20s Movie Review - The Substance

Director: Coralie Fargeat
Genre: Horror/ Comedy/ Drama
Runtime: 141 minutes
Year: 2024
Starring: Demi Moore, Margaret Qually, Dennis Quaid

Description: A fading celebrity (Demi Moore) takes a black-market drug: a cell-replicating substance that temporarily creates a younger, better version of herself (Margaret Qually).

Review: Elizabeth Sparkle has spent years making viewers at home happy with her sexy looks on her fitness television show. She is living the life she has always wanted, full of fame, money, a stunner penthouse and her own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. But the studios decide it’s time for a new star. A breath of fresh air. However, Elizabeth knows it’s because of her age.

When Elizabeth receives a mysterious note, she learns about “The Substance”: a procedure, which you can do from home, that promises to transform you into a younger, more beautiful and perfect version of yourself. Elizabeth decides to take a chance. And a better version of Elizabeth is born, in the form of Sue. I’m not going further into the plot, because it’s best to just experience it.

The perfect world that is portrayed is reminiscent of Barbie. But the underlying theme is quickly apparent: society forces women to adapt unrealistic standards of femininity and appearance.

Virtually all scenes with Sue are overly sexual in depiction. Of course this is intentional. Especially to eventually show the contrast between Sue and Elisabeth. And in contrast with the body horror scenes. Because, be aware, this movie is not for the faint of heart.

Demi Moore and Margaret Qually portray the mounting tension between the two women phenomenally (please give Moore the Academy Award). Together, they paint a compelling picture of the internal struggle an aging woman can have with herself.

Director Coralie Fargeat does not shy away from the gore. Some scenes reminded me of David Cronenberg films. The practical effects and body horror are perfectly executed and not for tender souls. But the ending took it a bit too far for my liking.

This film is a bizarre ride, the chilling world of show business is painfully exposed and it shows how quickly you can become irrelevant in this world. The film is very strange, but utterly fascinating with a mix of dark humor and horror. Be warned, this is not for everyone.

Rating: 4/ 5