My Favorite Movie Of 2024 Is Almost Too Bizarre To Recommend, Unless You Have The Same Twisted Sense Of Humor That I Do

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As a film enthusiast with over three decades of movie-watching under my belt, I must say that Coralie Fargeat’s “The Substance” has left an indelible mark on me. It’s not every day you come across a film that’s as smart, twisted, and gut-wrenchingly funny as this one.

When discussing films, you may frequently be asked to name your favorite movie or the best film you’ve ever seen. However, coming up with an answer can be tricky because cinephiles often have numerous cherished movies, and their preferences can fluctuate based on various factors. Creating an annual Top 10 list is typically considered a pointless task due to its transient nature. While I might construct one for the ReelBlend podcast like I did with TopMob, it merely represents a particular moment in time. After publishing such a list, I find myself already regretting that some movies didn’t make the cut. A year from now, I’m likely to question the inclusion of several titles on my list.

The movie I adored most in 2024 wouldn’t be swayed by any other contender. From the instant I watched it, I was smitten… and then found myself pondering who I could persuade to watch it. Let me explain why: Coralie Fargeat’s masterpiece, “The Substance,” isn’t your typical family-friendly flick like “The Lion King” or “Moana 2.” Instead, it’s a thought-provoking, darkly humorous film that’s not for the faint of heart. It’s filled with challenging twists and turns, and its nauseating yet hilarious scenes make it hard to recommend, unless you appreciate a unique sense of humor. Needless to say, it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. But for me, it was perfect.

The Substance is the smartest film I saw in 2024.

In modern storytelling, Coralie Fargeat’s film “The Substance” delves into the grim reality and allure of the Hollywood spotlight, as well as the enticing lure of the seven deadly sins. The plot is straightforward, even by science fiction standards. Once a beloved and esteemed figure in the entertainment world, Elisabeth Sparkle (Demi Moore) fell from grace when she reached an age considered unacceptable. When she’s presented with a swift, yet questionable, remedy that enables her to swap lives weekly with a younger woman named Sue (Margaret Qualley), Elisabeth agrees… only to later regret her decision.

Since its debut at the Cannes Film Festival in May, “The Substance” has been known for its brutal critique of the shallow entertainment industry. It provides a stark reflection of the morbid cravings that characterize the hollow inhabitants of Hollywood. The seven deadly sins – Pride, Envy, Gluttony, Lust, Wrath, Greed, and Sloth – are all prominently featured in Elisabeth and Sue’s struggles to preserve their youthful image. You might be shocked by the extent these characters will sink if it means a brief moment more of admiration from the mindless spectators. As they delved deeper into their downfall, their punishments became increasingly satisfying to watch.

Despite some poignant instances of sorrow in “The Substance“, particularly for the emotionally traumatized Elisabeth portrayed powerfully by Demi Moore, it’s evident. As she questions her self-worth – such as when she unintentionally misses a dinner date with a compassionate gentleman – it becomes clear that this character is deeply fractured, and no amount of “substance” can satisfy her longings. On the other hand, Sue, played by Qualley, appears less sympathetic. She masterfully portrays the arrogance born from excessive confidence, embodying the flawless aspect of this damaged duo. The actress perfectly encapsulates one side of this scarred coin.

The Substance is one of the most surprising movies of the year.

Regardless of where you believe “The Substance” is going, you’ll find it impossible to guess the outrageous third act that Coralie Fargeat has crafted for Elisabeth and/or Sue. This twist serves as a sharp critique on the superficiality often seen in Hollywood starlets. As the movie veers off course, I found myself roaring with laughter at the bold, intelligent, and daring ways Moore, Qualley, and their director chose to convey their message about the brutal consequences of our weaknesses.

The precision of the sardonic comedy sliced so deep into my own dark heart, I genuinely had no idea where The Substance was going to decide how to end its story. And yet, Fargeat had the perfect ending image cooked up. And it had been teased from the opening moments. I should have seen it coming, and didn’t. So many movies follow a loose narrative formula, making modern films painfully predictable. The fact that The Substance kept me guessing right up until the final credits only makes me appreciate it all the more.

It’s clear that not everyone might be interested in a film like “The Substance“. To start with, it’s quite gruesome, not only in the actions of characters like Sue and Elisabeth, but also in its visuals. The director, Fargeat, excels at creating body horror, earning comparisons to David Cronenberg’s “The Fly” for its dedication to pushing boundaries. If you have a low tolerance for the grotesque, “The Substance” may not appeal to you. However, if you can stomach it, the payoff is immense.

In previous years, when compiling my Top 10 list, I tended to choose more mainstream or universally appealing films for the top spot, such as one of the Spider-Verse movies, Top Gun: Maverick, or Steven Spielberg’s The Post. This year, however, it was a refreshing change to opt for a less conventional film like The Substance, which I knew might not be everyone’s cup of tea.

But if it’s your cup of tea, you won’t find anything more delicious in 2024.

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2024-12-23 23:43