Top Selection
The Substance
The filmmaker's unflinching commentary examines the demanding standards for feminine aesthetics and the dreaded aspects of growing older. Demi Moore offers a masterful portrayal as Elisabeth, an aging actress demoted to presenting a fitness program on television. Forced aside thanks to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, she undergoes a mysterious and terrifying treatment called the Substance. This creates a younger clone portrayed by Margaret Qualley, resulting in a steadily more parasitic dynamic between them. October 17th, Paramount Plus
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque thriller features the talented actress as Laura, a skilled journalist who decides to take some time off from writing about global conflict to embark on a high-end voyage accompanied by an ailing Scandinavian billionaire and charitable figure, her husband, as well as other affluent individuals. But after an unknown lady disappears from the ship during the evening and the entire crew claims she was never there, Laura's investigative instincts kick in. Streaming currently, the Netflix platform
Presence Film
Soderbergh pushes his creative boundaries with this clever supernatural story filmed completely from the perspective of a ghost. As a family featuring mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their fresh home, the camera – representing the ghost – shadows their actions. Chloe seems aware of the supernatural presence, and it looks like protective of her. Yet what is the reason? The premise is enjoyable that avoids overstaying, including a revelation that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema Premiere
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor wholeheartedly adopts his unique fame through this autobiographical spoof. He plays a self-obsessed film star playing himself who takes on a $1m payday to attend a celebration at a Mediterranean location for the rich Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Contacted by the CIA to investigate the potential kingpin, his unique performing skills is put to the test. This Saturday, 9pm, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Derrickson's locked-room horror remains effective without requiring a sequel. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, several child abductions has made the local kids on edge. Once Finney is kidnapped by the villain and imprisoned in a cellar, he dreads the worst. However, the disconnected phone in the room keeps ringing, with eerie communicators providing assistance, and the intuitive nightmares of his sister Gwen could save him. An effective horror. Saturday 11 October, late evening, on Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between faith and wealth, it's a knockout win for materialism in this director's brilliantly over-the-top true story about the fallen religious broadcaster and her criminal husband. The actor portrays the greedy Jim, who states early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. The couple set about profiting from the American public's Christian beliefs. It's a spectacle of bad interior design, excessive cosmetics and insincerity, yet Jessica Chastain achieves to depict the character in a likable light. Next Tuesday, early morning, Film4
Black Bag
The current week's additional entry from the filmmaker presents a spy mystery as tight as the polo necks sported by Michael Fassbender's UK spy. He is tasked to identify a mole among the team from a group of five – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars are experts of deadpan cool, so a delicious mental battle of truth or lie unfolds. Additional actors participate the clever spy entertainment. October 17th, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema
