Review by Jon Donnis
The Substance is an absolute wild ride: a dark, satirical, and stomach-churning trip through the world of vanity, fame, and self-destruction. Coralie Fargeat has crafted something grotesque yet mesmerising, and it definitely makes a mark, even if it is not for everyone.
Demi Moore's performance as Elisabeth Sparkle is nothing short of a revelation. Honestly, it might be one of her best roles in years. She brings an almost tragic realism to the washed-up, ageing star whose desperation to hold onto youth and fame drives her to use this eerie product, The Substance. Margaret Qualley, playing her younger, more perfect self Sue, is equally brilliant, embodying the seductive charm and carefree hedonism of the younger version. The dynamic between the two, or rather, the two sides of one person, is gripping and disturbing. You can feel the growing tension as their lives spiral out of control, and they become their own worst enemies, quite literally. A slight issue I have here is that Margaret Qualley looks nothing like Demi Moore.
One of the things that really stands out in The Substance is its boldness. It is incredibly gross with a wicked sense of humour that cuts deep into the obsession with beauty and youth. Fargeat's direction is razor-sharp, with every shot drenched in style and intensity. The film's visual effects and prosthetics are particularly impressive, making the body horror both shocking and believable.
However, this is not a film for the faint of heart. Some viewers might find the gore too much, and it does occasionally lean a bit heavily on the shock factor. The final act, while memorable, pushes things to such extreme levels that it borders on the absurd, but that is part of its twisted charm. The simplicity of the script sometimes shows, with the film relying more on its visuals and visceral moments than on clever dialogue or intricate plot developments.
As a critique of Hollywood's obsession with appearance, The Substance nails its point but lacks some subtlety. The commentary on how show business chews up and spits out people once their beauty fades is clear, though it feels slightly outdated in today's climate. That said, the film's raw energy, combined with its over-the-top horror, makes it an entertaining watch.
In the end, The Substance is a fun, gory spectacle that delivers on its promise of shock and satire. If you have the stomach for it, this is a wild, bloody treat. I'd give it a solid 8 out of 10.
Out now in Cinemas.
Coming soon to digital https://apple.co/4f90UnI
