Top Selection
This Satirical Thriller
Director Coralie Fargeat's bold critique examines the demanding standards for women's appearance and the perceived horrors of advancing years. Hollywood star Demi Moore presents a brilliant portrayal playing Elisabeth, a 50-year-old film star demoted to hosting a fitness program on TV. Edged out thanks to her slimy boss Harvey, she turns to an enigmatic and horrifying treatment called the Substance. This generates a younger clone called Sue, leading to an increasingly vampiric relationship between them. Friday 17 October, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This suspenseful thriller stars the talented actress playing Laura, an ace reporter who opts for some time off from reporting on world issues to join an opulent ship accompanied by a gravely sick wealthy inheritor and charitable figure, her partner, and other filthy rich guests. Yet once an enigmatic female falls into the sea during the evening and the entire crew insists she wasn't real, her journalistic curiosity kick in. Out now, the Netflix platform
Presence Film
The acclaimed director challenges his creative boundaries through this clever supernatural story shot entirely from the perspective of the spirit. As a family including mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe occupies their new suburban house, the camera – as the unseen entity – tracks their movements. Chloe seems conscious of the poltergeist, and it seems defensive toward her. Yet what is the reason? This is an entertaining concept that remains concise, including a revelation you might not see coming. Saturday 11 October, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor embraces his cult stardom via this meta comedy caper. He plays an egotistical Hollywood actor called Nicolas Cage who accepts a $1m payday to attend a birthday party on the Spanish island for the rich superfan Javi. Hired by the CIA to investigate the suspected cartel boss, the actor's unconventional method comes in handy. Saturday 11 October, 9pm, Channel 4
The Black Phone
Derrickson's locked-room horror stands strong even without a sequel. Taking place in 1978 Denver, several disappearances has rendered the local kids frightened. Once Finney is kidnapped by the villain and locked up in a basement, he dreads a terrible outcome. Yet the old telephone on the wall keeps ringing, with eerie communicators offering help, while the prophetic visions of Gwen, his sister could save him. An effective horror. Saturday 11 October, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the battle between spirituality and money, it's a knockout win for greed in Showalter's delightfully tacky biopic of the disgraced religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. The actor portrays the greedy Jim, who states early on, asserting religious justification for riches. He and Tammy Faye set about monetising the people's spiritual convictions. It's a riot of tacky decor, bad makeup and bad faith, yet the lead actress achieves to depict the character as a sympathetic figure. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, the Film4 channel
The Spy Mystery
This period's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh is a intelligence thriller as sharp as the polo necks sported by Michael Fassbender's UK spy. He receives a mission with uncovering a mole within their ranks from a group of five – among them is his own wife. The two stars are masters of understated style, resulting in an engaging mind game of deception or honesty unfolds. The supporting cast join in the smart espionage amusement. This Friday, various showings, Sky Cinema
