Top Selection
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's bold critique tackles the tyranny of feminine aesthetics and the dreaded aspects of advancing years. The veteran actress offers a brilliant acting turn playing Elisabeth, a 50-year-old film star forced into starring in an aerobics show on the small screen. Pushed out thanks to her deceitful superior her manager Harvey, she seeks out a mysterious and gruesome process titled "The Substance". This produces a youthful duplicate portrayed by Margaret Qualley, culminating in a steadily more parasitic dynamic between the two. This Friday, the streaming service Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque story stars Knightley playing Laura, a skilled journalist who takes a hiatus from writing about world issues to join a high-end voyage with a terminally ill Norwegian shipping heiress and donor, her spouse, and other extremely wealthy passengers. However when a mysterious woman disappears from the ship during the evening and all passengers claims she was never there, her journalistic curiosity awaken. Streaming currently, Netflix
Presence
The acclaimed director challenges his film-making abilities through this clever paranormal narrative shot entirely through the eyes of the spirit. When a household featuring mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their new suburban house, the camera – representing the ghost – tracks their movements. Chloe seems sensing the poltergeist, and it seems defensive toward her. Yet what is the reason? It's a fun idea that remains concise, with a twist you might not see coming. October 11th, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, the Sky channel
This Self-Referential Film
Cage fully commits to his unique fame in this self-referential adventure. He plays a narcissistic Hollywood actor named Nicolas Cage who takes on a lucrative offer to appear at a festive event on the Spanish island for the wealthy Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Hired by the intelligence agency to spy on the suspected cartel boss, the actor's unique performing skills proves useful. This Saturday, 9pm, on Channel 4
The Black Phone
Derrickson's contained scarefest holds up well without requiring a continuation. Taking place in 1970s Colorado, a series of kidnappings has rendered the local kids anxious. When Finney is taken by “the Grabber” and imprisoned in a dungeon, he fears the worst. Yet the disconnected phone on the wall repeatedly calls, with ghostly voices giving advice, while the intuitive nightmares of Gwen, his sister may be his salvation. A genuinely scary movie. This Saturday, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the battle between God and Mammon, it's a knockout win for materialism in Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top biopic about the fallen religious broadcaster and her criminal husband. The actor portrays the corrupt Bakker, who states early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. Both individuals set about capitalizing on the nation's religious faith. It's a riot of tacky decor, excessive cosmetics and insincerity, yet Jessica Chastain manages to show the real-life figure with compassion. Next Tuesday, late night, on Film4
The Spy Mystery
This week's another release by the same director is a spy mystery as precise similar to the collars used by the actor's UK spy. He is tasked to identify a traitor within their ranks from five suspects – including is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Each performer are masters of calm composure, resulting in an engaging mind game of fact versus fiction develops. Additional actors join in the clever spy entertainment. This Friday, various showings, the Sky channel
