Top Selection
The Substance
The filmmaker's daring critique tackles the tyranny of feminine aesthetics along with the dreaded aspects of advancing years. The veteran actress presents an inspired performance playing Elisabeth, an aging film star forced into presenting a workout series on TV. Pushed out thanks to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes an enigmatic and terrifying procedure known as this experimental method. This creates a youthful duplicate portrayed by Margaret Qualley, resulting in a progressively parasitic dynamic between them. October 17th, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10
This classic whodunit thriller includes Keira Knightley in the role of Laura, an ace reporter who decides to take a break from writing about world issues to join a luxury cruise with an ailing Norwegian shipping heiress and donor, her husband, plus additional affluent individuals. Yet once a mysterious woman disappears from the ship overnight and the entire crew insists she wasn't real, Laura's investigative instincts awaken. Streaming currently, the Netflix platform
Presence
Soderbergh challenges his creative boundaries with this innovative supernatural story captured wholly from the perspective of the phantom. When a household featuring mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe moves into their recent residence, the lens – AKA the Presence – shadows their actions. The daughter appears conscious of the supernatural presence, and it looks like guarding her. Yet what is the reason? This is an entertaining concept that remains concise, featuring a surprise that could catch you off guard. This Saturday, multiple showings, Sky Cinema
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Cage embraces his cult stardom via this self-referential adventure. He portrays a narcissistic Hollywood actor called Nicolas Cage who agrees to a lucrative offer to appear at a celebration on the Spanish island for the rich Javi Gutierrez. Contacted by government spies to gather intel on the alleged criminal, the actor's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” proves useful. October 11th, prime time, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
The director's locked-room horror holds up well despite the lack of a sequel. Located in 1978 Denver, multiple disappearances has made the local kids anxious. When Finney gets captured by the kidnapper and imprisoned in a basement, he dreads a terrible outcome. Yet the old telephone mounted nearby continues to ring, with eerie communicators providing assistance, and the prescient dreams of his sister Gwen might rescue him. A genuinely scary movie. October 11th, late evening, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between God and Mammon, it's a knockout win for Mammon in Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top true story about the fallen televangelist plus her lawbreaking partner. Garfield plays the venal Jim, who states early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye begin capitalizing on the people's Christian beliefs. It's a riot of bad interior design, excessive cosmetics and hypocrisy, however Jessica Chastain manages to show the character in a likable light. Next Tuesday, early morning, on Film4
The Spy Mystery
This week's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh presents a intelligence thriller as tight as the polo necks sported by Michael Fassbender's British agent. His assignment is with uncovering a mole among the team from a group of five – including is his own wife. Both actors are masters of deadpan cool, resulting in an engaging mind game of deception or honesty develops. The supporting cast join in the clever spy entertainment. October 17th, various showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
