After gaining international fame and recognition following the release of her 2017 debut feature film Revenge, French filmmaker Coralie Fargeat entered a very dark and lonely place in her personal life.
In her forties and contemplating the reality of success, fame, and fortune, those self-defeating thoughts of “what am I going to do now,” and “what if society forgets about me” began to take over. Thankfully for her own sanity, she was able to overcome that negativity. And thankfully for us she had the fortitude and skill to turn those feelings into her second feature film, The Substance, a daring exploration of the dark side of fame and female beauty standards.
Her film, which defies conventional genre boundaries, is a visceral and thought-provoking commentary on society's obsession with youth and perfection. Love it or hate it, it’s a cinematic experience that stays with you long after the credits roll.
The Substance stars Demi Moore as Elisabeth Sparkle, a middle-aged fitness icon with her own network show and celebrity following, who's shown the door by her male boss (a splendidly over the top Dennis Quaid) in favor of a more youthful personality.
Contemplating her next move, Elisabeth responds to a cryptic ad that promises a “younger, more beautiful, more perfect version of yourself.” It leads her to a mysterious voice on the phone and the dark alleys of Los Angeles where she picks up a kit with instructions for a black market drug called “The Substance” which she is to inject in her veins. Upon activating the procedure, Elisabeth births a new, younger, more attractive clone of herself she names Sue (Margaret Qualley, Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood).
Though the pair share a single identity with two completely separate bodies, they must follow the procedure’s strict guidelines which dictate they switch every seven days; while one carries on with daily life, the other remains in a vegetative state for a week. But what happens if one begins to stretch the rules to take more time for herself? You’ll find out, and it aint pretty!
At its core, The Substance is a horror film, but that doesn’t completely define it. Through its grotesque and graphic depiction of body mutilation, Fargeat forces us to confront our own complicity in a world that idolizes the unattainable. Her film explores the lengths to which individuals, particularly women, will go to retain their beauty, youth, and stardom. What lies behind the perfect, pearly smiles of public personas is often much darker than what we see on the surface. It's a world that can be kinder to younger, prettier women, and Fargeat illustrates the horrifying realities of maintaining such appearances.
Fargeat’s unique approach to the subject matter is both absurd and enlightening. She does not shy away from showing the gruesome consequences of living up to societal expectations. Many might describe what plays out as as disgusting, but this is precisely where its power lies. By pushing us to our limits, The Substance ensures its message is heard loud and clear.
Of The Substance’s many standout features is the impeccable camerawork of DP Benjamin Kracun. The uncomfortably extreme close-ups of men’s faces are a brilliant touch, emphasizing an industry dominated by power-hungry individuals who dictate these standards. These close-ups are not just a stylistic choice but a powerful statement about the film industry itself, making viewers question the power dynamics at play behind the scenes.
The Substance is not for the faint-hearted. It’s bloody, violent, and gory, and yet, it remains compellingly watchable – albeit through parted fingers. It walks the fine line between horror and art, delivering a message that’s as impactful as it is terrifying. Coralie Fargeat solidifies her place as a visionary writer-director, offering a fresh, albeit gruesome, perspective on a topic that’s all too relevant in today’s image-driven culture.
MPAA Rating: R.
Runtime: 141 mins
Director: Coralie Fargeat
Writer: Coralie Fargeat
Cast: Margaret Qualley; Demi Moore; Dennis Quaid
Genre: Drama | Horror
Tagline: A FIlm by Coralie Fargeat.
Memorable Movie Quote: "There's been a slight misuse of the Substance."
Distributor: Mubi Films
Official Site: https://mubi.com/en/us/films/the-substance
Release Date: September 20, 2024
DVD/Blu-ray Release Date:
Synopsis: A fading celebrity decides to use a black-market drug, a cell-replicating substance that temporarily creates a younger, better version of herself.
