What to watch this weekend: “Black Bag," “The Substance" and more

Chicago - If it ever feels like there’s just too much content, there’s a reason for that: dozens of streaming services, big releases available for rental at home, and movie theaters full of blockbusters and independent films alike. 

So we’re here to help. In our new column, we’ll make four recommendations for viewing each weekend: one movie for renting at home, one for streaming on a service (or for free!), one for watching with the family, and one to see in theaters. 

See it in theaters: "Black Bag"

The story: How does a marriage work when your spouse is also your co-worker – and your office is an all-seeing intelligence agency? Well, it’s complicated, as George (Michael Fassbender) and Kathryn (Cate Blanchett) find out, in Steven Soderbergh’s ice-cold, darkly funny spy thriller. 

What we thought: It may only be March, but expect to see "Black Bag" on quite a few "Best of 2025" lists when December rolls around. Soderbergh is one of the most consistently entertaining filmmakers out there, and here concocts a lean, mean, and wholly engrossing film that owes more to "Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" than it does to "Mr. and Mrs. Smith. And while Blanchett and Fassbender are both excellent, the supporting cast is no less engaging, with Marisa Abela (HBO’s "Industry"), Tom Burke ("Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga"), and Regé-Jean Page ("Bridgerton") more than keeping up with the award-winning stars at the top of the cast list.

 Why we picked it: With a gripping premise, that amazing cast and a cool 94-minute runtime, it’s a perfect go-to-the-movies kind of movie. See it with someone you love (and then wonder if they’ve been lying to you about their work life this whole time). 

Where to watch: "Black Bag" arrives in theaters this weekend. 

Does "Black Bag" have a post-credits scene?

Nope! Once those credits roll, you can safely head out to the lobby. 

Rent at home: "The Substance" 

The story: Director Coralie Fargeat (nominated for the 2025 Oscars for Best Director and Best Original Screenplay) tackles issues of celebrity, aging, beauty standards and self-loathing in "The Substance," a wild ride of body horror and one of the most unexpected Best Picture nominees in recent history. It centers on Elisabeth Sparkle (Best Actress nominee Demi Moore), an actress and exercise mogul who turns to a mysterious black market drug when Hollywood notices she’s aging and shuts her out.

What we thought: While "The Substance" deals with issues of, well, substance, it’s also got a heady streak of the farcical running through it, reveling in the silliness of the premise and underlining the absurdities present in the all-too-real world in which it takes place. Yet the performances of Moore and Margaret Qualley succeed in both leaning into that absurdity and maintaining a link to the deep pain and fear from which it all springs. 

It’s gross, mean, funny, broad, and absolutely unforgettable. This year’s most unlikely Oscar nominee is also one of the best.

Why we picked it: Because it’s a blast. As a heads-up, much of the gore is cartoonishly over-the-top, and the squeamish should be warned that they may want to cover their eyes from time to time. It’s worth the effort. 

Where to watch: "The Substance" is available for digital rent or purchase. It’s also streaming via Mubi, which offers a free trial for new subscribers. 

Stream at home: "Dune: Part Two"

The story: Continuing the intergalactic saga set out in 2021’s "Dune", Denis Villeneuve’s epic sequel follows Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) as he unites with Chani (Zendaya) and the Fremen in rebelling against the malevolent forces of House Harkonnen. Against all odds, they fight for the survival of Arrakis – and for control of the universe's most valuable resource.

What we thought: Let’s mention this before anything else: "Dune: Part Two" isn’t the kind of sequel you’ll enjoy without having seen its predecessor. (Luckily, 2021’s "Dune" is also streaming and is well worth your time.) "Dune Part Two" lives up to the high standard set by its predecessor, thanks to jaw-dropping special effects, a bone-rattling score, and of course, the presence of sandworms. We can’t resist sandworms! 

Why we picked it: Incredible production value; some excellent performances from Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Javier Bardem, Austin Butler and others; and the aforementioned sandworms. 

Where to watch: "Dune" and "Dune: Part Two" are streaming on Max. and are available for digital rent or purchase. 

Watch with the family: "The Wild Robot"

The story: In this beautiful animated film, Roz (Lupita Nyong’o), a service robot, crashes on a remote island. After her means of signalling for retrieval are destroyed, she finds new purpose in tending to a gosling (Kit Connor) with the help of Fink (Pedro Pascal), a red fox. As she adapts to the wild world in which she finds herself, Roz begins to push against the boundaries of her programming, and discovers what home and heartbreak feel like.

What we thought: One of the best animated movies of 2024, this warm-hearted adventure features an excellent voice cast and screenplay. 

 Why we picked it: While it lost the Best Animated Film Oscar to "Flow," "The Wild Robot was still one of the most acclaimed films of the year – and not just the animated kind. But it also fulfills one of the key requirements for any family movie night: It’s a great pick for kids and adults alike, with a moving story and some rock-solid jokes. 

Where to watch: "The Wild Robot" is streaming on Peacock and is available for digital rent or purchase.