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Pick of the Week

This Satirical Thriller

The filmmaker's daring commentary addresses the tyranny of female beauty as well as the dreaded aspects of ageing. The veteran actress offers a masterful performance as Elisabeth, a mature film star demoted to hosting a workout series on the small screen. Edged out due to her deceitful superior Harvey, she undergoes a mysterious and terrifying process called "The Substance". This generates a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, resulting in an increasingly parasitic dynamic between the two. This Friday, Paramount+

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The Woman in Cabin 10

This suspenseful story stars Knightley in the role of Laura, a skilled journalist who decides to take some time off from writing about global conflict to board an opulent ship with a gravely sick wealthy inheritor and philanthropist, her husband, plus additional affluent individuals. But after an enigmatic female goes overboard one night and all passengers insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills kick in. Out now, on Netflix

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Presence

The acclaimed director pushes his creative boundaries in this clever ghostly tale shot entirely through the eyes of the phantom. After a clan featuring mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe moves into their fresh home, the camera – representing the ghost – shadows their actions. Chloe seems aware of the poltergeist, and the entity appears guarding her. However, the motive remains? This is an entertaining concept that avoids overstaying, including a revelation that may be unexpected. This Saturday, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema Premiere

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The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent

Cage wholeheartedly adopts his unique fame through this autobiographical spoof. He portrays an egotistical film star playing himself who agrees to a million-dollar gig to attend a birthday party on the Spanish island for billionaire superfan Javi. Hired by the intelligence agency to gather intel on the alleged criminal, the actor's unique performing skills is put to the test. Saturday 11 October, evening, the Channel 4 network

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The Black Phone Horror

Derrickson's contained scarefest stands strong despite the lack of a sequel. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, a series of child abductions has left the local kids frightened. When Finney is kidnapped by the villain and held captive in a dungeon, he fears a fatal end. But the disconnected phone mounted nearby keeps ringing, with spooky callers giving advice, as the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen might rescue him. An effective horror. Saturday 11 October, 10.50pm, Film4

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This Dramatic Portrait

In the battle between spirituality and money, it's a knockout win for greed in Showalter's delightfully tacky biopic about the fallen TV preacher plus her lawbreaking partner. Andrew Garfield acts as the venal Jim, who proclaims at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye begin capitalizing on the people's spiritual convictions. It's a spectacle of tacky decor, excessive cosmetics and hypocrisy, though Jessica Chastain manages to depict the character with compassion. October 14th, early morning, the Film4 channel

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This Espionage Thriller

This period's second offering by the same director is a spy mystery as tight similar to the collars used by Fassbender's British agent. He receives a mission with uncovering a mole within their ranks from a group of five – among them is his spouse. The two stars excel of calm composure, so a delicious psychological game of deception or honesty develops. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela take part the smart espionage amusement. This Friday, multiple time slots, the Sky channel