Hi movie lovers! Last weekend I watched The Substance (2024), and my reaction was... Wow, what a movie! This super bold and shocking take on youth, beauty, ageism, and sexism in Hollywood made me gasp in the theater. Written and directed by French director Coralie Forgiat, this sci-fi horror thriller stars Demi Moore, Margaret Qualley, and Dennis Quaid. The film, which won the Best Screenplay award at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, was released on September 20, 2024 in the US and UK, and on November 6, 2024 in France. It became MUBI's top grosser with box office collections of $77-82 million on a budget of $18 million. Why is this movie so crazy? I'll tell you with full excitement, including my experience, okay?
What's the twist in the story?
Elizabeth Sparkle (Demi Moore), once a Hollywood star, is now the host of an aerobics TV show at the age of 50. But on her 50th birthday, sleazy producer Harvey (Dennis Quaid) fires her from the show, saying, "Your time is up." Watching this scene reminded me of the time when my friend told me in the office, "You can't compete with the young team yet." How much that feeling hurts! Elizabeth breaks down from rejection and aging fears, and then she learns about a secret drug called "The Substance."
With a single injection, a young, super beautiful version of her, Sue (Margaret Qualley), is created. But, what's the twist? Both have to share time for 7 days each, and the balance must not be broken. When this rule is broken, the story takes a turn, and I shouted "Anti Turn!" in the theater! The story, which started as a sci-fi drama, turns into a psychological horror, satire, and then a bloody gore-fest that blows your mind!
Analysis: Why is it a must-watch?
The Substance movie is a crazy experience! It can't be simply called a horror movie, it is a strong satire on a society that judges women by their age and beauty. Coralie Forge has taken body horror in the style of David Cronenberg and shown it in a mind-blowing way with modern visuals. When I saw Elizabeth’s insecurities at the start of the film, I thought, “This sounds like my story!” It reminded me of the feeling I once heard in a job interview, “Aren’t you a little over-aged?” The story took a turn with Sue’s entry, and the identity game between the two took the thrill to the peaks.
Speaking of visuals, Benjamin Krakun’s cinematography turned the film into an art masterpiece. Bold colors, organic textures, Raft Benier’s score, and creepy sound design combined to take the film to the next level. When I saw the prosthetics and special effects (“Blob” puppet in the last scene), I said to my friend, “This is Hollywood magic!” Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley’s performances gave the film emotional and physical depth. Moore’s performance is Oscar-level, which is why it’s the talk of the town during awards season!
But, not everything is perfect. The 2 hour 20 minute runtime felt a bit stretched, and the slow pace in the middle had me checking my phone once to ask “How much longer?” The tone shifts – from serious horror to silly gore-fest – felt a bit disconnected to me. The satire went overboard in places, and the male characters felt like caricatures. The lack of clarity about the backstory and rules of Substance’s drug left me wondering “Who owns this drug anyway?” Still, these minor flaws couldn’t dampen the film’s crazy energy!
How was the film?
The Substance is a full-on rollercoaster ride! It mixes body horror, sci-fi, and satire, and hits hard on ageism, sexism, and beauty culture. Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley's performances, mind-blowing visuals, creepy sound, and special effects make the film a top film of 2024. Despite the slightly long runtime, tone shifts, logic gaps, and over-satire, this is a full feast for fans of body horror like The Fly and Titan! Sensitive viewers may skip it due to gross violence and graphic nudity, but it's a must-watch for those who like bold films! I discussed it with my friends for two hours after the movie was over, it gave me such a kick!
How did the actors fare?
Demi Moore (Elizabeth): Demi Moore is the beating heart of this film! Her emotional depth and physical intensity rocked the screen. She won the Golden Globe, Critics' Choice, and SAG Awards, and was nominated for an Oscar. Watching her scenes made me want to shout, “Demi, you’re a legend!”
Margaret Qualley (Sue): Margaret Qualley is a firebrand as Sue! Her dance sequences and physical transformations make you feel her dedication. Even though shooting for X was overwhelming, she excelled on screen with full energy.
Dennis Quaid (Harvey): Dennis Quaid did a bit of an over-the-top job as the sleazy producer, but it was a good fit for the satire. I found his character a bit cartoonish, but my friend laughed and said, “Boss like this exist in real life too.”
What are the highlights?
Demi Moore’s showstopper performance: Demi Moore captivates the screen as Elizabeth! Her insecurities and self-worth struggle are heartbreaking. Watching the scene where she stands in front of the mirror while applying makeup, I remembered what my mother once said, “You’re still beautiful, but society judges your age.”
Body horror magic: Coralie Forge has redefined body horror! The last 30 minutes were jaw-dropping with gore, blood, and prosthetics. While I was watching the movie, my friend next to me covered up, saying, “This is a level of gross!” But to me, the visuals felt like art. Benjamin Krakun’s cinematography, bold colors, and organic textures turned the movie into an art gallery. The sound design (Dennis Quaid chewing) made me think, “Oh my, what a creepy vibe!”
Satire Punches: The film satirizes ageism, sexism, and toxic beauty culture in Hollywood. Watching Elizabeth’s yearning for youth and Sue’s instant stardom, I remembered the comments on social media that said, “If you don’t look young, you’re out.” The message, “If others decide your worth, your identity collapses when their opinion changes,” got me thinking after the film.
Technical Brilliance: The editing, production design, costumes, and special effects are superb! The makeup and hair are Oscar-winning, and the prosthetics (45 minutes to 7 hours of application) take realism to the peak. When I saw the VFX with the “Blob” puppet and Demi Moore’s face in the final scene, I said, “What technology is this, baby!”
Are there any shortcomings?
A bit long feeling: The 2 hours and 20 minutes runtime felt a bit long. Some scenes slowed down in the middle, so my friend sent me a message on WhatsApp saying, “It would have been better if it had been a little faster here.”
Satire Overdose: Although the satire was super bold, the portrayal of male characters as misogynists felt a bit cartoonish. The satire felt a bit over the top because it portrayed Hollywood as far from reality.
Logic Gaps: Who is behind the substance drug? Why is it being given for free? Why is there no clarity about the 7-day rule? When I was discussing these questions with my friends after the movie, we thought, “They left it a mystery.”
Tone Shifts: The movie starts off as a serious horror and psychological drama, but the last 30 minutes turned into a silly gore-fest, which made me think “What?”, while the girl in the seat next to me covered it up with “This is too much!”
Who should watch it?
Lovers of body horror and sci-fi thrillers (The Fly, Titan, Crimes of the Future).
Those who like movies with social messages and satire.
Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley fans, those who enjoy gore and crazy visuals.
Who should skip it?
Those who are bothered by gross violence, graphic nudity, and disturbing visuals.
Those who watch for fast-paced thrillers or simple stories.
Those who expect subtle satire, full resolution.
Where to watch?
The Substance is currently streaming on MUBI, Prime Video, and Apple TV. English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada audio and subtitles are available. Watch it now and share your reactions!
Our rating: 4/5
The Substance is a wild, mind-blowing, and shocking film! Demi Moore redefined her career and took the body horror genre to the skies. Despite some minor flaws, the visuals, acting, and social message make the film one of the best films of 2024. I kept thinking, “What a movie!” for two days after watching this film.