Every once in a while, a movie comes along that shakes things up, making you rethink what you know and how far you’re willing to go as a viewer. The Substance is exactly that kind of film. Written, directed, and co-produced by Coralie Fargeat, this 2024 satirical body horror film is one wild ride that’ll leave you both in awe and maybe a little nauseous.
The story follows Elisabeth Sparkle, an aerobics icon, whose life takes a nosedive when she gets fired on her 50th birthday. While she’s still reeling from the shock, a shady lab offers her a “miracle” substance that promises to turn her into the best version of herself.
From the very start, the movie is a visual and emotional rollercoaster. Demi Moore, who plays Elisabeth, is incredible—her portrayal of someone chasing the elusive fountain of youth is equal parts mesmerizing and heartbreaking. Then there’s Margaret Qualley, playing the younger, chemically-enhanced version of Elisabeth, which brings a whole new level of weirdness. Her performance? Equal parts fascinating and unnerving.
What The Substance does best is its brutal honesty about our society’s obsession with youth and beauty. It doesn’t sugarcoat anything, diving headfirst into the grotesque to tackle big themes like identity and self-worth. The story is gripping, the acting is top-notch, and the direction is sharp. But—and this is a big “but”—it’s also a lot. Like, a lot.
This movie is not for the faint-hearted. It’s gross, disturbing, and at times just plain hard to watch. I found myself looking away more than once. While I appreciate how ambitious it is, the unrelenting pace and in-your-face imagery might be too much for some people to handle.
The Substance is definitely an achievement in filmmaking. It stays with you, gets under your skin, and forces you to think long after it’s over. But its heavy-handed approach and constant intensity could alienate those who prefer a more subtle or slower burn.
In the end, I respect the film’s boldness and how it dives into tough topics without flinching. That being said, I couldn’t help but feel that sometimes, pulling back a little would’ve made it even more powerful. The Substance is a crazy ride, but be warned—it’s a lot to take in.
