The Substance is a 2024 body horror film written and directed by Coralie Fargeat. The film follows fading star actress Elisabeth Sparkle who after being fired by her producer due to her age uses a black-market drug that crates a younger version of herself however this leads to unexpected side effects. The Substance is great weird over the top film that fans of body horror should watch.
The direction in the film is good. All the actor’s do a good job and bounce of each other well. Due to the film having a small cast the film creates an environment where all the actors work well together in this tight nit film. The mood of the film is good. The film uses its horror well to create a genially unsettling film throughout. The film also as a bizarre sense of humour to it adding a level of weirdness to the film. The style of the film is also good. The film has a weird crazy over the top feel to it. The film uses its body horror to create a genuinely unique feel to it that is unlike a lot of films I have seen recently.
The acting in the film is good. Demi Moore is good as Elisabeth Sparkle an aging actress who wants to revitalise herself and her career. Margaret Qualley does a good job as sue the younger version of Elisabeth who becomes a up and coming actress. Dennis Quaid does a good job as Harvey Elisabeth’s sleazy manager who drops her. Edward Hamilton-Clark does a good job as Fred. Gore Abrams does a good job as Oliver. Oscar Lesage does a good job as Troy.
The writing in the film is good. The film has a genially intriguing plot that makes you question what will happen next. The twists and turns tone film has throughout the film are generally surprising and make for a highly original film. the film has good disturbing body horror that adds to the themes of the film and makes for a disturbing but interesting experience. The comedy in the film is also good and acts as a good offset to the horror making for an interesting balance. This allows the film to ultimately be a satire about beauty standards within media and entertainment and the horror elements really help to make this point.
The cinematography in the film is good. The cinematography is well done, and everything is shown in a very clear style. The film has Kubrick elements to it look making for an uncomfortable film. The use of fisheye lenses really helps to shows the weirdness of the film, the use of a black void in the film helps with the surrealism and the extreme close ups makes the film even more uncomfortable. The special effects in the film are also good. The films use of practical and CGI body horror effects work well and really help to create a disturbing film with a surreal atmosphere.
The Substance is a great over the top film that fans of body horror will love.