The Substance review: Smart and grotesque body horror at its absolute best

As someone who has been enthralled by the macabre and twisted delights of body horror for years, I can confidently say that “The Substance” is a masterclass in this subgenre. The film’s audacious approach to satire and its unapologetic exploration of societal prejudices against aging women is nothing short of revolutionary.

In terms of horror films that are particularly disturbing, none can compare to body horror subgenres. These movies feature scenes where bodies are dissected, brutally mutilated, twisted into forms no human should naturally assume, all while being drenched in gore. This combination often leaves the average viewer feeling a bit nauseous.

body horror films frequently involve graphic depictions of violence, explicit sexual content, and unsettling themes akin to “The Human Centipede”, making them taboo yet appealing only to those with strong constitutions. Notably, the director of “The Substance”, Coralie Fargeat, opted to delve into this genre after her successful 2017 film, “Revenge”, which redefined the rape-revenge thriller category.

In this film titled “The Substance“, we follow the story of Elisabeth Sparkle, a once-famous actress turned aerobics instructor, portrayed exceptionally by Demi Moore with both comedic finesse and emotional depth in an outstanding role. On her 50th birthday, her boss decides to replace her with a younger, more attractive individual, abruptly firing Elisabeth and initiating a search for her successor.

It’s not surprising that Fargeat won the Best Screenplay Award at this year’s Cannes Festival because she wrote an exceptional script that masterfully critiques society’s unfortunate practice of marginalizing older women and denying them opportunities after a certain age.

When Elizabeth discovers she might be replaced, she decides to experiment with an innovative injection technique called “The Substance.” To use it, she simply injects herself with a bright green fluid, leading to the emergence of another Elizabeth – a younger, more flexible version, specifically designed for the male gaze (portrayed by Margaret Qualley in a remarkable performance alongside Moore). This second Elizabeth appears dramatically when her back splits open and she crawls out during a grotesque birthing sequence. The main condition Elizabeth must adhere to is to alternate between her two identities every seven days, or else suffer the consequences. However, as Elizabeth’s duplicate, whom she names “Sue,” gains popularity, returning to her older self becomes less enticing.

Despite The Substance’s lengthy 2 hours and 20 minutes span, I never found myself getting bored for even a moment during the viewing. I could easily discuss this movie at length due to its stunning production design and color palette that echoes Stanley Kubrick’s style. Each scene is a work of art, and Fargeat doesn’t hesitate to bring his unique vision to life, giving the film an alluringly beautiful aesthetic.

This movie is incredibly straightforward, with no hidden nuances evident in its visual style, shot composition, editing, and cinematography. The narrative is as much conveyed through the camera work and set design, particularly the bathroom and Elisabeth’s apartment, as it is through acting and dialogue. It’s a remarkable blend of intricate detail and grandeur. Fargeat’s potential masterpiece. And the sounds, my goodness, the sounds!

You may recall the popular meme from Family Guy where Peter criticizes The Godfather for being too self-indulgent. Similarly, although I initially had reservations about The Substance, my feelings quickly changed – I actually adored it and yearned for more.

The film titled ‘The Substance’ is brimming with audacity and visually striking cinematography, exuding swagger and self-assuredness from the get-go until the very end. It skirts the line of New French Extremity, yet maintains a lighter, more playful tone rather than the seriousness typically associated with that genre. The climax promises to send shivers down your spine as it descends into sheer chaos and gory display. I’m genuinely excited to see what Fargeat comes up with next.

The Substance is now playing in select theaters nationwide.

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2024-09-22 05:25