Top Selection
The Substance
The filmmaker's unflinching commentary addresses the tyranny of feminine aesthetics as well as the dreaded aspects of advancing years. The veteran actress presents an inspired portrayal as Elisabeth, a mature celebrity demoted to hosting an aerobics show on TV. Forced aside by her unscrupulous employer her manager Harvey, she turns to a secretive and gruesome procedure called "The Substance". This generates a new version of herself called Sue, culminating in a steadily more vampiric relationship between the two. This Friday, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This Agatha Christie-esque mystery features Keira Knightley playing Laura, a top-notch writer who takes a hiatus from covering world issues to board a luxury cruise with a terminally ill Scandinavian billionaire and philanthropist, her spouse, plus additional affluent passengers. But after a mysterious woman disappears from the ship overnight and all passengers claims she was never there, her journalistic curiosity kick in. Streaming currently, on Netflix
This Supernatural Story
The acclaimed director challenges his directorial skills in this clever 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 filming device – as the unseen entity – tracks their movements. Chloe seems sensing the supernatural presence, and it seems defensive toward her. But why? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, multiple showings, the Sky channel
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
The iconic actor wholeheartedly adopts his cult stardom via this meta comedy caper. He acts as an egotistical film star playing himself who takes on a $1m payday to appear at a festive event in Mallorca for billionaire Javi Gutierrez. Hired by government spies to investigate the alleged criminal, the actor's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” proves useful. Saturday 11 October, evening, on Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller holds up well without requiring a sequel. Located in 1970s Colorado, several child abductions has made the children anxious. When Finney is kidnapped by the kidnapper and locked up in a basement, he anticipates a fatal end. Yet the disconnected phone on the wall keeps ringing, with ghostly voices providing assistance, as the prescient dreams of Gwen, his sister could save him. An effective horror. October 11th, nighttime, on Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the struggle between faith and wealth, it's a knockout win for materialism in this director's brilliantly over-the-top biopic about the fallen religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. Garfield portrays the greedy Jim, who declares at the beginning, asserting religious justification for riches. The couple begin monetising the American public's Christian beliefs. It's a riot of poor styling, excessive cosmetics and bad faith, however Chastain manages to present the real-life figure with compassion. Next Tuesday, early morning, the Film4 channel
The Spy Mystery
The current week's second offering from Steven Soderbergh presents a espionage tale as sharp similar to the collars worn by the actor's UK spy. He is tasked to identify a mole inside the organization out of five possibilities – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Both actors are experts of understated style, resulting in an engaging mind game of fact versus fiction unfolds. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela join in the smart espionage amusement. This Friday, multiple time slots, the Sky channel
