Top Selection
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching satire addresses the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics as well as the dreaded aspects of ageing. The veteran actress offers an inspired performance playing Elisabeth, an aging actress reduced to presenting a fitness program on TV. Forced aside thanks to her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she turns to an enigmatic and horrifying treatment called the Substance. This generates a younger clone portrayed by Margaret Qualley, leading to an increasingly parasitic dynamic between the two. This Friday, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This suspenseful story includes the talented actress playing Laura, a top-notch writer who decides to take a hiatus from covering international wars to board an opulent ship with a terminally ill wealthy inheritor and donor, her spouse, and other affluent passengers. But after an enigmatic female disappears from the ship during the evening and everyone denies she ever existed, the reporter's sleuthing skills kick in. Out now, on Netflix
Presence Film
The acclaimed director tests his directorial skills through this clever paranormal narrative shot entirely from the viewpoint of the phantom. As a family including mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe occupies their new suburban house, the lens – as the unseen entity – tracks their movements. The daughter appears aware of the ghostly being, and it seems defensive toward her. However, the motive remains? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist that may be unexpected. This Saturday, multiple showings, Sky Cinema
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Nicolas Cage wholeheartedly adopts his eccentric image in this self-referential adventure. He acts as a self-obsessed film star named Nicolas Cage who accepts a million-dollar gig to appear at a celebration in Mallorca for the wealthy Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Recruited by government spies to investigate the alleged criminal, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” proves useful. Saturday 11 October, evening, Channel 4
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller holds up well even without a continuation. Located in 1970s Colorado, multiple disappearances has made the children anxious. When Finney gets captured by “the Grabber” and locked up in a basement, he anticipates the worst. Yet the non-functional line on the wall continues to ring, with ghostly voices offering help, and the prophetic visions of Gwen, his sister could save him. A solid creepfest. This Saturday, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the struggle between spirituality and money, the victory is clear for greed in Michael Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top film adaptation of the disgraced religious broadcaster and her criminal husband. The actor portrays the corrupt Bakker, who states initially, asserting religious justification for riches. Both individuals begin profiting from the people's spiritual convictions. It's a spectacle of tacky decor, excessive cosmetics and bad faith, yet Jessica Chastain succeeds to show the real-life figure as a sympathetic figure. Next Tuesday, early morning, on Film4
This Espionage Thriller
The current week's another release by the same director delivers a intelligence thriller as sharp like the turtlenecks sported by Michael Fassbender's British agent. He receives a mission to identify a mole among the team out of five possibilities – one of whom is his spouse. Both actors excel of calm composure, resulting in an engaging mind game of deception or honesty unfolds. Additional actors take part the smart espionage amusement. This Friday, various showings, the Sky channel
