The Substance is one of the years most talked about horror (or horror related films) and will most certainly end up being one of the most memorable ones you’ll see.
We follow movie star turned TV fitness instructor Elisabeth Sparkle who has spent her life in Hollywood as a major star with a massive resume of accomplishments. She knows however that aging out in the industry is a real life and during her 50th birthday celebrations gets her contract cut and removed in leu of finding someone hotter and younger than she is.
After a random encounter though with someone else she is presented with the chance to use “The Substance”. A mystery drug that promises to make a better, younger, and hotter version of yourself. With one shared mind between both yourself and your new version of you with the rules being every 7 days the younger and older versions must switch. Thus we are met with Sue, the younger and visually perfect new version of Elisabeth. Sue quickly takes the job Elisabeth use to have and runs ten fold with it accomplishing more in a shorter time then Elisabeth ever did. As Sues career takes off even more though, she realizes maybe having to switch every 7 days isn’t the best option.
Demi Moore gives a career defining performance here as Elisabeth. Shes an older celebrity whose insecurities have never gotten better her entire career. At 50 she is still not secure in her own skin (quite literally here) and knows that being young and hot is the only thing to get noticed and loved by others for. Margaret Qualley should get awards for her portrayal of Sue. Visually perfect here, stunningly toxic, and all out for herself even at the expense of others (and her older self). Dennis Quaid as the TV executive Harvey plays an over the top and vile form of what people know is the top level bosses. Only wanting the younger and hotter women that will bring in the money.
The film is shot and sounds beautiful though. Shots are bright and vibrant, flowing to showcase the perfections and also imperfections of each woman that they believe are there. Sounds are amplified like the eating of TV executive Harvey eating a plate of shrimp that is sure to gross you out.
Now this movie is not for the faint of heart. From the way that you able to create your younger self it only amplifies. With a mix of vibes from The Fly to The Toxic Avenger the film takes body horror to a new degree here and by our climax has fully morphed itself into a monster movie of sorts. The practical effects here are great though creating memories that will long live on in your mind after the credits roll.
While the message is clear though here it doesn’t dive as deep as one might want. Its an easy message and portrayed beautifully but shallow to a fault almost. The performances, effects, and fantastic production here though help push it to a level that will make this talked about for quite some time.
Score :
4 / 5
