Top Selection
This Satirical Thriller
The filmmaker's daring critique addresses the oppressive nature of women's appearance as well as the feared consequences of ageing. Demi Moore offers an inspired portrayal in the role of Elisabeth, an aging celebrity demoted to presenting an aerobics show on TV. Edged out by her deceitful superior Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she turns to a mysterious and gruesome treatment called "The Substance". This creates a youthful duplicate called Sue, leading to an increasingly toxic connection among both women. Friday 17 October, the streaming service Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This suspenseful thriller features the talented actress in the role of Laura, a skilled journalist who takes some time off from writing about global conflict to join a luxury cruise alongside a terminally ill Scandinavian billionaire and philanthropist, her spouse, plus additional extremely wealthy guests. But after an unknown lady disappears from the ship overnight and everyone insists she wasn't real, Laura's investigative instincts awaken. Available now, Netflix
Presence
Steven Soderbergh pushes his creative boundaries with this nifty supernatural story captured wholly through the eyes of the spirit. When a household with Lucy Liu as Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe occupies their new suburban house, the camera – as the unseen entity – tracks their movements. Chloe seems conscious of the poltergeist, and it seems guarding her. However, the motive remains? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, the Sky channel
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor wholeheartedly adopts his eccentric image in this autobiographical spoof. He acts as a self-obsessed Hollywood actor named Nicolas Cage who takes on a $1m payday to appear at a festive event at a Mediterranean location for billionaire superfan Javi. Recruited by the intelligence agency to investigate the alleged criminal, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” proves useful. October 11th, 9pm, Channel 4
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest remains effective even without a follow-up. Set in the late 70s in Denver, several child abductions has rendered the children anxious. After Finney is kidnapped by “the Grabber” and locked up in a basement, he dreads a terrible outcome. But the disconnected phone in the room repeatedly calls, with eerie communicators giving advice, as the intuitive nightmares of his sister Gwen might rescue him. A genuinely scary movie. This Saturday, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the battle between faith and wealth, the winner is obvious for greed in Michael Showalter's wonderfully garish film adaptation about the fallen TV preacher and her felon spouse. Garfield plays the greedy Jim, who states early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye set about profiting from the nation's spiritual convictions. It's an extravaganza of bad interior design, overdone appearance and insincerity, though Chastain manages to present the real-life figure in a likable light. Tuesday 14 October, early morning, Film4
This Espionage Thriller
This period's second offering from the filmmaker delivers a espionage tale as precise like the turtlenecks worn by Michael Fassbender's UK spy. His assignment is to identify a double agent among the team out of five possibilities – among them is his spouse. Both actors are experts of deadpan cool, resulting in an engaging mind game of fact versus fiction takes place. Additional actors participate the smart espionage amusement. Friday 17 October, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema
