The Substance (2024) spoiler free review
Have you ever dreamt of a better version of yourself?. The Substance is a 2024 satirical body horror monster film written, directed, and co-produced by Coralie Fargeat. The film premiered on May 19, 2024 at the 77th Cannes Film Festival, where Fargeat won Best Screenplay, and was selected to compete for the Palme d’Or in its main competition section. It was released theatrically on September 20, 2024 in the United States and the United Kingdom by Mubi.
A fading celebrity decides to use a black-market drug, a cell-replicating substance that temporarily creates a younger, better version of herself.
Film synopsis
The cast includes Demi Moore as Elisabeth Sparkle, Margaret Qualley as Sue / Monstro Elisasue, Dennis Quaid as Harvey, Gore Abrams as Oliver, Robin Greer as the Nurse, Tom Morton as the Doctor, Hugo Diego Garcia as Diego, Phillip Schurer as Mr. Scream, and Joseph Balderrama as Craig Silver.
My Opinion
How far are we willing to go to feel loved again? Elizabeth Sparkle had it all; beauty, fame, admiration. But like the light of a candle, it slowly fades away leaving only the memory and the desire to feel it again. Desperate to regain her career and success, Elizabeth uses a new drug that promises to create a new and better version of you. But the fine print on the package doesn’t warn of the fatal consequences of misusing it.
Following her directorial debut in 2017 with Revenge, Coralie Fargeat outdoes herself with The Substance. The film covers how women in the industry are treated in their youth and beyond. Elizabeth Sparkle’s character, played by Demi Moore, is fired from her aerobics TV show on her 50th birthday for “being too old.” This triggers feelings of low self-esteem that push the character to a breaking point by making her use a black market drug that promises her what she once had; her youth and beauty. Her counterpart Sue, played by Margaret Qualley, has all the attributes required to take Elizabeth’s place on her show. She is the “fresh meat” that male executives so desire. But things never go right when the natural order of things is disturbed.
Bringing this theme under body horror allows to be raw, direct and grotesque. There are no limits. Instead of being a sad drama, this story becomes a visual and visceral spectacle without leaving aside its message. The practical effects and makeup exceed expectations, making your skin crawl. The acting work of Moore, Qualley, and Quaid already lead a good film with a solid script. The soundtrack, sound effects, production design and cinematography come together to create an overwhelming, uncomfortable and impressive experience. With clear influences from the king of body horror David Cronenberg Coralie Fargea has brought one of the best horror films of 2024. This director has the potential to be remembered with the greats of the genre.
If you enjoyed movies like Titane (2021), Possessor (2020) or Infinity Pool (2023) then this movie is for you. Body horror isn’t for everyone, but if that’s what you’re into, you can’t miss out on what is the best horror movie of 2024.