comedy caper. He acts as a narcissistic celebrity called Nicolas Cage who accepts a lucrative offer to appear at a celebration at a Mediterranean location for billionaire superfan Javi. Contacted by the intelligence agency to gather intel on the alleged criminal, his unconventional method comes in handy. Saturday 11 October, evening, the Channel 4 network
This Creepy Thriller
The director's claustrophobic thriller holds up well even without a continuation. Located in 1970s Colorado, a series of kidnappings has left the local kids on edge. Once Finney is kidnapped by “the Grabber” and held captive in a cellar, he anticipates the worst. But the disconnected phone in the room continues to ring, with ghostly voices offering help, while the intuitive nightmares of Gwen, his sister may be his salvation. An effective horror. October 11th, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the battle between faith and wealth, the winner is obvious for materialism in this director's delightfully tacky film adaptation of the disgraced televangelist and her criminal husband. Andrew Garfield portrays the venal Jim, who declares early on, “God does not want us to be poor,”. He and Tammy Faye begin capitalizing on the American public's Christian beliefs. It's an extravaganza of bad interior design, overdone appearance and bad faith, though the lead actress achieves to show the character with compassion. October 14th, early morning, Film4
The Spy Mystery
This week's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh is a spy mystery as precise as the polo necks used by the actor's intelligence officer. He receives a mission to discover a traitor within their ranks from five suspects – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Each performer excel of deadpan cool, resulting in an engaging mental battle of fact versus fiction develops. The supporting cast join in the intelligent intelligence fun. This Friday, various showings, Sky Cinema
