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Top Selection

The Substance Film

Director Coralie Fargeat's daring satire examines the oppressive nature of female beauty as well as the perceived horrors of advancing years. Demi Moore offers an inspired acting turn in the role of Elisabeth, a mature celebrity demoted to starring in an aerobics show on TV. Edged out thanks to her deceitful superior Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes an enigmatic and gruesome procedure called "The Substance". This creates a youthful duplicate named Sue, culminating in a progressively parasitic dynamic between them. Friday 17 October, Paramount Plus

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This Mystery Thriller

This suspenseful story includes the talented actress as Laura, a skilled journalist who takes a hiatus from reporting on world issues to embark on an opulent ship accompanied by an ailing wealthy inheritor and charitable figure, her husband, as well as other filthy rich passengers. However when a mysterious woman disappears from the ship during the evening and all passengers denies she ever existed, Laura's investigative instincts take over. Available now, Netflix

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This Supernatural Story

Soderbergh challenges his creative boundaries in this innovative paranormal narrative filmed completely through the eyes of the spirit. After a clan featuring mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe occupies their fresh home, the camera – as the unseen entity – shadows their actions. The daughter appears aware of the ghostly being, and it looks like guarding her. But why? This is an entertaining concept that avoids overstaying, including a revelation that could catch you off guard. This Saturday, multiple showings, the Sky channel

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This Self-Referential Film

Nicolas Cage embraces his cult stardom in this meta comedy caper. He acts as a narcissistic celebrity named Nicolas Cage who agrees to a $1m payday to appear at a festive event on the Spanish island for the wealthy superfan Javi. Recruited by government spies to investigate the potential kingpin, Cage's unique performing skills is put to the test. Saturday 11 October, evening, the Channel 4 network

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The Black Phone

Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest remains effective without requiring a continuation. Set in the late 70s in Denver, a series of child abductions has left the children frightened. After Finney is taken by the kidnapper and locked up in a dungeon, he fears a terrible outcome. But the disconnected phone in the room continues to ring, with eerie communicators providing assistance, as the intuitive nightmares of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. A solid creepfest. Saturday 11 October, late evening, the Film4 channel

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This Dramatic Portrait

In the struggle between spirituality and money, the winner is obvious for materialism in Showalter's delightfully tacky biopic regarding the shamed TV preacher and her felon spouse. The actor portrays the corrupt Bakker, who proclaims early on, “God does not want us to be poor,”. He and Tammy Faye set about capitalizing on the people's Christian beliefs. It's an extravaganza of poor styling, bad makeup and insincerity, yet Chastain succeeds to depict the character in a likable light. Next Tuesday, late night, Film4

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Black Bag

This period's second offering from Steven Soderbergh is a spy mystery as sharp like the turtlenecks used by the actor's UK spy. He is tasked with uncovering a mole inside the organization out of five possibilities – among them is his spouse. The two stars are masters of understated style, so a delicious mind game of deception or honesty unfolds. Additional actors join in the intelligent intelligence fun. Friday 17 October, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema Premiere