Critics Have Seen The Substance, And Many Are Calling Demi Moore’s ‘Go-Until-You-Gag’ Body Horror One Of The Year’s Best

As a seasoned gamer who has spent countless hours navigating through the terrifying landscapes of Silent Hill and the twisted minds of psychological thrillers like Until Dawn, I can confidently say that this year’s most anticipated horror offering, Demi Moore’s body horror flick The Substance, is one for the books.

Among this year’s anticipated horror films, Demi Moore’s body horror movie titled “The Substance” is generating buzz and creating a stir among critics since its debut at Cannes. The film, set to hit theaters this weekend, has Moore stripping down on screen, but she emphasizes that it’s not about nudity. Instead, the trailer suggests that we’re in for an intriguing blend of sexiness and disturbance, almost like a masterful piece. However, as critics gear up to share their opinions ahead of the film’s release on September 20, let us wait to hear from them about what we can expect from this movie on the 2024 movie calendar.

In the movie “The Substance,” Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley are the main characters, portraying two contrasting versions of the same aerobics instructor. Moore plays Elisabeth Sparkle, a 50-year-old who gets fired and decides to transform herself into a younger, more perfect version named Sue, played by Qualley. The story takes an unexpected turn, but I won’t reveal any spoilers. Critic Eric Eisenberg from TopMob highly recommends this “enthralling, terrifying, amusing, and exhilarating” film for those with strong stomachs. He awards it a perfect 5 out of 5 stars in his review, stating that it is an absolute must-watch.

The film’s feminist fury is intense and tangible, offering a unique twist on The Portrait of Dorian Gray through its female-focused body horror narrative. However, it’s not just about the story; it’s also an outstanding demonstration of skill – recognizing the remarkable acting by Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley, as well as the visually stunning yet revolting special effects. It’s captivating, wild, and currently the standout film of 2024.

James Mottram thinks that Demi Moore gives an outstanding performance in this movie, possibly the best of her career, filled with deep dialogue and lots of dramatic blood scenes.

From its very beginning, this movie exudes a sharp, brutal aesthetic – the contrast between sterile white and vivid red creating a striking impact. It offers a sharp critique of ageing, beauty, and the male gaze in a way that is both insightful and provocative. Both Quaid and Qualley deliver strong performances, but Moore truly shines, delivering what could be her best performance yet, capturing Elizabeth’s feelings of remorse towards the reversal process with remarkable accuracy.

David Ehrlich from IndieWire uses a plethora of adjectives when reviewing this “unrelentingly nauseating epic,” stating that those with the fortitude to endure this “bold, outrageously grotesque” film will savor one of the most disturbingly entertaining theatrical outings of the year. The critic awards it an A-, and goes on:

A wildly intense, relentlessly exuberant fairy tale that critiques female self-hatred, “The Substance” by Coralie Fargeat, refuses to hold back – absolutely nothing is off-limits – in its mission to dismantle the cruel beauty norms imposed on women for millennia. This film, which borders on camp and has the potential to become a timeless classic, aims to shed these oppressive standards by employing some of the most viscerally disturbing body horror seen since “The Fly” or the climax of “Akira”.

As a dedicated movie enthusiast, I wholeheartedly echo Bill Goodykoontz of the Arizona Republic who hails “Revenge” as one of the standout films of this year. Demi Moore’s courageous portrayal is truly commendable, and writer/director Coralie Fargeat deserves immense recognition for crafting a piece that’s equally challenging and captivating, a work that leaves you squirming yet compelled to continue watching. Goodykoontz awards the film an impressive 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Qualley brilliantly embodies the cunning intelligence of her character Sue, who plots schemingly. Meanwhile, Moore delivers an exceptional performance, showing no fear in portraying a woman pushed to the brink, willing to risk everything just to survive. This role seems to resonate with her personal experiences, stripping away any gloss and diving deep into the despair. It’s Fargeat’s second feature film after “Revenge” in 2017, which was well-received. “The Substance” marks a significant improvement and is a movie that audiences will undoubtedly be discussing for quite some time.

While Dana Stevens from Slate delved into the game titled “The Substance,” she found its feminist horror themes and exploration of aging and beauty intriguing. Yet, after a 140-minute playtime, Stevens seemed to feel that the same message was repeatedly hammered in, becoming progressively explicit and repetitive. In her own words:

I regret to say that The Substance failed to deliver in two key aspects: the shock value and the depth. The recurring physical transformations in the series, as Elizabeth Sparkle (Moore) injects herself with the luminescent yellow-green ‘substance’ for her weekly transformation into Sue (Qualley), become increasingly revolting as both characters’ physical and moral conditions deteriorate. However, the switch itself signifies the same thing each time: Elizabeth has traded her soul and final chance at human happiness to maintain the illusion of eternal youth, all in the name of a ruthless and insatiable patriarchy. After two hours and 20 minutes of repetitive, gruesome portrayals of this familiar theme, even the most resilient and feminist viewers might find themselves thinking, ‘We’ve already understood the message.’

Most responses have been favorable since The Substance has earned the label “Certified Fresh” on Rotten Tomatoes with an impressive 89% approval rating from nearly 150 critics’ reviews. Whether you adore it or find it controversial, this film appears destined to spark discussions. If you’d like to join in the debate, make sure to catch it when it arrives at cinemas on September 20th.

2024-09-20 04:37

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