Top Selection
The Substance Film
The filmmaker's bold satire addresses the tyranny of female beauty as well as the dreaded aspects of growing older. The veteran actress offers a masterful acting turn playing Elisabeth, an aging actress demoted to hosting a fitness program on TV. Forced aside thanks to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes a secretive and terrifying process known as "The Substance". This creates a youthful duplicate named Sue, resulting in an increasingly vampiric relationship between them. October 17th, Paramount Plus
This Mystery Thriller
This suspenseful mystery includes the talented actress playing Laura, an ace reporter who takes a hiatus from reporting on international wars to board a luxury cruise with a terminally ill wealthy inheritor and donor, her spouse, plus additional extremely wealthy passengers. But after an unknown lady goes overboard during the evening and all passengers insists she wasn't real, her journalistic curiosity awaken. Out now, on Netflix
This Supernatural Story
Soderbergh tests his film-making abilities with this nifty supernatural story captured wholly from the viewpoint of the phantom. As a family featuring mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe settles into their fresh home, the filming device – representing the ghost – tracks their movements. Chloe seems aware of the supernatural presence, and it looks like guarding her. However, the motive remains? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, afternoon and evening times, the Sky channel
This Self-Referential Film
Nicolas Cage embraces his cult stardom in this self-referential adventure. He portrays a self-obsessed Hollywood actor named Nicolas Cage who accepts a million-dollar gig to attend a birthday party in Mallorca for the wealthy superfan Javi. Recruited by government spies to investigate the suspected cartel boss, his “nouveau shamanic acting ability” comes in handy. This Saturday, 9pm, Channel 4
The Black Phone
The director's contained scarefest holds up well without requiring a continuation. Taking place in 1978 Denver, multiple disappearances has rendered the local kids frightened. After Finney gets captured by “the Grabber” and imprisoned in a dungeon, he anticipates a fatal end. However, the old telephone in the room continues to ring, with ghostly voices providing assistance, and the prescient dreams of his sister Gwen could save him. A genuinely scary movie. Saturday 11 October, 10.50pm, Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the battle between spirituality and money, the winner is obvious for Mammon in this director's delightfully tacky film adaptation regarding the shamed religious broadcaster and her felon spouse. Andrew Garfield portrays the corrupt Bakker, who states early on, asserting religious justification for riches. He and Tammy Faye commence profiting from the people's Christian beliefs. It's a riot of tacky decor, bad makeup and insincerity, yet the lead actress succeeds to show Tammy Faye as a sympathetic figure. October 14th, early morning, on Film4
Black Bag
This period's second offering from the filmmaker delivers a espionage tale as sharp as the polo necks sported by Fassbender's British agent. He is tasked to discover a traitor among the team from a group of five – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Each performer are masters of understated style, leading to a delightful mind game of truth or lie unfolds. Additional actors join in the clever spy entertainment. October 17th, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema
