‘The Substance’ Could Bring Horror Back to the Oscars

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  • The Oscars Case for ‘The Substance’

Have you ever imagined a more progressive version of the Oscars, perhaps one that is more inclusive towards horror films? That could potentially become a reality this year, if the Golden Globes are any predictor. The horror film, “The Substance,” directed by Coralie Fargeat, has already been one of the most surprising successes of fall 2024, and its popularity keeps growing. However, this week might have taken its fame to unprecedented levels, as Demi Moore won the Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Comedy/Musical, stunningly outperforming Mikey Madison for “Anora.

It’s widely acknowledged that the movie has struck a chord with many in the industry, largely due to Fargeat’s fierce critique of Hollywood’s longstanding ageist and sexist work practices. Moreover, it provides a compelling comeback story, and Demi Moore delivers her finest performance yet. However, the Oscars have traditionally been reluctant towards horror films for quite some time, as exemplified by the omission of classics such as The Babadook, The Shining, and Halloween. Nevertheless, there’s hope that The Substance might become a rare exception to this rule.

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The Oscars Case Against ‘The Substance’

Despite The Substance seeming unlikely to receive recognition from the Oscars at this stage, let’s explore potential reasons why it might be overlooked. A primary factor is that horror films typically struggle to gain traction, and unless they achieve iconic status, they often miss out on nominations altogether. For instance, despite Toni Collette’s outstanding performance in Hereditary, Lupita Nyong’o’s performance in Us, and Keke Palmer’s performance in Nope garnering widespread praise, none of these actresses were nominated for an Oscar.

In uncommon instances when horror movies receive Oscar acclaim, they tend to be more realistic or gritty within the genre. For example, the 1991 Best Picture winner, “The Silence of the Lambs,” steered clear of supernatural aspects and focused on psychological fright. Similarly, “Get Out” was as much a commentary on society as it was a horror film, with its creator’s skillful balance of tones sparking discussions about whether the movie truly fell under the horror genre (it undeniably did).

To put it simply, while it isn’t unprecedented for horror movies to secure an Oscar, it’s exceptionally rare when it comes to body horror films. A notable example of this oversight is David Cronenberg’s The Fly, a critically acclaimed film from 1986, which only managed to score a single nomination for its makeup effects (which it deservedly won). Jeff Goldblum’s outstanding performance in the lead role was unfortunately overlooked in the Best Actor category, leaving many, particularly Gene Siskel, disappointed. Given that a performance as impressive as Goldblum’s went unrecognized, it seems unlikely that the same people would be ready to acknowledge Demi Moore’s equally deserving acting in The Substance.

The Oscars Case for ‘The Substance’

As a cinephile, I can’t help but acknowledge the remarkable surge in popularity that “The Substance” has experienced lately. It’s truly extraordinary for a film, whether it falls under the horror genre or not, to be shortlisted by almost every prominent guild, securing multiple nominations, only to be snubbed at the Oscars – an occurrence seldom seen.

Remarkably, “The Substance” finds itself in the same league as David Cronenberg’s seminal body horror works, yet it also masterfully weaves together various genres, much like Jordan Peele’s groundbreaking film, “Get Out”.

Initially, Coralie Fargeat’s script is rich in dark humor and social critique. Fargeat has often discussed how she penned the movie during her early forties, a time when she grappled with self-doubt about aging, worrying that others might perceive her as obsolete. Her screenplay became a means for her to tackle these concerns and voice commentary on societal norms surrounding aging women. It’s no surprise then that The Substance struck a chord in the competitive world of Hollywood, given its poignant portrayal of realities reflected in the film, such as Demi Moore’s character Elisabeth being let go from her job the day she turns 50.

An additional significant factor supporting The Substance could be Demi Moore’s involvement, as she was a prominent figure in Hollywood during the ’80s and ’90s for her striking appearance, although she didn’t receive much critical acclaim. However, after some high-profile failures, she stepped away from the limelight. Hollywood often adores comeback stories, as evidenced by Brendan Fraser’s recent Oscar win for The Whale, and Moore’s performance in The Substance is undeniably a comeback. At last, she has a role that allows her to fully display her abilities, and she delivers an exceptional performance.

Her recent surprising victory at the Golden Globes strengthens the belief that her first Oscar nomination (and potentially win) is now highly probable. Given the industry’s growing affection for her, it seems quite plausible that this admiration will translate onto the movie The Substance, making it a strong contender to become an exceptional horror film to reach the Oscars. The final decision won’t be made until January 19th when the nominations are announced, but if The Substance manages to rekindle the love for horror at the Oscars, it will undoubtedly be a thrilling experience for everyone. You can stream The Substance on Mubi.

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2025-01-12 02:01