The Substance

If you truly listen to The Substance, what it's saying is that the industries we rely on for many things - our entertainment, our wellbeing, our connection to other people - are corrupted by unfounded fears of female aging, loss of beauty, and the next generation. Sure, it's an exaggerated and somewhat obvious film, but that doesn't make director Coralie Fargeat's point any less true - nor does it detract from the tremendously gory way in which she makes it. Elisabeth's story is a tragedy because those who are allowed to age are actually the lucky ones. To deprive yourself of that grace - physically, mentally, or both - in order to fulfill someone else's twisted goals is a fate which The Substance hopes no woman will ever have to suffer again.

The Substance had the potential to be a gripping commentary on beauty and the grotesque, but it relies too much on excessive gore to deliver its message. The film's visual effects are impressive, but the horror becomes repetitive and gratuitous, detracting from the deeper themes it initially sets up. Rather than building tension, the shock value feels forced and overdone, leaving the story lacking in impact.

While there are moments of brilliance in its direction and performance, particularly from Demi Moore, the film doesn't capitalize on its strong start. The unnecessary violence overshadows the nuanced points about vanity and societal expectations, making the film feel hollow. A 5 out of 10 reflects its strong visuals but missed narrative potential.

The movie starts off strong, with a solid story that suggests a clear narrative. However, as the plot unfolds, it begins to lose focus. Midway through, the film becomes disjointed and chaotic. Initially, it seems like the two main characters are connected, perhaps sharing a mind, but then the story abruptly shifts, revealing them as separate individuals in conflict with each other. By the time you reach the end, the movie veers completely off course, diving into B-movie absurdity.

This had the potential to be a great film, but the third act desperately needed a rewrite. The overall execution feels as if Rob Zombie was brought in for rewrites and reshoots, lending it an uneven tone. Despite its flaws, Demi Moore delivers a strong performance, portraying her character with conviction. While the movie is okay, it ultimately falls short of its potential.

Every scene of this film wowed me at TIFF. The casting, atmosphere, visual and sound design, music, and, of course, the symbolism of it all.

Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley couldn't have been more perfectly cast as leads. Their devotion to the process and trust in their director was clear to me. Their vulnerability pulls this off and leads to a very compelling fever dream.

Everyone involved should be really proud of this film. To me, it's a future cult classic.

It is body/psychological horror, so don't expect jump scares. It's deeper than that. I found myself getting lost in reflection during the film (as a 47 year old woman it really spoke to me).

But it's also extremely fun to watch!

Take it seriously as a true work of art, but don't at the same time, and you'll have a blast.

The better version of you is you. Not to be someone else nor someone younger or prettier. I like the message that packed in sarcastic way. At the end of the day, you need to choose, your own beauty or beauty with the monster within. Getting older and not pretty anymore is natural. Getting less famous and attractive is the consequences of life. Be grateful of what you have, and being not satisfy with what we have, only will lead us to the disaster. And remember karma does exist. You plant flowers, you will see the beauty. So, it is worth to watch. You will not see scary thing if you understand the message.