Director Coralie Fargeat, who debuted with her feature Revenge in 2017, has hit theatres with her latest film, The Substance. After winning the Best Screenplay Award at this year’s Cannes Film Festival, this experimental horror has been incredibly successful at the box office, having now surpassed $25 million globally.
Demi Moore plays Elizabeth Sparkle, a once-successful movie star who is now the host of a rather dated daytime aerobics show. When Elizabeth discovers the network’s plan to replace her with a younger host she turns to ‘the substance’. This science-fiction-like medical procedure promises a newer, younger, better version of yourself. We then watch as Elizabeth Sparkle destroys herself in order to hold on to beauty, youth, and relevancy.
When Elizabeth takes the substance, what emerges from within her is the young and confident Sue, played by Margaret Qualley. Qualley’s performance is skillfully uncanny. She slots perfectly into the surreal world that this film creates, a world in which Demi Moore is completely antagonistic. Moore’s performance is endlessly captivating as she reveals through very little dialogue the effects of the Hollywood system on her self-worth. She brings a striking touch of realism to the film in her candid portrayal of a woman who feels discarded by society.
This film captures some truly repulsive moments with its striking imagery and invasive sound design. Fargeat leans into the gore and repulsion, and the aesthetics of the film are a real treat for body horror fans. No time is wasted on subtlety, the editing is fast and the camerawork is purposeful, which creates some hilariously entertaining sequences. Unfortunately, I found this also left a hollowness within the narrative.
While the fast editing is entertaining, it leaves little room to get to know the characters. I often felt disconnected from the narrative and was left struggling to understand both Elizabeth and Sue’s motivations. ‘The Substance’ expertly introduces themes such as ageism, sexism, and society’s obsession with body image. Disappointingly, because of the film’s pace and punchy style, there is no time spared to explore these themes past the surface level. I found this especially disappointing because the premise of the film is so compelling and original.
If it were not for the striking camerawork, the daring visual effects, and the shocking moments of gore, I would have become bored with this film halfway through. However, it retains a trashy, glossy, over-the-top style that I could not look away from (although I was sometimes watching through my fingers to shield my eyes from the mutilation on screen). There is a lot to enjoy in this film. It is stylish, modern, relevant, and fun. You will laugh, shriek, and some might even cry, Unfortunately, there is so much promise in the story that I am left disappointed by the lack of any real substance.
