The Substance is an irreverently gory body horror flick. But its most captivating moments illustrate how social norms push women apart.
Director Coralie Fargeat’s provocative takedown of modern society’s obsession with youth and beauty is propelled forward by Moore’s fearless performance. From staring back at herself with self-loathing revulsion to screaming in frustration and outrage, Moore capitalizes on this primal horror to achieve maximum effect.
The Substance is a satire
After longtime network TV aerobics star Demi Moore (Demi Moore) is fired due to her age, she finds an unconventional means of rejuvenation: taking “the substance.” The two women take turns swapping consciousness every week until both eventually discover who the real one is – an action-packed comedy which pokes fun at Hollywood’s absurd beauty standards for women.
Coralie Fargeat’s script contains a strong feminist message, while Demi Moore gives an emotionally wrenching performance as the heroine; yet this film never finds the proper balance between its horror and comedy aspects; too often its message comes across too directly, with no sense of subtlety being implemented into its delivery of its message – potentially turning viewers off altogether.
Beginning of movie: the opening sequences establish that this story takes place in the future; yet its exact timing and motivations remain obscure. Elisabeth stripping down to nudity in an industrial bathroom before injecting herself with brat-green liquid from vial; her back then splits open, and Sue emerges through a clean line down her spine.
Exploitation and objectification of women are major themes throughout Substance, and its poor depiction of female characters is especially distressing. Most male characters in the film are morally bankrupt lowlifes who exploit and abuse women; the only decent man Elisabeth desperately pursues is weak.
It’s a horror movie
Director Coralie Fargeat’s willingness to take audiences on an engaging ride of visceral horror and satire makes her film more than simply entertainment; it serves as a powerful social commentary that may strike a cord with many viewers. Unfortunately, however, its full scope on beauty, aging, and Hollywood remains unexplored in the film.
Demi Moore stars as Elisabeth Sparkle, an aerobics star fired on her 50th birthday by Dennis Quaid’s hire of Sue as a younger and more attractive replacement. Elisabeth feels too old and seeks ways to regain her youth; offered “The Substance,” an anti-aging serum she must take once per week in order to transform back into younger version of herself, she finds an unlikely solution: an epipen called The Substance that promises youth-revival effects – however with one caveat – but can only work so often!
This film has an intriguing premise and two stunning lead actresses who both deliver impressive performances, yet its plot fails to meet expectations as a feminist horror movie. Instead it delivers the tired message “old equals ugly” while young equals beautiful; without nuance the film becomes what it criticizes.
The Substance is an iconic example of body horror cinema, in which an experiment goes wrong with unexpected consequences for its protagonist. Its use of neon green goo and macabre visual effects harken back to films by David Cronenberg (The Brood), Stuart Gordon (Re-Animator) and Brian De Palma (Carrie). While not everyone may enjoy watching it, it should definitely be on your list if you enjoy this genre.
It’s a comedy
The Substance is an offbeat black comedy set in the 2020s that focuses on an aging actress (Demi Moore) taking an experimental drug to transform herself into her younger self. Aside from all its bloody violence and nudity, however, The Substance also features humorous moments that will keep audiences laughing throughout its runtime.
Demi Moore shines in The Substance with her outstanding performance of an unpredictable protagonist with no fear onscreen before. Margaret Qualley and Dennis Quaid also give outstanding performances; together they make this movie one of the year’s most shocking. This groundbreaking movie shows how horror and comedy can work well together for something truly entertaining yet thought-provoking.
At its core, The Substance is an ambitious film that attempts to be everything at once. A horror tale that takes unexpected twists even body horror fans won’t expect; and an examination of celebrity beauty standards as well as how women make decisions that keep them relevant in society.
This movie opens with an impressive opening montage depicting Hollywood star Elisabeth Sparkle as she watches her Hollywood Walk of Fame star fade over time, eventually becoming more prominent until its removal altogether. From there, we learn of her career as host of a daytime aerobics show.
