The Substance
Margaret Qualley as Sue in The Substance
Hollywood’s obsession with youth, beauty, & the latest hot commodity is no secret. Celebrities often make unexpected choices in their pursuit of fame, a theme that underpins director Coralie Fargeat’s latest sci-fi horror film, The Substance.
A Star-Studded Performance
Leading The Substance is Demi Moore, taking on a meta, fourth-wall-breaking role as Elisabeth Sparkle, a middle-aged TV aerobics instructor & fitness influencer. Elisabeth’s life falls apart when she is unceremoniously fired on her 50th birthday by her boss, Harvey (Dennis Quaid), who decides it’s time for a younger star. Rather than accepting her fate, Elisabeth takes a mysterious experimental drug that promises to create a "younger, better version" of herself. However, the drug violently duplicates her cells, splitting her into two versions that must alternate control every seven days. This leads to a life-or-death battle for survival.
Demi Moore is captivating in her portrayal of Elisabeth, blurring the lines between art & reality. Her performance transitions from confident & assured to desperate & terrified, presenting a compelling character arc. This is contrasted by Margaret Qualley’s portrayal of Sue, the ‘younger, better’ version of Elisabeth, who brings a youthful, cheeky, & narcissistic energy to the screen. The tension between these two characters creates a palpable sense of paranoia throughout the film.
Visual & Auditory Assault
The Substance is a sensory assault, with extreme depictions of violent & painful body horror scenes that will test even the most hardened horror fans. The film’s visuals are grotesque yet mesmerising, pushing the boundaries of the genre. The sound design, inspired by ASMR, adds another layer of discomfort, unsettling the audience with ease.
However, the film’s relentless intensity can be overwhelming. The graphic nature of the body horror might be too much for some viewers, making it a challenging watch. The use of sound to enhance the horror is effective but can become grating over time, contributing to a sense of sensory overload.
A Faltering Finale
While The Substance starts strong with its absurd parody of Hollywood & poignant messages about self-worth, body image, & ageism, it falters in the final act. The film’s conclusion becomes increasingly outrageous, detracting from the overall impact of its themes. The subtlety that initially engages the audience is lost in the climax, which may leave some viewers feeling disconnected from the film’s intended message.
Despite this, The Substance remains an intriguing exploration of societal issues, wrapped in a sci-fi horror package. The film’s lack of subtlety is both its strength & its weakness, providing moments of dark humour & fun amidst the horror but ultimately undermining its more serious undertones.
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