Body horror might not be a genre that the casual viewer naturally gravitates towards, but I urge you all to catch ‘The Substance’, writer/director Coralie Fargeat's sublime satire on female aging in show-business. It delivers plenty of blood-splattered horror and gore for aficionados to savour, but the dark comedy and social commentary at its core is astutely realised, delivering one of the most entertainingly grotesque movies of the year. This part of the film will no doubt grab all the sensational headlines, but there is a genuinely brilliant narrative at its core that deserves to get a big audience.
Elisabeth Sparkle (Demi Moore) is the nation's favourite fitness celebrity. At least she used to be. Having graced TV screens for quite a few years now, the TV network head Harvey (Dennis Quaid) is putting her out to pasture, chasing a newer and younger model to take the reins and lead the network into the future. After being unceremoniously dumped from her idyllic life, she has a car accident. Once in hospital, Elisabeth meets a mysterious male nurse who prompts her to try a special off-the-market drug that promises to change her life.
Demi Moore is simply sensational in ‘The Substance’. It’s been a very long time since we’ve seen her grace the big screen in such a commanding way, and it’s wonderful to see her back leading a major cinematic release again. It’s a role that requires a distinct lack of vanity on her part, and she fully embraces the character to deliver a performance that stays with you long after the end credits roll. It’s her finest performance since ‘Ghost’ for me – a really impactful and memorable showcase of her talent.
Margaret Qualley has made some wonderful career choices of late and has fully embraced her chance to shine on the big screen. Being the daughter of ‘Four Weddings and a Funeral’ star Andie MacDowell may have given her a footing in the industry, but make no mistake that Qualley has genuine talent and screen presence too. As Sue, the younger (better) version of Demi Moore’s Elisabeth, Qualley absolutely commands the screen. She is perfectly cast here, easily capturing the jaw-dropping beauty of her character and her insatiable ambitious streak. As the dual lives of Sue and Elisabeth collide, Qualley shifts gear spectacularly and is a delight to watch.
The film is shot brilliantly, with Coralie Fargeat’s vision an absolute joy to behold. Whether it’s the extreme close-ups (especially those involving a scene-stealing Dennis Quaid who clearly had fun making this film) or the music video-style visuals (including a brilliant homage of sorts to that infamous 2004 Eric Prydz video for ‘Call on Me’), ‘The Substance’ is a film with a real sense of its own visual style. The soundtrack compliments the visuals perfectly too and the set design within the film is stunning – like a nightmarish dream come vividly to life.
There is one negative however, and that’s to do with the finale of the film. It’s entertaining in its own right, but I feel like all of the restraint and poise that ‘The Substance’ so painstakingly sets-up throughout the film is wasted. It’s traded in for outlandish spectacle and a bombastic finale that will certainly be talked about for ages – but for me, it was at the detriment of the actual message of the film. It really had some effective and emotive takes on its very real subject matter. There’s a scene where Demi Moore’s character is ready to go out on a date, but self-doubt creeps in and takes over her night. It’s played sparingly but with exacting precision, with Moore doing a great job full of emotion and sadness. Weighed against the comedy-chasing finale, it just seems too at odds for me, and it’s a shame. I feel like ‘The Substance’ is far better than just being remembered for having a bonkers final act.
The end notwithstanding, ‘The Substance’ is still a riot and easily one of the most entertaining movies you’ll see this year. Populated by two incredibly strong leading turns from Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley, and with a glorious visual style that gets under your skin in a good way, ‘The Substance’ is one of the best cinema experiences of the year. Coralie Fargeat’s film is a breath of fresh air, bringing originality and vigour to the mainstream, whilst delivering one of the most talked-about movies of the year. ‘The Substance’ is a must-see – even if you are a bit squeamish.
Cast: Demi Moore, Margaret Qualley, Dennis Quaid, Oscar Lesage Director: Coralie Fargeat Writer: Coralie Fargeat Certificate: 18 Duration: 140 mins Released by: MUBI Release date: 20th September 2024
