As a seasoned film enthusiast who has witnessed the evolution of Hollywood from the golden age to the digital age, I must say that Demi Moore’s latest offering, “The Substance,” is nothing short of a maximalist masterpiece. Having seen the likes of Susan Sarandon in “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” and Meryl Streep in “Death Becomes Her,” I can confidently assert that “The Substance” joins the ranks of films that push the boundaries of body horror and satire with unapologetic panache.
There’s a deep longing in each of us for our own moment in the limelight, and it can be particularly unsettling when former stars try to recapture their fame. The entertainment industry is filled with aging celebrities pushing boundaries to stay relevant while new talents rise. Movies like Sunset Boulevard, What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?, and more recently, Black Swan explore this theme of being overshadowed by youth, with a hint of eeriness. However, none have delved as deeply into the nightmare aspect of this story as The Substance.
A Glorious Experiment in Body Horror
Demi Moore delivers a standout performance, one that could be considered her best, in the role of Elisabeth Sparkle, a fading TV star reminiscent of Bette Davis and Gloria Swanson. In the movie “The Substance”, she portrays an aging Hollywood icon who is pushed aside by her network for someone more youthful and vibrant. This character inhabits a world that blends past and future Hollywood, and we’re left wondering just how far Elisabeth is prepared to go to restore her once-illustrious name in the cultural spotlight.
Directed by Coralie Fargeat (known for “The Sandman”), the movie titled “The Substance” was swiftly acquired by MUBI for distribution following a highly successful, award-winning debut at this year’s Cannes Film Festival – quite deservedly so. The notable critical quote emblazoned on its promotional materials reads, “Completely and utterly insane,” but after experiencing it ourselves, we might go as far as saying that description falls short.
Prepare yourself for an exhilarating dive into the realm of body horror that transcends terror, offering a biting satire on Hollywood and societal norms. As a devoted cinephile, I’ve seldom encountered a prestige horror film as captivating as The Substance. The performances from Moore, Margaret Qualley, and Dennis Quaid are nothing short of extraordinary, particularly Quaid’s remarkable supporting role. Buckle up for this thrilling journey, and let me tell you, the praise for this movie is pouring in. Here’s a taste of what makes it so special:
A Retro-Future Satire with Brilliant Visuals
Starting our story with a stylish, rapid succession of scenes focusing exclusively on the iconic Walk of Fame in Hollywood seems fitting. Our character, Elisabeth, has a star that gradually loses its luster due to unintentional damage by careless passersby. This serves as a symbol for the declining fascination the public has towards well-known celebrities as time passes. The movie, The Substance, is rich with such visual themes subtly reinforcing the plotline.
Speaking of visuals, The Substance possesses an unusual sense of timelessness, which aligns remarkably well with the film’s central themes. The vivid pastel hues that dominate the screen, notably the Kubrick-inspired television studio where Elisabeth hosts her popular morning exercise show, might initially give the impression that the story takes place in the 1980s. However, upon observing characters like Elisabeth using smartphones, you realize that this is a reflection of our contemporary times. This becomes even more evident when considering the futuristic medical practices presented within this intriguing Western setting.
It’s possible that Elisabeth had begun to suspect her relevance was waning, but the final blow comes when she accidentally overhears her boss, Harvey (Quaid), who is notoriously toxic, ranting about needing a new young and vibrant star immediately rather than her. After an accident sends Elisabeth to the hospital, she meets a mysterious nurse (Robin Greer) who provides her with a referral for someone who could potentially help address her perceived aging issues. Elisabeth may yet possess the necessary qualities to revitalize her career before long…
Margaret Qualley Is Sublime in This Shockingly Explicit Movie
In the story, Margaret Qualley portrays Sue, also known as the reincarnation of the younger Elizabeth. After her older self succumbs to temptation and carries out a certain experiment, this new character is born. To keep her identity hidden from the public, she adopts the alias “Sue” from another town. This instantly piques the interest of Harvey, a sexually charged character, and those behind him in the network. The two versions of Elizabeth must abide by some basic rules to maintain their shared existence without being discovered. However, one might wonder what potential complications could arise?
In this part of the movie, the unsettling aspects gradually unfold, and it’s evident that the filmmaker was influenced by Cronenberg’s “The Fly.” Given the chilling developments during the second act, which involve ominous medical complications that demand strict adherence to rules by Elisabeth and her team, this inspiration becomes clear. Some viewers might find the graphic visuals disturbing — though warnings about the film’s content may have reached you, there’s no way to fully prepare for a mind-bending, climax that ties up all the satirical elements in a shockingly gruesome and disorienting manner.
In a particularly compelling role, Qualley delivers what might be her most impactful performance yet, given her reputation for vulnerability and freedom as an actress. Her impressive roles in films such as “Stars at Noon”, “Sanctuary”, “Kinds of Kindness”, and the critically acclaimed HBO series “The Leftovers” have showcased her abilities, and she is unafraid to use her body expressively in ways that may have previously been considered daring. She excels in this part, seemingly poking fun at her Hollywood persona, but it’s worth noting that “The Substance” is undeniably Moore’s magnum opus.
Demi Moore’s Maximalist Masterpiece
Interestingly enough, the most impactful moment doesn’t involve body horror at all. Instead, it centers around Elizabeth’s old classmate proposing a date to her. In a turn of events, downtrodden Elizabeth accepts his offer for an extravagant evening. She spruces up, applying makeup meticulously, yet remains uncertain about her appearance. A chilling scene unfolds as she repeatedly reapplies her makeup in front of the mirror — without any dialogue — which powerfully conveys the pressures and toxic aspects of beauty and youth in today’s society.
In various parts of “The Substance”, you’ll find numerous flamboyant, innovative moments. Some viewers might find these scenes overly bold and flashy, but remember, this is Hollywood we’re talking about – it’s all about the spectacle. Given its subject matter and setting, it’s fitting that the film is as extravagant as it is. Don’t miss out on the cinematic experience in theaters. “The Substance” from MUBI will be hitting theaters on September 20th.
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2024-09-17 00:33