Splattered with gore and psychological thrills, the sci-fi horror film “The Substance” is incredibly uncomfortable in all the right ways. The movie follows Elisabeth Sparkle, who, on her 50th birthday, was fired from her job as an aerobics coach. After this incident, she turns to an unknown laboratory that can create a newer, better version of a person, injecting herself with what is known as “the Substance.” From this, Elisabeth’s ‘better self,’ Sue, is created. As the pair learn to navigate their shared existence — in which they cannot both be awake at the same time — Sue gains more and more fame and takes more time and youth away from Elisabeth. The cast consists of the iconic Demi Moore as Elisabeth, Margaret Qualley as Sue and Dennis Quaid as Elisabeth’s producer, Harvey. Written and directed by Coralie Fargeat, it is currently playing in theaters and is available for streaming on Amazon Prime.
Given the uncomfortable subject matter of aging throughout the film, Fargeat chose distressing camera angles and sleek cinematography. Utilizing distorting close-ups and static shots, the camerawork creates a sense of unease, though some shots feel out of place. Further, the retro-modern set reflects an almost timeless era, where the 1980s and 2010s exist as one, and the squelchy sound effects throughout the film make the audience squirm.
Most importantly, the gore in the film, while disturbing, is important to the storyline. Elisabeth’s discomfort in her aging body is integral to the motivation of the characters, and subsequently, the audience. Fair warning: This film is incredibly graphic, gory and features full frontal nudity. This film is not for everyone.
While the subject matter of “The Substance” is disturbing, it showcases the clear standards that women in the entertainment industry can feel subjected to; they must stay young, skinny and pretty, or they are otherwise labeled as useless. The larger commentary about many women feeling uncomfortable in their skin due to society’s incessant pressures to stay perfect is reflected in Sue and Elisabeth’s inability to coexist. Sue is pretty, perfect and perky, all of which Elisabeth no longer feels like she is. Moore and Qualley’s performances are incredible, and they both fully embrace the beauty and tragedy of the film. Unfortunately, much of the supporting cast largely fails to measure up to the acting prowess of the leads.
Altogether, “The Substance” is a beautifully grotesque commentary on the unattainable age and beauty standards that women endure.
Rating: 8.5/10
