As a seasoned gamer with a soft spot for dark narratives that challenge societal norms, I found “The Substance” to be an exhilarating cinematic rollercoaster ride that left me both disturbed and enchanted in equal measure. The film’s unapologetic approach to the harsh realities of beauty standards and the cruelty inherent in certain industries resonated deeply with my gaming sensibilities, where virtual worlds often reflect and critique our own.
In the work of filmmaker Coralie Fargeat titled The Substance, the primary themes aren’t convoluted or difficult to understand. The movie delves into the harsh reality that society’s beauty standards for women often hide a cruel face, with various industries thriving on this very cruelty. This exploration is presented through an exaggerated satire.
The Substance
The film, titled “Release Date: September 20, 2024,” is directed by Coralie Fargeat. She also wrote the screenplay. The star-studded cast includes Demi Moore, Margaret Qualley, and Dennis Quaid. This R-rated movie boasts a runtime of 140 minutes and contains strong violence, gore, explicit nudity, and harsh language.
The film may appear straightforward at first glance, but it’s far from representative of the daring, captivating, terrifying, comical, and unpredictable cinematic journey that makes it one of the most remarkable movies of the year.
Summarizing “The Substance” is challenging due to its profound fulfillment. The narrative, infused with raw feminist fury, gives a unique, female-focused twist on “The Portrait Of Dorian Gray“. Moreover, it’s an exceptional demonstration of skill – acknowledging the outstanding performances delivered by Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley, as well as the visually striking and revolting special effects. It’s captivating, chaotic, and currently, the standout film of 2024.
Moore portrays Elizabeth Sparkle – a multiple-award winning actress and TV icon whose career takes a drastic turn on her 50th birthday, when she is unceremoniously dismissed from her popular daytime aerobics show. In the wake of her devastation, she gets involved in a car accident. Upon visiting the doctor, a nurse named Robin Greer provides her with details about a unique treatment called ‘The Substance’.
After receiving a neon green rejuvenation serum, users find themselves transforming into a more youthful, idealized version of themselves, whom they refer to as Sue (portrayed by Margaret Qualley). However, there’s a significant catch: Elisabeth and Sue must coexist harmoniously, with one being fully awake and conscious for a week at a time while the other is in a coma-like state, receiving nourishment intravenously.
The issue lies in the fact that there’s an imbalance, not fairness. While Sue takes over Elisabeth’s position, hired by Harvey (Dennis Quaid), a man who unfairly dismissed Elisabeth’s predecessor and who himself is a misogynist, she enjoys a glamorous life due to her youth and attractiveness. On the other hand, Elisabeth, isolated in her spacious apartment, becomes increasingly resentful as she goes about her days. Feeling superior, Sue takes advantage by stealing extra time from her counterpart, leading to dreadful repercussions.
The Substance overflows with brilliant, disgusting, and hilarious body horror.
The Substance showcases a remarkable feat of design, with its DIY-style manual for the main procedure and an intricate build-up of artistic intensity that’s crucial in body horror. This intensity is skillfully employed by director Coralie Fargeat, who masterfully amplifies the grotesque and disturbing elements.
Each day, Sue needs injections of a spinal fluid provided by Elizabeth, which is becoming increasingly captivating and disturbing. Elizabeth’s self-esteem is severely damaged by society, and her transformation into a monster makes it impossible for her to stop the process. As you watch, you’ll be amazed at how Elizabeth’s body changes, starting with her hand and gradually becoming more horrifying.
Instead of Elisabeth’s dismal and decaying life standing in stark contrast, Sue’s vibrant and radiant life sparkles – filled with the most brilliant lights, the snuggest of fashionable outfits, and aerobics attire, always under the watchful eye of the camera. Its excessively seductive quality is almost comical, yet managing to balance this with the extreme body horror is what makes the film truly unique. It manages to make you feel nauseous, queasy, and laugh, which is a remarkable feat in terms of tone.
Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley deliver two of the best performances of 2024 in The Substance.
As a passionate admirer, I can’t help but express my awe for the captivating film, The Substance. This cinematic masterpiece stands out by opting for ‘showing over telling’, which, although challenging for our leading ladies Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley, they handled exceptionally well.
In Moore’s situation, what truly stands out is her wide array of emotions. It seems as if molten rage simmers within her as she gazes out from her apartment’s towering windows at a billboard advertising Sue’s show and watches her younger, flawless self laugh during a talk show interview – yet this fierceness is tempered by an overwhelming vulnerability. The world has robbed her of her self-assurance, and you find yourself profoundly touched as she struggles within herself to prepare for a date after finding the courage to do so.
Qualley’s task carries a unique, captivating vibe, and it’s equally impressive. While Elisabeth struggles with self-assuredness, Sue emanates it effortlessly, her charm and allure radiating even with a simple blink of the eye. Her vivacity, accentuated by her glittering environment, has profound consequences, yet these can be challenging as her flawlessness morphs into arrogance, creating tension between her and her counterpart. Predicting where this conflict eventually leads… would delve into spoiler territory here.
When it comes to watching a new movie, I don’t follow a strict checklist of admirable traits, but I always admire a blend of intelligence, humor, and the slightly disturbing – and that’s exactly what “The Substance” offers during its 140-minute run. In today’s world where there’s an increasing recognition for exceptional horror productions, Coralie Fargeat’s second film emerges as a remarkable triumph and a must-watch for those with strong constitutions.
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2024-09-20 01:08