The Substance (2024)
Body horror with something to say.
A couple of months ago, I started hearing whispers about what a phenomenal film The Substance was. I usually avoid buying into film festival hype, having been disappointed before by overblown expectations based on long standing ovations. However, The Substance is the real deal. The first thing that blew me away was the sheer level of gore that writer/director Coralie Fargeat opted for. I caught an early Saturday showing, and it was clear that many of the audience members had no idea what they had signed up for. During an especially gruesome moment in the last 45 minutes, two people in my row got up, walked out, and didn’t return.
Coralie does a fantastic job of highlighting the issues and challenges women face in modern society, especially regarding unrealistic beauty standards and the internal struggles they bring. Dennis Quaid shines as Harvey, the nightmare chauvinist boss, a performance that truly embodies the gross indifference of his character. In one particularly memorable scene, Harvey slurps down shrimp with such disdainful nonchalance that it cuts through the screen like a knife.
Demi Moore plays Elizabeth Sparkle, a woman booted from her job by Harvey in favor of "younger, hotter" talent. She's then presented with a miraculous opportunity to become the best version of herself—but, of course, there are some caveats. One small nitpick: how did Elizabeth figure out what to do with instructions that vague? Nonetheless, she ends up creating a bizarre "time-share" arrangement with her younger, "better" self. Predictably, things spiral out of control when youth gets the keys to the proverbial car.
Margaret Qualley plays Sue, the younger version of Elizabeth Sparkle. Sue reaps all the benefits promised by The Substance—success, career opportunities, and the ability to drink all night without consequence. However, as the movie progresses, Sue becomes increasingly dissatisfied with their arrangement. Her rule-breaking starts to have disastrous consequences for Elizabeth, yet Elizabeth remains unwilling to end the experiment.
The world crafted for this film feels like a dreamscape. Throughout, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off. Jazzercise is must-see TV, yet everyone has cell phones. Billboards feature faces but little information. Even Elizabeth herself moves through the world as if trapped in a strange dream—crawling into a dark, dingy space that suddenly opens into a clean, white room. These surreal elements don't detract from the film; in fact, they enhance its atmosphere. It wasn’t until my second viewing that I began to fully appreciate the surrealist touches.
I won’t spoil the final act, but buckle up—it's a wild ride. The practical effects are phenomenal and terrifying. Coralie masterfully blends humor into some of the film's most gore-laden moments, offering the audience a chance to laugh off some of the more intense scenes. The film ends on an improbable but satisfying note, with Elizabeth finally content with her image and ready to step out into the world.
While there’s still plenty of time left in the year, The Substance is sure to be high on my list of 2024 horror films. With so many bad movies out there, this is one you should absolutely treat yourself to. Catch it in theaters, and when it hits physical release, be sure to buy it. Vote with your wallet for the kind of cinema Hollywood should focus on.