By Anthony Caruso
Prepare yourself for a wild ride—“The Substance” is nothing short of a roller coaster, delivering a twisted and deranged modern fairy tale that will leave you breathless. Directed and written by the incredibly talented Coralie Fargeat, this film stars Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley in roles that blur the lines between an ugly old witch and a naive, beautiful princess; decay and youth. It’s a brilliantly crafted parable about femininity, the pressures that society places on people to retain their youth, and the relentless expectations the entertainment industry imposes on women to remain eternally fit and beautiful.
From the very first scene, Fargeat’s visionary direction captivated me. The script is a riveting blend of unsettling drama and dark humor. The direction turns the mundane into something genuinely terrifying through unnerving close-ups that pierce through the fairy tale-esque camera filter that gives the movie a dreamlike quality. This isn’t just "body horror" for the sake of "body horror"; it’s a deeply layered narrative that explores the human experience. As someone who usually steers clear of "body horror" themselves, I found “The Substance” to be a refreshing exception in the genre that resonated with me on multiple levels.
As alluded to above, in terms of visuals, the film possesses an almost dreamlike quality, enhancing its fairy tale essence. Each shot is crafted with precision, making even the most ordinary moments feel fraught with tension and foreboding. This aesthetic mastery is a testament to the cinematography, which should undoubtedly earn accolades come awards season.
Now, let’s talk about the performances. Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley deliver Oscar-worthy turns that are both mesmerizing and raw. It’s thrilling to see Moore back in such a commanding role, effortlessly showcasing her depth as an actress. But it’s Qualley who truly blew me away—her portrayal of a woman who spirals into darkness is nothing short of astounding. This has been a remarkable year for her - she was one of the highlights in "Kinds of Kindness" too, after all! I’d love to see her cast as Catwoman in the upcoming DCU reboot!
Besides being one of the most disturbing movies I've ever seen, it's also one of the sexiest! Indeed, both our lead actresses spent a large portion of the film completely nude, and a substantial portion in skimpy outfits, shot in a way that's almost pornographic. In terms of the nudity, while prevalent and provocative, it serves a purpose beyond mere titillation. Moore and Qualley embrace their bodies in a way that’s both daring and liberating. Fargeat doesn’t shy away from showcasing imperfections, challenging the audience’s perceptions of beauty and vulnerability. As a hot-blooded viewer, I certainly appreciated the sensuality and naked bodies, but I was equally impressed by the intent behind it.
While the movie is great, it’s worth noting that it isn’t flawless. It runs a bit too long, and the third act veers into chaotic territory that may be a tad much for some viewers - including myself. It works for the movie, however, and the film's ambition and thematic depth writ large far outweigh any shortcomings, which are mere nitpicks in the grand scheme of things.
Overall, “The Substance” is one of my favorite films of the year thus far. It’s a creative masterpiece that tackles relatable themes about aging with fascinating commentary on societal pressures, all while delivering compelling performances that linger long after the credits roll. Rush to theaters to experience this gem on the biggest screen possible —it deserves to be a box-office success. In fact, it was so damn good, I hope to see it at least one more time before it leaves theaters, and I know I'll be watching it often when it eventually hits streaming.