Top Selection
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's bold satire addresses the oppressive nature of women's appearance as well as the perceived horrors of advancing years. The veteran actress offers an inspired performance playing Elisabeth, a mature celebrity forced into presenting a workout series on the small screen. Pushed out by her deceitful superior her manager Harvey, she turns to a mysterious and gruesome treatment called the Substance. This generates a younger clone named Sue, culminating in a progressively vampiric relationship between the two. Friday 17 October, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10
This Agatha Christie-esque thriller features Knightley as Laura, a skilled journalist who takes a hiatus from writing about global conflict to join an opulent ship accompanied by a terminally ill wealthy inheritor and charitable figure, her partner, as well as other extremely wealthy guests. But after a mysterious woman falls into the sea overnight and everyone claims she was never there, Laura's investigative instincts kick in. Available now, Netflix
This Supernatural Story
Soderbergh pushes his directorial skills in this clever supernatural story shot entirely from the viewpoint of the spirit. After a clan with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe settles into their recent residence, the filming device – as the unseen entity – follows them around. Chloe seems sensing the supernatural presence, and the entity appears guarding her. However, the motive remains? The premise is enjoyable that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist you might not see coming. October 11th, multiple showings, Sky Cinema
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor wholeheartedly adopts his unique fame through 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 superfan Javi. Hired by government spies to investigate the suspected cartel boss, Cage's unique performing skills is put to the test. Saturday 11 October, prime time, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller stands strong even without a follow-up. Set in 1970s Colorado, several kidnappings has made the youth on edge. When Finney is taken by the villain and held captive in a cellar, he dreads a terrible outcome. Yet the non-functional line mounted nearby repeatedly calls, with ghostly voices offering help, as the prophetic visions of Gwen, his sister might rescue him. A genuinely scary movie. Saturday 11 October, nighttime, the Film4 channel
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the conflict between spirituality and money, the victory is clear for materialism in Michael Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top true story of the disgraced religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. The actor plays the venal Jim, who declares initially, claiming divine approval for wealth. Both individuals set about capitalizing on the people's spiritual convictions. It's an extravaganza of bad interior design, excessive cosmetics and bad faith, yet Jessica Chastain succeeds to show the character with compassion. October 14th, early morning, the Film4 channel
Black Bag
This week's another release by the same director delivers a spy mystery as sharp as the polo necks sported by the actor's intelligence officer. His assignment is with uncovering a double agent inside the organization out of five possibilities – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Both actors are experts of calm composure, so a delicious mind game of truth or lie takes place. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela join in the intelligent intelligence fun. October 17th, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema
