In a world obsessed with beauty and superficiality, what are we beyond what others perceive? Coralie Fargeat’s breakout film, The Substance poses this difficult and all too real question from the perspective of a middle-aged woman. Although it has been consistently sitting around number 11 in the US box office, The Substance has received outstanding praise from critics and is undoubtedly one of the best films, if not the best film, of the year.
The Substance follows Elisabeth Sparkle (Demi Moore), a once relevant TV personality who was fired from her own TV show after turning 50. The TV show puts out advertisements searching for a new, younger star, and Sparkle is determined to get back on screen. She is offered a black-market injection that promises to create a younger version of her (Margaret Qualley), which would allow her to get her show back. What she isn’t expecting are the harsh and unbearable side effects of the drug that ultimately rob her of whatever remaining beauty she has. The Substance doesn’t strive for beauty, and instead deliberately showcases the painful aspects of life as a woman. Dark humor and horror combine in this movie to create a compelling and unapologetic look into a world that defines and controls us based on our external appearances.
This movie isn’t only amazing because of its themes, but because it challenges traditional conventions of film. Oftentimes, movies take themselves too seriously, which can make them feel slow and overly layered. While it is important for a film to have some level of nuance, movies can fall flat and become confusing when they are too introspective. The Substance doesn’t take itself seriously, using a fast-paced approach and incorporating a healthy dose of humor throughout—not to mention the garish, grotesque, and over-the-top special effects that dominate the film. The Substance is glaring, raw, and shameless. Fargeat wasn’t afraid to make the film’s metaphors obvious and its execution unapologetic. This lack of nuance powerfully amplifies its impact without sacrificing the film’s intensity or oversimplifying the narrative.
The film’s greatness not only lies in its challenge to established cinematic norms but also in the outstanding performances of its actresses and its cinematography. The film has little dialogue, but this goes unnoticed thanks to Moore’s powerhouse performance as Elizabeth Sparkle—controlled, cool, with something more vulnerable and sinister lurking beneath. Similarly, Qualley does an amazing job of portraying the younger version of Moore—sweet, seductive, with a dark undercurrent of unpredictability. The cinematography of The Substance is also truly gorgeous. The camera never shies away from capturing gore and pain, skillfully contrasting this with beauty in a way that is captivating and deeply uncomfortable. Each frame is carefully crafted, ensuring that every shot could stand alone as its own stunning photograph.
The Substance transcends the conventions of most movies, with visionary direction, fierce performances, and stunning cinematography. By daring to explore the brutal aspects of the human experience, the film challenges audiences to reconsider their own truths, undoubtedly leaving an indelible mark on anyone who has the privilege of watching it.
