Demi Moore’s The Substance Earned All My Adoration By Giving Me Something I Rarely Experience As A Horror Fan

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As a lifelong horror enthusiast who’s seen more slasher flicks than I care to admit, I rarely get caught off guard by the genre’s twists and turns. However, Coralie Fargeat’s “The Substance” managed to throw me for a loop – in the best way possible! This movie is an absolute rollercoaster ride of smart storytelling, visceral practical effects, and top-notch performances from Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley.

For over three decades, I’ve been deeply rooted in the horror genre – a thought that is as terrifying as the movies themselves. However, I rarely get surprised when watching new genre films for the first time. Yet, during screenings of “The Substance,” directed by Coralie Fargeat and starring Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley, I was genuinely taken aback, even toppled from my usual perspective. (Here’s our review.)

Perhaps it should go without saying that SPOILERS ARE COMING, but just in case…

First, The Substance Is Just A Flat-Out Amazing Movie

To set the record straight, I’m not suggesting that The Substance deserves my admiration based solely on a couple of aspects. Quite the contrary, it’s a fantastic movie, as evidenced by its intelligent narrative about age-related problems and fears in Hollywood, its fast-paced direction reminiscent of Requiem for a Dream but fueled by amphetamines instead of heroin, and its gruesome practical body horror effects that rival the terrifying creature in The Thing.

I’m not implying that the comparisons I make are meant to diminish anything. Instead, let me emphasize that “The Subject” is unique, almost like a warning story drenched in satire, only slightly exaggerated from real life.

Demi Moore stepped out of her usual roles and gave an exceptional, bold portrayal as Elisabeth Sparkle, a once-famous fitness guru struggling to stay relevant. Her determination to remain in the spotlight leads her into questionable territory involving illegal self-cloning. On the other hand, Margaret Qualley shines as “Sue,” who temporarily replaces Elisabeth on TV with her provocative workout style.

Although the visual effects and pacing in the film continue to be vibrant and catchy, The Substance effectively conveys a sense of foreboding as Elizabeth and Sue – You Are One – gradually lose track of their common objectives. Moreover, the grotesque physical terror depicted earlier in the movie reaches its climax by the end, resulting in one of cinema’s most terrifying monsters: Elisasue. I wouldn’t have imagined how wild this film would become, but I’m all the more satisfied for the unexpected twist.

The Unique Experience I Had Watching The Substance

Much like many (or perhaps most) enthusiasts of horror films, I frequently find myself imagining being in the main characters’ positions, contemplating my own responses and actions during intense, life-threatening scenarios. Sometimes, this happens unintentionally or without conscious desire, but it occurs every time I watch such movies, as if I’m living vicariously through the victim or final girl until the movie ends.

Instead of attempting to forgo sleep completely on Elm Street, would I consider avoiding it altogether?

I really enjoyed “The Substance” by Demi Moore! If you’re seeking additional horror films with strong female leads, here are seven I suggest and two I don’t.

Before the movie began, I found myself already empathizing with Elisabeth due to my understanding of the struggles of aging and the longing to regain youthful spirit. It doesn’t matter if I’m a famous celebrity or not; these feelings are universal. During a brief part of The Substance, I was right there alongside her.

Later on, the enigmatic Essence manifested, displaying its awe-inspiring, science-baffling grandeur. At this point, it was evident what Elizabeth needed to perform to preserve the abstract coexistence with her younger self, and surprisingly, my “What Else Could I Do?” mindset vanished. In its stead, there emerged occasional thoughts like “I could never…” This thought pattern may have originated from the recognition that such perfection requires effort I’m unwilling to expend.

Initially, Elizabeth frequently retrieves her packages from an area with some doubts about its safety, featuring a partially closed metal door. Although it’s manageable alongside other minor hassles, obtaining the refills fortnightly would be tiresome. This task becomes particularly challenging since I’m preoccupied with concerns that my younger self might drain my spinal fluid, potentially causing half of me to deteriorate.

In comparison, I wouldn’t have been immediately proficient in handling needles and IVs like Elisabeth was upon opening her first kit. It would take me some time to master the process completely, and by then, I might have sustained several concussions from striking my head on the floor, toilet, and so forth, each time the switch occurred.

Even if I was good at that part of it immediately, I still already know how quickly I’d lose track of proper scheduling patterns. Because there would be an inherent dread involved with all the injections and seeing the other me on the ground, so I could fully understand why Elisabeth just started sitting in her living room and watching TV a lot more during her weeks.

Thirdly, there’s no chance I’d voluntarily step back into the chaos that is Dennis Quaid’s character, Harvey. Frankly, I can’t fathom why Elisabeth and Sue kept collaborating with him rather than seeking fresh opportunities. Maybe it’s because when you’re in a whole new realm, it feels safer to stick with what’s familiar.

Furthermore, I must admit that the concept of birthing through my spine doesn’t appeal to me, although it’s not quite what transpires in The Substance, it’s similar enough to give me pause. Given my existing back issues, I don’t need an additional version of myself exacerbating the problem.

Beyond my initial impressions of The Substance being fantastic, I must acknowledge Coralie Fargeat wholeheartedly for effectively quieting a persistent voice within me, which is particularly vocal during horror films, irrespective of their quality.

If The Substance arrived at my doorstep and it turned out to be pills instead of the usual format, well, that would certainly change things significantly from what I’m accustomed to as a gamer.

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2024-11-18 04:37