The Substance
Wow, it took me a while to wrap my head around what I just watched. The Substance is packed with thematic layers, each peeling back something deeper, leaving you thinking long after the credits roll. One of the clearest messages is how we perceive ourselves and the fleeting value we place on shallow concepts like beauty. It challenges us to ask: how far are we willing to go to maintain that beauty? As the story unfolds, it delves into the greed and selfishness that often prevents us from making sacrifices, even when those we should be helping are just like us—or, in this case, are us.
The third act is sure to divide audiences. Some might find its graphic nature overwhelming, but beneath the body horror lies a scathing critique of Hollywood and the entertainment industry. It ruthlessly exposes how people are treated like disposable commodities—discarded as soon as they deviate from the norm or, in their eyes, become “freaks.” This act resonated with me, though I believe the intense body horror distracts from the character’s more fascinating transformation—one that’s as emotional as it is physical.
Demi Moore is phenomenal in this role, delivering not just one of her best performances but perhaps her most personal one yet. Moore, who’s long been admired for both her talent and beauty, plays a character grappling with being forgotten and undervalued despite still being stunning. Knowing that Demi is 61 and still looks absolutely flawless, you can’t help but draw parallels between her character and her own life. The casting here is simply genius.
Coralie Fargeat once again proves her mastery in exploring the raw power of women. Just like in Revenge, she uses the female body not for exploitation, but as a tool of empowerment. Even with nudity and some close-up shots that, in other hands, might feel exploitative, Fargeat’s direction makes it feel intentional, powerful, and anything but gratuitous. Her use of color and those voyeuristic camera angles elevate the film, immersing us deeper into the psyche of these characters.
We experience the story from multiple perspectives, and while Demi Moore brings an air of tragedy, Margaret Qualley delivers a performance that is nothing short of mesmerizing. Her beauty is undeniable, but it’s her primal, almost animalistic energy that truly captivates. She commands the screen, leaving a lasting impression with every scene.
And then there’s the ending—the element everyone will be talking about. It’s a bold, divisive finale that will either make you love the film even more or leave you conflicted. Personally, I’m torn. While it slightly dulls the impact of the film’s message, in terms of body horror, it’s one of the most well-executed sequences I’ve seen in years. The design, the gore, the poetic final shot—it’s all masterfully done.
I still can’t get over how incredible Demi looks at 61, and I couldn’t help but imagine the stunned faces at the Cannes festival watching this unfold.
Have you seen The Substance? What’s your favorite body horror movie?
