Top Selection
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's bold critique tackles the oppressive nature of women's appearance along with the feared consequences of advancing years. Demi Moore delivers an inspired portrayal in the role of Elisabeth, a mature celebrity forced into starring in an aerobics show on television. Edged out thanks to her slimy boss Harvey, she seeks out a mysterious and horrifying process titled "The Substance". This generates a younger clone called Sue, resulting in a steadily more vampiric relationship among both women. This Friday, the streaming service Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque story stars the talented actress playing Laura, a skilled journalist who decides to take some time off from reporting on international wars to board a high-end voyage accompanied by a gravely sick Norwegian shipping heiress and charitable figure, her husband, as well as other affluent individuals. Yet once an enigmatic female goes overboard overnight and all passengers insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills take over. Available now, on Netflix
Presence
The acclaimed director pushes his directorial skills through this clever supernatural story shot entirely through the eyes of a ghost. After a clan including mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe moves into their recent residence, the lens – representing the ghost – shadows their actions. Chloe seems conscious of the ghostly being, and it seems protective of her. But why? The premise is enjoyable that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation you might not see coming. Saturday 11 October, multiple showings, the Sky channel
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Nicolas Cage wholeheartedly adopts his cult stardom in this autobiographical spoof. He plays an egotistical film star called Nicolas Cage who takes on a million-dollar gig to visit a celebration at a Mediterranean location for billionaire Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Contacted by the intelligence agency to gather intel on the potential kingpin, the actor's unique performing skills proves useful. This Saturday, prime time, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone
The director's contained scarefest remains effective even without a follow-up. Set in 1978 Denver, a series of kidnappings has made the youth anxious. When Finney is taken by the villain and imprisoned in a basement, he fears a terrible outcome. However, the non-functional line in the room keeps ringing, with spooky callers offering help, as the prophetic visions of Gwen, his sister may be his salvation. An effective horror. This Saturday, 10.50pm, on Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the battle between spirituality and money, it's a knockout win for Mammon in this director's brilliantly over-the-top true story of the disgraced TV preacher plus her lawbreaking partner. The actor plays the corrupt Bakker, who proclaims at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye set about monetising the people's spiritual convictions. It's a spectacle of tacky decor, overdone appearance and bad faith, though Chastain succeeds to present the character with compassion. Tuesday 14 October, early morning, the Film4 channel
The Spy Mystery
This week's another release from the filmmaker delivers a spy mystery as precise as the polo necks used by Fassbender's UK spy. He receives a mission to discover a traitor inside the organization out of five possibilities – including is his own wife. Both actors are masters of calm composure, so a delicious mental battle of fact versus fiction unfolds. Additional actors join in the smart espionage amusement. Friday 17 October, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, the Sky channel
