Top Selection
The Substance Film
The filmmaker's daring commentary addresses the demanding standards for women's appearance and the perceived horrors of advancing years. Demi Moore presents an inspired portrayal in the role of Elisabeth, an aging film star demoted to hosting an aerobics show on television. Forced aside thanks to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, she turns to a secretive and gruesome treatment known as the Substance. This produces a younger clone called Sue, resulting in an increasingly parasitic dynamic between them. October 17th, Paramount Plus
This Mystery Thriller
This classic whodunit story features the talented actress playing Laura, a top-notch writer who decides to take some time off from writing about world issues to embark on a luxury cruise with a gravely sick Scandinavian billionaire and donor, her husband, plus additional filthy rich passengers. Yet once an unknown lady goes overboard one night and all passengers denies she ever existed, the reporter's sleuthing skills awaken. Out now, the Netflix platform
This Supernatural Story
Soderbergh tests his directorial skills in this innovative ghostly tale shot entirely through the eyes of a ghost. As a family featuring mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe occupies their recent residence, the filming device – as the unseen entity – follows them around. The teen shows signs of sensing the ghostly being, and it looks like protective of her. However, the motive remains? This is an entertaining concept that avoids overstaying, including a revelation that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, afternoon and evening times, the Sky channel
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
The iconic actor wholeheartedly adopts his cult stardom via this autobiographical spoof. He acts as a self-obsessed celebrity playing himself who agrees to a $1m payday to attend a birthday party on the Spanish island for the rich Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Recruited by the intelligence agency to gather intel on the potential kingpin, the actor's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” comes in handy. This Saturday, evening, on Channel 4
The Black Phone
Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller stands strong without requiring a sequel. Set in 1970s Colorado, several disappearances has left the children anxious. When Finney gets captured by the kidnapper and imprisoned in a dungeon, he fears the worst. Yet the non-functional line mounted nearby repeatedly calls, with ghostly voices offering help, while the prescient dreams of his sister Gwen could save him. An effective horror. Saturday 11 October, late evening, the Film4 channel
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the battle between faith and wealth, the winner is obvious for materialism in Showalter's wonderfully garish true story of the disgraced televangelist plus her lawbreaking partner. Garfield acts as the venal Jim, who declares early on, “God does not want us to be poor,”. Both individuals begin monetising the nation's spiritual convictions. It's an extravaganza of bad interior design, bad makeup and hypocrisy, yet the lead actress succeeds to present the real-life figure in a likable light. Next Tuesday, late night, the Film4 channel
The Spy Mystery
The current week's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh presents a spy mystery as tight similar to the collars sported by Michael Fassbender's British agent. He is tasked to discover a mole within their ranks from five suspects – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars are experts of understated style, resulting in an engaging mind game of deception or honesty takes place. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela join in the intelligent intelligence fun. Friday 17 October, multiple time slots, the Sky channel
