Top 7 Movies to Watch If You Enjoyed ‘The Substance’
The Substance, released on September 20, 2024, is a body horror dark comedy-drama film directed by Coralie Fargeat. The narrative revolves around Elisabeth Sparkle, portrayed by Demi Moore, a faded celebrity who consumes a dubious drug known as The Substance in a desperate attempt to rejuvenate her appearance.
Following this, Sue (played by Margaret Qualley), her younger and more vibrant counterpart, emerges, leading to a chaotic and grotesque battle for supremacy between the two. Dennis Quaid also stars as Harvey. The film serves as a direct and satirical commentary on beauty standards, weaving a thread of morbid fascination around fame.
For aficionados of this distinctive blend of horror, humor, and challenging themes concerning body dysmorphia and identity, we present 7 films that share similarities with The Substance.
Under the Skin, Black Swan, and 5 More Body Horror Films Similar to The Substance
1) Under the Skin (2013)
Under the Skin, a 2013 sci-fi thriller directed by Jonathan Glazer, stars Scarlett Johansson as an extraterrestrial who entices men in Scotland into her van. Her character seduces these unsuspecting men before leading them to a sinister fate in an ominous pool of water.
The film intricately explores themes of identity, humanity, and alienation, showcased through Johansson’s captivating yet emotionally detached performance.
What’s particularly intriguing about the film is that the men lured into her van were not actors, but actual people caught on camera. Viewers were captivated by its stunning visuals, ethereal soundtrack, and Johansson’s eerie portrayal of the lead character.
Much like The Substance, Under the Skin delves into the contrast between outward appearances and inner realities, appealing to fans grappling with body image and identity themes.
2) Black Swan (2010)
Black Swan, directed by Darren Aronofsky, is a psychological thriller featuring Nina, played by Natalie Portman. Nina’s obsessive quest for perfection as a ballerina leads to a harrowing loss of self. She competes against her rival, Lily (played by Mila Kunis), as the dual roles of the White and Black Swan in “Swan Lake” push her to a fragile edge, resulting in severe psychological and physical transformations.
Audiences were entranced by the film’s high-stakes portrayal of the struggle for perfection, Portman’s riveting performance, and the striking aesthetics. Similar to The Substance, Black Swan tackles identity issues, transformation, and the dark facets of aspiration.
3) The Human Centipede (2009)
The Human Centipede is directed by Tom Six and presents a grotesque horror story centered on the malevolent Dr. Heiter, chillingly portrayed by Dieter Laser. He kidnaps three unsuspecting tourists to satisfy his horrifying surgical fantasy of surgically connecting them to form a human centipede.
This film explores unsettling themes of bodily autonomy and medical experimentation as Ashley C. Williams, Ashlynn Yennie, and Akihiro Kitamura fight for survival in this mix of horror and dark humor. Its provocative narrative and visuals drew considerable intrigue from audiences.
Similarly, the 2024 film The Substance probes the disturbing blend of science and morality, illuminating the ethical ramifications of experimental pursuits, leaving an indelible impact on the horror genre.
4) The Skin I Live In (2011)
The Skin I Live In, directed by Pedro Almodóvar, delves into themes of identity and vengeance through the story of plastic surgeon Dr. Robert Ledgard, played by Antonio Banderas. After a tragic accident, Ledgard becomes fixated on creating a new, invulnerable skin; he kidnaps and experiments on Vera, played by the expressive Elena Anaya.
This film intricately weaves themes of trauma, transformation, and the quest for identity, challenging traditional notions of beauty and power. Its compelling narrative and rich visuals, combined with deep emotional connections between characters, create an unforgettable experience.
In a similar vein, the 2024 film The Substance explores the darker aspects of scientific advancement, prompting audiences to confront the ethical dilemmas and psychological repercussions of such endeavors, as it challenges societal perceptions of humanity’s vulnerability.
5) Jennifer’s Body (2009)
In Jennifer’s Body, directed by Karyn Kusama, Megan Fox stars as Jennifer, a high school girl who transforms into a man-eater following a botched sacrifice aimed at promoting a band. As she hunts local boys, her best friend Needy, played by Amanda Seyfried, faces the horrors that ensue.
This horror-comedy combines themes of female friendship, sexual desire, and societal pressures, earning cult status for its wit and its exploration of female characters within the male gaze.
Likewise, the 2024 film The Substance tackles issues of identity and desire, presenting a narrative that questions morality and self-concept while challenging viewers to confront the complexities of actions in a morally ambiguous world.
6) The Fly (1986)
The Fly, directed by David Cronenberg, features Jeff Goldblum as Seth Brundle, a scientist who accidentally merges his DNA with that of a fly during a teleportation experiment. His agonizing transformation into a grotesque creature highlights themes of identity, isolation, and sheer greed.
His love interest, played by Geena Davis, is also thrust into the horror of Seth’s metamorphosis. The film’s combination of body horror and deeper emotional themes, enhanced by groundbreaking visual effects, captivated audiences.
In the 2024 film The Substance, the creators similarly analyze the repercussions of scientific inquiry and the fragility of human essence, questioning the ethicality and morality in light of rapid technological strides.
7) Old (2021)
In M. Night Shyamalan’s Old, a family vacation quickly turns sinister as they discover a secluded beach with a deadly secret: time accelerates, aging them rapidly. Starring Gael García Bernal and Vicky Krieps, the film tackles themes of mortality, time, and the relentless fear of aging.
Its tense atmosphere and thought-provoking plot draw viewers in, prompting reflections on life’s transience. Much like the existential themes in these films, The Substance explores the human experience through scientific experimentation, challenging characters to confront their realities and the profound implications of their choices.
These 7 films, akin to the Cannes award-winning The Substance, provide a captivating viewing experience for fans who appreciate grotesque visuals and complex themes inherent in the body horror genre.
The Substance is available for streaming on Mubi.
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