"The Substance": A Disgusting and Horrifying Body-Horror in Recent Years
Directed by: Coralie Fargeat
Rating: 8.5/10
A fading celebrity, Elizabeth Sparkle, decides to use a black-market drug, a cell-replicating substance that temporarily creates a younger, better version of herself. “The Substance” is a film that talks about aging, body dysmorphia, and the extremely ridiculous amount of body standards that society sets for women in general. As per Rotten Tomatoes, the film’s synopsis goes like this: “Have you ever dreamt of a better version of yourself? You are only better in every way. You should try this new product; it’s called The Substance. IT CHANGED MY LIFE. With The Substance, you can generate another you: younger, more beautiful, more perfect. You just have to share time -- one week for one, one week for the other. A perfect balance of seven days each... Easy right? If you respect the balance... What could possibly go wrong?” Reading from this synopsis, even without watching the trailer, you’ll know what the film will be like; from the get-go, you’ll understand the dilemma, the character’s motives, and intentions. However, despite being on the nose, the film will surprise you on so many levels.
The movie’s most surprising aspect is the sheer number of references that pay homage to classic horror films. It’s abundantly clear that the director, Coralie Fargeat, holds a deep respect for the genre, as she makes these references unsubtly, adding a layer of entertainment for horror fans. For instance, Elisabeth Sparkle’s transformation and obsession closely resemble Nina Sayers’ metamorphosis in Darren Aronofsky’s “Black Swan.” The vibrant corridor scenes are heavily inspired by Stanley Kubrick’s “The Shining.” Moreover, the closeup shots serve as a nod to David Cronenberg’s classics, “Videodrome” and “The Fly.” Even the revelation of the “monster” at the film’s climax shares a notable similarity to the unveiling in David Lynch’s “The Elephant Man.” In an interview, Coralie Fargeat mentioned that David Lynch is one of her inspirations for the film, further cementing these connections. Furthermore, the bloodbath scene in the final 15 minutes of the movie bears a strong resemblance to the classic feminist horror film “Carrie,” both depicting female rage driven by societal oppression. These intentional, well-crafted references make the film a gratifying experience for horror cinema fans.
Demi Moore’s performance as Elisabeth Sparkle is career-defining—definitely her best performance throughout her career. Her bold and audacious performance allowed the audience to fully submerge into her character, showcasing her raw and authentic emotion to Elisabeth’s inner turmoil. One notable scene in the film that showcased Moore’s range was the mirror scene, from subtle envy and insecurities to extreme rage and anger to hatred. Moore has never had any chance to commit to a role like this in her previous films; she has allowed herself to be seen by the audience in a different light.
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On the other hand, Margaret Qualley’s performance is a revelation and a testament to her exceptional talent. She has proven herself to be one of the best actresses of this generation. Throughout the year, Margaret has been one of the young actresses who were constantly in a good film but were overlooked due to her characters’ limited resources or being overshadowed by her co-actors. In this film, she is able to, not outperformed Demi Moore, give a bold and horrific performance as “Sue,” or the better version of Demi Moore’s character. Both actresses were able to play their characters differently, but at the same time, you know that they are one. Their inner turmoil for success, validation, and societal pressure is evident in the characters they play. I mean, it’s definitely an Oscar-worthy performance. Still, due to the Academy’s bias and hatred towards the horror genre, it’s almost impossible for them to get a nomination in the acting category for a body-horror film (we still can’t get over the fact that they robbed Toni Collette of that Oscar statue, heck, even a nomination).
“The Substance” is likely the best body-horror film I’ve seen in recent years. While everything is quite direct, the film also possesses deep layers. The opening scene alone sets the stage for how grotesque and disturbing the film will become, and it doesn’t disappoint in its bold approach to body horror. The direction is straightforward and precise, allowing the audience to immerse themselves fully in the experience. Certain aspects of the direction are particularly clever and brilliant, especially when we see things from Elisabeth and Sue’s perspectives. This approach smartly and effectively allows the audience to embody the characters and experience their agony fully. Although the movie could have benefited from a more polished and well-executed finale, it maximizes the body-horror experience, which sometimes becomes almost comical, especially in the last 15 minutes. Nevertheless, the film successfully delivers its purpose through a very on-the-nose and humorous direction.
It’s the kind of film that will linger in your mind, or even haunt you, long after the credits roll. Experiencing the last 30 minutes in a packed theater is incredibly satisfying; the collective gasps, some people throwing up, and the unified shouting create a truly unforgettable cinematic experience. This is just a pure cinematic experience we’ve been missing in recent years, and as a horror fan, I’m thrilled to experience it again. Cinema is back!
One piece of advice: do not watch this film while eating or drinking. Trust me, I don’t have many regrets in life, but doing so during “The Substance” is definitely one of them. It’s a film so nasty and disturbing that you might find yourself needing to cleanse your palate with something light-hearted, like a Disney-Pixar film, to recover. In summary, “The Substance” stands out in the body-horror genre, offering a raw, visceral experience that will leave a lasting impression. With phenomenal performances from Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley and a bold and innovative direction, this film is a must-watch for horror enthusiasts. Just be prepared for a ride that will test the limits of your stomach and your psyche.
