The Substance is a satirical body horror film slated for release in 2024, packed with unsettling motifs and intense visuals. The film unsettles viewers through its unfiltered examination of society’s fixation on youth and beauty. Helmed by director Coralie Fargeat, it shocks audiences with intense body horror elements as it delves into the extreme measures individuals may take to maintain their youthful appearance.
Elisabeth Sparkle, the main character played by Demi Moore, endures horrific transformations after using a drug designed to reverse aging. The film debuted in theaters in the UK and the US on September 20, 2024, and is set to stream on Mubi starting October 31, 2024.
Focusing on Elisabeth Sparkle, a former TV fitness star grappling with the harsh reality of aging in a youth-obsessed culture, the narrative explores her discovery of a black-market drug that facilitates her transformation into a younger self.
The plot unfolds as Elisabeth’s decision leads to dire consequences, resulting in both versions of her life spiraling into chaos.
The Substance: The Storyline
The Demi Moore-led film is particularly notable for its graphic depiction of body horror, centered around Elisabeth Sparkle’s grotesque metamorphosis. On her 50th birthday, the faded star faces rejection from her television aerobics show, deemed too old. As she becomes fixated on a promotional billboard of her youth being removed, she loses control of her vehicle.
After being hospitalized, a nurse provides her with a flash drive promoting The Substance, a drug that enables the birth of a younger iteration of oneself. After some contemplation, Elisabeth decides to take the drug, resulting in the emergence of a younger version of herself, named Sue, who sprouts from her back. Both must alternate lives, swapping every seven days, while the dormant one lies unconscious.
Fast forward three months, and the situation deteriorates significantly. On the eve of a New Year’s show, Sue consumes Elisabeth’s stabilizer fluid, leaving her original body entirely depleted.
Faced with dire circumstances, they switch bodies, but Elisabeth is appalled to find herself transformed into a deformed hunchback due to Sue’s excessive consumption of the stabilizer fluid.
In a desperate bid, Elisabeth seeks a termination serum intended to eliminate Sue; however, her craving for validation prevents her from fully executing the plan. Instead, she revives Sue, upsetting their fragile equilibrium, resulting in both being fully aware.
Upon realizing Elisabeth’s actions, Sue reacts violently, tragically killing Elisabeth in a fit of rage before heading to the New Year’s broadcast. Attempting to create a new version of herself, she ends up as a grotesque amalgamation. During a live transmission, her mask slips, inciting pandemonium, culminating in her decapitation.
The remnants of her form escape, collapsing into a gruesome pile of organs. Meanwhile, Elisabeth’s face crawls onto her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, grinning before disintegrating into a pool of blood that is promptly cleaned up the following day.
Cast and Crew Highlights
Demi Moore shines as Elisabeth Sparkle, delivering one of her finest performances to date. Margaret Qualley, portraying the youthful Sue, also leaves a striking impression, embodying the darker elements of ambition and youth.
Dennis Quaid plays Harvey, the studio head and symbol of the harsh patriarchy that dismisses Elisabeth. Coralie Fargeat’s direction is incisive and relentless, effectively delivering a poignant message regarding societal beauty pressures. The special effects team deserves accolades for vividly realizing the film’s nightmarish transformations.
The Substance can be viewed as a feminist interpretation of classic body horror films like The Fly and The Thing. It critiques the beauty and entertainment industries for their incessant pressure on women to remain youthful and attractive.
While some critics argue that the film’s graphic aspects might overshadow its profound messages, the raw and unvarnished storytelling allows The Substance to shine as a noteworthy horror film and a social critique.
The film evokes thought-provoking themes surrounding the grim realities of aging and societal beauty standards. With Demi Moore’s compelling performance and disturbing visual effects, it promises to leave a lasting impression. While it scrutinizes the darker elements of society’s obsession with youth, it also compels viewers to ponder the true cost of seeking eternal beauty.
Mark your calendars: The Substance will premiere on Mubi beginning October 31, 2024.
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