As someone whose horror fandom has been solidified for more than three decades — a horrific thought in and of itself — I’m not often thrown for a loop when watching anything genre-forward for the first time. And though I’ll maintain that mindset going into screenings of all the upcoming horror movies on the way, I’m happy to say writer-director Coralie Fargeat, along with stars Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley, knocked me clean off my axis with The Substance ( read our review ). Perhaps it should go without saying that SPOILERS ARE COMING , but just in case.
.. First, The Substance Is Just A Flat-Out Amazing Movie Right away, I want to make it clear that I’m not implying The Substance is worthy of my attention and appreciation for only one or two personal reasons.
That couldn’t be further from the truth, which is “this movie fucking rules.” Fargeat crafted a smart story about Hollywood’s age-related issues and phobias, directed it as if it was Requiem for a Dream on amphetamines instead of heroin, and showcased practical body horror effects that rival The Thing ’s still-impressive titular monster . I don’t even mean for those complimentary comparisons to seem belittling in any way.
The Substance is absolutely its own beast; a cautionary tale slathered in satire that’s barely a degree or two beyond reality. Demi Moore went outside her comfort zone to deliver a stunning and brazen performance as Elisabeth Sparkle, a fitness celeb deemed to be past her pr.
