Top Selection
The Substance
The filmmaker's bold commentary addresses the demanding standards for women's appearance along with the dreaded aspects of ageing. Hollywood star Demi Moore offers a brilliant acting turn in the role of Elisabeth, a mature film star forced into starring in a workout series on TV. Edged out thanks to her slimy boss Harvey, she turns to an enigmatic and horrifying treatment known as the Substance. This produces a new version of herself named Sue, leading to an increasingly toxic connection between the two. October 17th, Paramount Plus
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque mystery features the talented actress playing Laura, a top-notch writer who decides to take some time off from writing about international wars to board a high-end voyage alongside a terminally ill wealthy inheritor and donor, her husband, plus additional filthy rich individuals. Yet once a mysterious woman falls into the sea during the evening and everyone denies she ever existed, Laura's investigative instincts take over. Available now, on Netflix
Presence
Soderbergh tests his directorial skills through this innovative paranormal narrative captured wholly through the eyes of a ghost. After a clan including mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe settles into their recent residence, the lens – AKA the Presence – follows them around. The teen shows signs of conscious of the supernatural presence, and the entity appears protective of her. However, the motive remains? The premise is enjoyable that avoids overstaying, with a twist that may be unexpected. October 11th, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor wholeheartedly adopts his eccentric image in this meta comedy caper. He portrays a self-obsessed celebrity playing himself who agrees to a $1m payday to appear at a celebration at a Mediterranean location for the rich Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Recruited by the CIA to spy on the potential kingpin, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” is put to the test. Saturday 11 October, evening, the Channel 4 network
This Creepy Thriller
Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest remains effective despite the lack of a sequel. Taking place in 1970s Colorado, multiple kidnappings has rendered the children frightened. Once Finney gets captured by the villain and held captive in a basement, he fears a fatal end. Yet the disconnected phone in the room continues to ring, with eerie communicators providing assistance, while the prophetic visions from his sibling Gwen might rescue him. A solid creepfest. October 11th, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the battle between God and Mammon, the victory is clear for materialism in this director's brilliantly over-the-top true story regarding the shamed televangelist and her felon spouse. Andrew Garfield portrays the venal Jim, who states early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. Both individuals begin monetising the American public's Christian beliefs. It's a riot of poor styling, bad makeup and hypocrisy, though the lead actress manages to depict the real-life figure as a sympathetic figure. October 14th, 1.15am, on Film4
Black Bag
This period's additional entry from the filmmaker presents a espionage tale as precise like the turtlenecks used by the actor's intelligence officer. His assignment is to discover a traitor within their ranks from a group of five – one of whom is his spouse. The two stars are experts of calm composure, leading to a delightful psychological game of deception or honesty unfolds. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela take part the clever spy entertainment. This Friday, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema
