It has become a cliche to say that a horror film is extreme or unlike anything you’ve ever seen. Too often, the degree to which something is gory or out there is exaggerated, resulting in some level of audience disappointment. Well, I’m here to tell you that The Substance warrants those kinds of brash comments. A body horror satire with terrific performances, it’s as out there as it gets. No matter what you’ve heard, you’re not read for this flick, and I mean that as a major compliment, too.
The Substance goes hard. It does so in service of a metaphor that wouldn’t jive with subtlety, that’s for sure. Women in Hollywood, the aging process, sexism, it’s all in here, done in a savagely satirical manner. Plus, again, this is a very graphic body horror epic, at nearly two and a half hours long. Is it going to be for everyone? No. Was it very much up my alley? You better believe it. This is one of the most darkly enjoyable experiences of the year.
Elisabeth Sparkle (Demi Moore) used to be a star. An award-winning actress, Elisabeth was seen as a beauty queen and among the biggest celebrities in the world. Now, as she hits her 50th birthday, she’s the host of a popular aerobics show. It’s been successful, but clearly not fulfilling, though when her boss Harvey (Dennis Quaid) lets her go, in the hopes of finding a younger model, she’s devastated. After an accident, the fading celebrity is told about The Substance, a black-market drug which utilizes a cell-replicating agent that temporarily creates a younger, better version of you. Without much hesitation, she signs up and takes her first dose.
One gory transformation later and a younger version of herself emerges, literally from her body. Dubbed Sue (Margaret Qualley), she immediately auditions and gets the aerobics show. Containing all of Elisabeth’s youthful beauty and star power, she’s an instant icon. The only catch is, both bodies need an equal week out and about, with the other hidden away, naked and being fed through a tube. Failure to abide by that has consequences, which Sue finds out about one night. Thus begins a battle of bodies, with some incredible and shocking body horror to come. The fun is in the surprises, too, as you’ll never see the third act coming.
Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley have never been better. They’re both emotionally and physically naked here, working in concert with each other. While they’re not identical, the way that they evoke each other is wonderful. Moore especially goes all-out in a de-glam type performance that will blow you away. The role calls for someone of her ilk and she absolutely knocks it out of the park. Watching Moore be this free and this bold is exhilarating. As for Qualley, it’s a whole new side of her, which I found very exciting. She’s leaning in to the elements that are preying upon Moore, making for a really interesting dichotomy. Dennis Quaid is having a lot of fun playing a monster of a studio executive. He’s evoking you know who and doing it in a way that brings out the right amount of cringe. Moore and Qualley are the stars, but in addition to Quaid, the supporting cast include Gore Abrams, Hugo Diego Garcia, Oscar Lesage, and a few others. Don’t get it twisted though, this is the Moore and Qualley show, plain and simple.
Filmmaker Coralie Fargeat writes and directs this picture fearlessly. No one else is making feminist body horror, so kudos to her for not just conceiving of the idea, but executing it so well. First and foremost, opting to cast separate actresses is not a welcome old-school move, but exactly what the film needed. The Substance would have missed its own point by not having someone like Moore and someone like Qualley sharing the role. CGI-ing either one of them simply would not have worked. Fargeat hammers the points home without a ton of subtlety, but that’s the point. This is how the world treats Elisabeth, of course. The script never forgets that, while Fargeat’s direction leans in. Plus, she has a wonderful handle on gore, going harder than you’ll ever expect. If you’re not covering your eyes at some point, she’s not doing her job.
Fair warning, The Substance is graphic. Now, it’s a feature, not a bug, but this is going to be too much for some. There’s substantial nudity, which you eventually become numb to, but it’s also incredibly gory. Throw in a wild ending that utilizes some incredibly gnarly makeup (among other things) and this could prove tough for a more demure audience member. The feminist satire take on celebrity and body horror worked for me in a big way, but I’m also very fond of horror. Your mileage may vary.
To that end, this film will be an interesting test of Academy tastes. If this were a simple film about an aging actress, I do think Demi Moore would have a great chance at a Best Actress nomination. The thing is, Oscar doesn’t usually go for body horror. Now, the metaphor and satire on display may well resonate with voters more so than another movie of its ilk. Still, this seems like a big ask for them, though I’d love to see it happen.
The Substance is a rare mix of acting showcase and body horror. Unsurprisingly, I loved it. Moore and Qualley are phenomenal, Fargeat’s filmmaking is first-rate, and the surprises in the back half are just delightfully unhinged. I truly can’t wait for more people to see this one. It shocked folks just last week at the Toronto International Film Festival. Now, as it heads from TIFF to theaters, you all should check this one out. It’s not to be missed!
SCORE: ★★★1/2
