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Pick of the Week

The Substance

Coralie Fargeat's unflinching commentary examines the demanding standards for female beauty and the dreaded aspects of growing older. The veteran actress delivers an inspired acting turn as Elisabeth, a 50-year-old film star forced into presenting a workout series on television. Forced aside thanks to her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she seeks out an enigmatic and horrifying procedure titled "The Substance". This creates a new version of herself called Sue, culminating in an increasingly vampiric relationship among both women. This Friday, Paramount+

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The Woman in Cabin 10

This Agatha Christie-esque thriller features Keira Knightley in the role of Laura, an ace reporter who decides to take a break from writing about international wars to board a high-end voyage with an ailing wealthy inheritor and donor, her husband, as well as other affluent individuals. Yet once an enigmatic female goes overboard during the evening and all passengers claims she was never there, her journalistic curiosity kick in. Streaming currently, Netflix

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Presence

Soderbergh pushes his directorial skills in this clever supernatural story shot entirely through the eyes of the spirit. When a household featuring mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe settles into their recent residence, the camera – as the unseen entity – shadows their actions. The daughter appears aware of the poltergeist, and the entity appears guarding her. But why? The premise is enjoyable that avoids overstaying, with a twist you might not see coming. Saturday 11 October, multiple showings, Sky Cinema

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This Self-Referential Film

Cage wholeheartedly adopts his eccentric image through this self-referential adventure. He acts as an egotistical celebrity called Nicolas Cage who accepts a lucrative offer to appear at a celebration in Mallorca for billionaire Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Recruited by the CIA to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, his unconventional method is put to the test. This Saturday, 9pm, on Channel 4

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This Creepy Thriller

Scott Derrickson's locked-room horror holds up well even without a follow-up. Set in 1978 Denver, several disappearances has left the local kids frightened. Once Finney is taken by the kidnapper and imprisoned in a dungeon, he anticipates a fatal end. However, the old telephone mounted nearby keeps ringing, with eerie communicators offering help, while the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen could save him. A solid creepfest. This Saturday, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel

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The Tammy Faye Biopic

In the conflict between spirituality and money, the winner is obvious for materialism in Michael Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top film adaptation of the disgraced religious broadcaster and her criminal husband. Andrew Garfield acts as the greedy Jim, who declares at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye commence capitalizing on the American public's spiritual convictions. It's an extravaganza of poor styling, overdone appearance and bad faith, yet Jessica Chastain achieves to depict the character with compassion. Tuesday 14 October, 1.15am, on Film4

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Black Bag

This period's second offering from the filmmaker is a intelligence thriller as tight as the polo necks sported by Fassbender's intelligence officer. His assignment is with uncovering a double agent within their ranks from a group of five – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Each performer are masters of calm composure, so a delicious mental battle of deception or honesty unfolds. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela take part the clever spy entertainment. October 17th, various showings, Sky Cinema