Top Selection
This Satirical Thriller
The filmmaker's unflinching commentary examines the tyranny of female beauty as well as the perceived horrors of ageing. The veteran actress delivers a brilliant acting turn as Elisabeth, an aging film star demoted to presenting an aerobics show on TV. Forced aside by her deceitful superior her manager Harvey, she turns to a secretive and horrifying process known as this experimental method. This creates a new version of herself called Sue, resulting in a steadily more toxic connection between the two. This Friday, Paramount Plus
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque mystery stars the talented actress in the role of Laura, a skilled journalist who takes a hiatus from writing about world issues to join an opulent ship alongside an ailing wealthy inheritor and donor, her husband, plus additional affluent passengers. However when an unknown lady falls into the sea overnight and all passengers denies she ever existed, her journalistic curiosity take over. Streaming currently, on Netflix
Presence
Steven Soderbergh tests his creative boundaries through this clever supernatural story captured wholly through the eyes of the phantom. As a family including mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter 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. Yet what is the reason? This is an entertaining concept that avoids overstaying, with a twist that may be unexpected. October 11th, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Cage fully commits to his eccentric image in this autobiographical spoof. He portrays an egotistical Hollywood actor named Nicolas Cage who agrees to a million-dollar gig to visit a birthday party at a Mediterranean location for the rich Javi Gutierrez. Contacted by government spies to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, his “nouveau shamanic acting ability” proves useful. October 11th, prime time, on Channel 4
The Black Phone
The director's locked-room horror holds up well without requiring a continuation. Taking place in 1978 Denver, a series of child abductions has made the local kids on edge. Once Finney is kidnapped by the villain and imprisoned in a dungeon, he fears a terrible outcome. Yet the non-functional line mounted nearby keeps ringing, with ghostly voices giving advice, while the prescient dreams of Gwen, his sister might rescue him. A solid creepfest. October 11th, nighttime, the Film4 channel
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the conflict between faith and wealth, it's a knockout win for Mammon in this director's brilliantly over-the-top biopic regarding the shamed religious broadcaster and her criminal husband. Garfield portrays the venal Jim, who declares early on, “God does not want us to be poor,”. Both individuals commence monetising the American public's religious faith. It's a riot of poor styling, overdone appearance and insincerity, yet Chastain succeeds to show Tammy Faye as a sympathetic figure. October 14th, late night, Film4
The Spy Mystery
The current week's second offering from Steven Soderbergh is a espionage tale as sharp as the polo necks worn by Fassbender's intelligence officer. He is tasked with uncovering a double agent within their ranks out of five possibilities – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars excel of calm composure, leading to a delightful psychological game of deception or honesty takes place. The supporting cast participate the smart espionage amusement. October 17th, various showings, Sky Cinema
