Top Selection
The Substance
The filmmaker's unflinching critique tackles the oppressive nature of women's appearance along with the perceived horrors of advancing years. The veteran actress presents a brilliant portrayal as Elisabeth, a mature actress demoted to presenting a fitness program on the small screen. Edged out due to her unscrupulous employer her manager Harvey, she seeks out a secretive and terrifying process known as the Substance. This generates a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, leading to a steadily more vampiric relationship among both women. October 17th, Paramount Plus
This Mystery Thriller
This classic whodunit story stars Knightley as Laura, a top-notch writer who takes some time off from covering international wars to board an opulent ship with a gravely sick wealthy inheritor and philanthropist, her partner, as well as other filthy rich individuals. But after an enigmatic female falls into the sea during the evening and the entire crew insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills take over. Out now, on Netflix
Presence Film
Soderbergh pushes his film-making abilities in this innovative paranormal narrative shot entirely from the perspective of a ghost. After a clan including mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe moves into their new suburban house, the camera – representing the ghost – follows them around. The daughter appears aware of the poltergeist, and the entity appears guarding her. However, the motive remains? It's a fun idea that avoids overstaying, featuring a surprise you might not see coming. Saturday 11 October, multiple showings, Sky Cinema
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Nicolas Cage wholeheartedly adopts his unique fame via this self-referential adventure. He plays an egotistical film star called Nicolas Cage who agrees to a $1m payday to attend a festive event on the Spanish island for billionaire Javi Gutierrez. Hired by the CIA to gather intel on the alleged criminal, his “nouveau shamanic acting ability” proves useful. This Saturday, prime time, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's locked-room horror stands strong despite the lack of a follow-up. Set in 1970s Colorado, a series of kidnappings has made the local kids on edge. When Finney gets captured by the villain and locked up in a cellar, he anticipates the worst. Yet the non-functional line mounted nearby continues to ring, with ghostly voices offering help, and the prescient dreams of his sister Gwen could save him. A solid creepfest. Saturday 11 October, nighttime, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the struggle between faith and wealth, the winner is obvious for Mammon in Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top biopic about the fallen TV preacher plus her lawbreaking partner. Garfield acts as the venal Jim, who declares initially, asserting religious justification for riches. The couple set about monetising the American public's spiritual convictions. It's a riot of bad interior design, excessive cosmetics and hypocrisy, yet the lead actress succeeds to present the real-life figure with compassion. Tuesday 14 October, early morning, Film4
Black Bag
The current week's another release from Steven Soderbergh is a espionage tale as tight as the polo necks used by the actor's UK spy. He receives a mission to identify a traitor among the team out of five possibilities – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Both actors are experts of deadpan cool, so a delicious mind game of fact versus fiction takes place. The supporting cast participate the smart espionage amusement. October 17th, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
