The Substance is an intense, darkly satirical plunge into vanity, fame, and self-destruction. Coralie Fargeat has created something grotesque yet hypnotic, leaving a lasting impression, though it definitely will not be for everyone.
Demi Moore delivers one of her best performances in years as Elisabeth Sparkle, a washed-up star desperate to cling to her youth and relevance. She brings a raw vulnerability to the role, making Elisabeth’s descent both tragic and unnerving. Margaret Qualley is equally impressive as Sue, the younger, more idealized version of Elisabeth. She radiates seductive charm and reckless abandon, perfectly embodying the character’s carefree youth. The dynamic between the two, essentially two sides of the same person, is captivating and unsettling as their relationship unravels into chaos. That said, Qualley and Moore do not look alike, which slightly undercuts the concept.
What sets The Substance apart is its audacity. It is unapologetically grotesque, blending sharp satire with stomach-churning body horror. Fargeat’s direction is razor-sharp, filling each scene with style and tension. The practical effects and prosthetics are especially impressive, making the horror feel disturbingly real.
This is not a film for the squeamish. The gore is intense and occasionally veers into shock-for-shock’s-sake territory. The final act cranks everything up to such an absurd level that it risks losing its impact, but the sheer boldness keeps it from falling flat. While the script leans more on visuals and raw emotion than intricate storytelling, it works within the film’s larger-than-life tone.
As a critique of Hollywood’s obsession with beauty and youth, The Substance makes its point loud and clear, even if it lacks subtlety. The commentary on how the entertainment industry discards women as they age is effective, though it feels a bit familiar in today’s cultural landscape. Still, the film’s unrelenting energy and twisted humor give it enough bite to stand out.
In the end, The Substance is a gory, wild spectacle that delivers exactly what it promises. If you can stomach the blood and mayhem, it is a sharp and shocking ride worth taking. Solid 8 out of 10.
Out Now on Digital https://apple.co/4f90UnI
