Top Selection
The Substance Film
The filmmaker's daring commentary addresses the demanding standards for women's appearance as well as the dreaded aspects of ageing. Hollywood star Demi Moore presents a masterful performance as Elisabeth, an aging actress reduced to hosting an aerobics show on the small screen. Forced aside thanks to her deceitful superior Harvey, she turns to a secretive and terrifying process known as "The Substance". This generates a new version of herself called Sue, leading to a progressively toxic connection between the two. Friday 17 October, the streaming service Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This classic whodunit thriller stars Keira Knightley in the role of Laura, a skilled journalist who decides to take a hiatus from writing about world issues to board a high-end voyage alongside a terminally ill wealthy inheritor and philanthropist, her partner, and other filthy rich guests. Yet once a mysterious woman disappears from the ship during the evening and all passengers denies she ever existed, the reporter's sleuthing skills kick in. Out now, the Netflix platform
Presence
Soderbergh challenges his film-making abilities through this innovative supernatural story shot entirely from the perspective of the phantom. After a clan including mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their recent residence, the camera – representing the ghost – shadows their actions. The daughter appears aware of the supernatural presence, and it looks like protective of her. But why? This is an entertaining concept that avoids overstaying, including a revelation you might not see coming. This Saturday, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, the Sky channel
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
The iconic actor fully commits to his unique fame via this meta comedy caper. He plays a narcissistic Hollywood actor playing himself who takes on a $1m payday to visit a birthday party in Mallorca for the wealthy superfan Javi. Contacted by the intelligence agency to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, the actor's unique performing skills is put to the test. October 11th, prime time, on Channel 4
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's locked-room horror stands strong even without a follow-up. Set in the late 70s in Denver, a series of disappearances has made the children on edge. After Finney is taken by the kidnapper and locked up in a cellar, he fears a fatal end. However, the disconnected phone on the wall keeps ringing, with ghostly voices providing assistance, as the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. A genuinely scary movie. Saturday 11 October, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the struggle between spirituality and money, the winner is obvious for greed in this director's delightfully tacky biopic about the fallen televangelist and her criminal husband. Andrew Garfield portrays the corrupt Bakker, who states early on, asserting religious justification for riches. Both individuals set about profiting from the nation's religious faith. It's a spectacle of tacky decor, bad makeup and insincerity, yet Jessica Chastain achieves to present Tammy Faye with compassion. Next Tuesday, early morning, Film4
Black Bag
The current week's additional entry by the same director is a espionage tale as precise as the polo necks sported by the actor's British agent. He is tasked to identify a double agent within their ranks out of five possibilities – one of whom is his spouse. The two stars are experts of understated style, leading to a delightful mental battle of truth or lie develops. The supporting cast take part the smart espionage amusement. Friday 17 October, multiple time slots, the Sky channel
