Top Selection
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's daring critique addresses the oppressive nature of female beauty and the perceived horrors of ageing. Demi Moore presents a masterful acting turn as Elisabeth, a 50-year-old actress forced into presenting an aerobics show on the small screen. Forced aside thanks to her deceitful superior Harvey, she turns to an enigmatic and terrifying process known as "The Substance". This creates a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, leading to a progressively vampiric relationship between the two. October 17th, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This classic whodunit thriller stars the talented actress playing Laura, a skilled journalist who decides to take a break from reporting on world issues to board an opulent ship accompanied by an ailing Scandinavian billionaire and philanthropist, her spouse, plus additional affluent passengers. Yet once a mysterious woman goes overboard overnight and all passengers denies she ever existed, the reporter's sleuthing skills take over. Available now, on Netflix
Presence
Soderbergh pushes his film-making abilities with this clever paranormal narrative filmed completely through the eyes of the phantom. As a family including mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe occupies their fresh home, the camera – representing the ghost – shadows their actions. Chloe seems conscious of the poltergeist, and the entity appears defensive toward her. However, the motive remains? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist you might not see coming. Saturday 11 October, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema Premiere
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
The iconic actor fully commits to his eccentric image in this meta comedy caper. He portrays a self-obsessed Hollywood actor playing himself who takes on a $1m payday to attend a birthday party on the Spanish island for the wealthy superfan Javi. Contacted by government spies to investigate the suspected cartel boss, his unique performing skills proves useful. October 11th, 9pm, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's locked-room horror remains effective despite the lack of a continuation. Located in 1970s Colorado, a series of disappearances has made the children on edge. When Finney is kidnapped by “the Grabber” and locked up in a cellar, he fears a terrible outcome. However, the non-functional line on the wall continues to ring, with spooky callers offering help, while the prophetic visions from his sibling Gwen could save him. A solid creepfest. Saturday 11 October, nighttime, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between God and Mammon, the winner is obvious for greed in Showalter's wonderfully garish film adaptation regarding the shamed religious broadcaster and her felon spouse. Andrew Garfield portrays the venal Jim, who proclaims initially, claiming divine approval for wealth. The couple commence monetising the people's Christian beliefs. It's a riot of bad interior design, bad makeup and bad faith, though the lead actress achieves to present the real-life figure with compassion. Tuesday 14 October, 1.15am, the Film4 channel
The Spy Mystery
This period's another release from Steven Soderbergh is a spy mystery as tight like the turtlenecks sported by Michael Fassbender's intelligence officer. His assignment is to discover a traitor inside the organization from a group of five – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Both actors are experts of calm composure, leading to a delightful mind game of truth or lie develops. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela participate the clever spy entertainment. Friday 17 October, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema