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Pick of the Week

This Satirical Thriller

The filmmaker's bold critique tackles the tyranny of feminine aesthetics along with the perceived horrors of ageing. The veteran actress presents an inspired portrayal in the role of Elisabeth, an aging film star demoted to hosting a fitness program on TV. Edged out by her slimy boss Harvey, she turns to an enigmatic and horrifying procedure titled the Substance. This produces a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, culminating in a steadily more vampiric relationship between the two. Friday 17 October, Paramount Plus

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The Woman in Cabin 10

This classic whodunit mystery stars the talented actress as Laura, an ace reporter who takes a break from covering global conflict to join an opulent ship with a terminally ill Norwegian shipping heiress and donor, her partner, plus additional extremely wealthy guests. But after a mysterious woman disappears from the ship one night and everyone insists she wasn't real, Laura's investigative instincts take over. Out now, Netflix

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Presence

Steven Soderbergh challenges his creative boundaries in this nifty supernatural story filmed completely from the viewpoint of a ghost. As a family featuring mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their recent residence, the lens – AKA the Presence – shadows their actions. The daughter appears aware of the ghostly being, and it seems protective of her. Yet what is the reason? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist that could catch you off guard. October 11th, multiple showings, Sky Cinema

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Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy

Cage fully commits to his unique fame via this self-referential adventure. He acts as a self-obsessed celebrity named Nicolas Cage who takes on a million-dollar gig to attend a festive event at a Mediterranean location for the rich Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Hired by the CIA to investigate the potential kingpin, his “nouveau shamanic acting ability” proves useful. Saturday 11 October, 9pm, on Channel 4

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This Creepy Thriller

The director's locked-room horror stands strong even without a sequel. Taking place in 1978 Denver, multiple disappearances has rendered the youth on edge. When Finney is kidnapped by the villain and imprisoned in a basement, he fears the worst. Yet the disconnected phone in the room keeps ringing, with eerie communicators offering help, and the prescient dreams of Gwen, his sister could save him. A solid creepfest. Saturday 11 October, 10.50pm, Film4

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This Dramatic Portrait

In the conflict between spirituality and money, the winner is obvious for Mammon in this director's wonderfully garish biopic about the fallen religious broadcaster and her criminal husband. The actor portrays the venal Jim, who states at the beginning, asserting religious justification for riches. He and Tammy Faye set about monetising the American public's religious faith. It's a riot of poor styling, overdone appearance and bad faith, however the lead actress achieves to show the real-life figure with compassion. Next Tuesday, early morning, Film4

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Black Bag

The current week's second offering from Steven Soderbergh presents a espionage tale as tight like the turtlenecks worn by Michael Fassbender's UK spy. His assignment is to identify a double agent within their ranks from a group of five – including is his spouse. The two stars excel of calm composure, resulting in an engaging psychological game of deception or honesty takes place. The supporting cast take part the intelligent intelligence fun. This Friday, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, the Sky channel