The Substance

“The Substance” officially premiered on May 19, at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival earning an award for “Best Screenplay” and a 13-minute standing ovation. Streaming service/production company, Mubi distributed film on September 20. First time I heard about The Substance, it was a trailer on YouTube with Demi Moore & Margaret Qualley in a horror film playing the same person. It got me hooked. I couldn’t wait to see it. I finally saw The Substance. It was awesome.

The Substance is about an aging aerobics star named, Elisabeth (played by Demi Moore) who injects a drug that makes her younger which only lasts for one week. She emerges as a young beautiful woman from her original body. Metaphorically coming out of a cocoon like a butterfly. Elisabeth must follow the instructions to take care of her new and old body. She uses her new body posing as a newcomer model, named Sue. After a successful audition, Elisabeth takes advantage of her new self as a “replacement” for her aerobics show. Suddenly, all heck breaks loose.

Anyway, it’s Halloween Month 2024. Still the perfect time to watch and review horror films. Which horror films should I review next? Please leave a comment and don’t forget to subscribe.

Today’s review contains no crucial SPOILERS. I’m giving you a chance to see this gem.

Pretty & Ugly Qualities

Pretty: Demi Moore, Margaret Qualley & Dennis Quaid all did an excellent job for their respective performances. I’m perplexed Margaret’s hot in this film. She earns Bonus Points for her acting and sexiness. Megan Fox wishes she can balance both perks.

Fun Fact: Demi’s character is 50. In real life, Demi’s in her early ’60s. Quite surprising for somebody still in tip top shape. Not too shabby.

Coralie Fargeat (Revenge) did a stupendous job directing. She wrote the script pinpointing pivotal elements. A legit reason why she won Best Screenplay at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival.

Scare Factor has a psychological atmosphere. Makes you feel like you’re with Elisabeth/Sue.

Raffertie (The Continental: From the World of John Wick) orchestrated the soundtrack.

Practical Effects and Prosthetic Makeup were heavily involved creating something big. I refuse to spill the beans. You’ll have to see for yourself. Digital Effects were used sparingly. Gotta love old school effects.

Sound Design was tight.

Cinematography was shot perfectly without going through technical problems.

Pacing wasn’t a problem. I was hooked since the beginning. A better female horror story than “Rosemary’s Baby.” Unlike the aforementioned snoozefest, The Substance isn’t a chick flick disguised as a horror movie. It’s pure body horror for everybody to enjoy.

Word of Caution: This film’s not for kids. There’s a ton of nudity and gross out scenes. In the words of the robotic announcer on Adult Swim Action: “Put the kids to bed and get ready to get down.” Before you watch, don’t eat anything. Otherwise, you’re gonna regret it. Trust me.

A hallway and a rug pays homage to Stanley Kubrick’s “The Shining.”

Besides The Shining, the film’s influenced by David Cronenberg’s “The Fly,” John Carpenter’s “The Thing” “Videodrome” & “Akira.”

At one point the theme from Alfred Hitchcock’s “Vertigo” is used.

Eggs are often displayed as some form of symbolism.

Opening Scene subtly foreshadows what has yet to come.

Primary Themes are Aging, Fame, Vanity, Obsession, Self-Esteem & Duality. Each one’s handled maturely.

I cannot tell you the Ending. All I can say is, “HOLY CRUD!”

Ugly: I couldn’t find nothing wrong. I’m giving the cast and crew an Extra Point for making a flawless film as possible.

The Final Verdict: A, FOR APEX!

The Substance is a movie of the year contender. Another 10/10 movie in 2024. Scratched off along with “Furiosa” & “Deadpool and Wolverine.” I haven’t seen anything original (not counting an adaptation, live-action Disney remakes or biopic) in quite a while. We need more original ideas for everybody to see. If you got nothing on your plate, The Substance is definitely worth your spare time. I want Margaret Qualley to get an Oscar nomination for “Best Actress.”