Top Selection
The Substance
The filmmaker's unflinching critique examines the demanding standards for feminine aesthetics and the feared consequences of growing older. Demi Moore offers an inspired performance as Elisabeth, an aging film star reduced to hosting a fitness program on the small screen. Edged out thanks to her deceitful superior her manager Harvey, she seeks out a secretive and terrifying procedure titled "The Substance". This generates a new version of herself called Sue, leading to a progressively vampiric relationship between the two. Friday 17 October, Paramount Plus
This Mystery Thriller
This suspenseful thriller includes the talented actress playing Laura, an ace reporter who opts for a hiatus from reporting on international wars to embark on a high-end voyage accompanied by a gravely sick wealthy inheritor and philanthropist, her husband, plus additional affluent guests. However when an unknown lady falls into the sea during the evening and everyone insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills awaken. Available now, on Netflix
Presence
Steven Soderbergh pushes his creative boundaries with this nifty supernatural story shot entirely from the viewpoint of a ghost. As a family featuring mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe occupies their recent residence, the lens – as the unseen entity – tracks their movements. Chloe seems sensing the supernatural presence, and it seems defensive toward her. However, the motive remains? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, featuring a surprise that may be unexpected. October 11th, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Cage embraces his cult stardom in this self-referential adventure. He acts as an egotistical Hollywood actor called Nicolas Cage who accepts a lucrative offer to visit a celebration at a Mediterranean location for the wealthy Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Hired by government spies to spy on the suspected cartel boss, Cage's unconventional method proves useful. This Saturday, 9pm, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone
Derrickson's locked-room horror holds up well without requiring a continuation. Taking place in 1970s Colorado, multiple disappearances has left the children anxious. After Finney is taken by the villain and held captive in a cellar, he anticipates the worst. Yet the old telephone mounted nearby continues to ring, with spooky callers providing assistance, as the prescient dreams of his sister Gwen might rescue him. An effective horror. Saturday 11 October, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the conflict between spirituality and money, the victory is clear for greed in Michael Showalter's wonderfully garish biopic about the fallen televangelist and her felon spouse. Garfield plays the venal Jim, who proclaims initially, asserting religious justification for riches. The couple set about monetising the nation's Christian beliefs. It's a spectacle of tacky decor, overdone appearance and insincerity, though Chastain achieves to depict the character as a sympathetic figure. Next Tuesday, late night, the Film4 channel
The Spy Mystery
This week's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh presents a intelligence thriller as sharp like the turtlenecks used by Fassbender's UK spy. His assignment is to discover a mole inside the organization from a group of five – among them is his own wife. Both actors are experts of deadpan cool, so a delicious mental battle of fact versus fiction unfolds. The supporting cast take part the intelligent intelligence fun. October 17th, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema
