Movie Review: The Substance engrosses and grosses out
Have you ever dreamt of a better version of yourself?
Director and screenwriter Coralie Fargeat shows the fears of wishing to become a younger and more attractive version of yourself in the terrifyingly comedic film, “The Substance.”
Sparkle has been the face of a popular aerobics show for decades, but on her 50th birthday, the company fires her because she is too old. In a state of disarray, she accepts an offer from a mysterious laboratory of a substance that will physically transform her into a better version of herself. However, every seven days she must switch back to her old self.
Fargeat deftly illustrates the harrowing relationship between younger and older women in Hollywood through a unique lens. Her use of dark comedy and gore with two female leads is a rarity in film, but Fargeat makes it work.
Margaret Qualley plays Sue, the captivating younger version of Demi Moore’s character, Elisabeth Sparkle. Qualley plays Sue as egotistical and hateful, showing Sparkle’s hatred for herself, since the two characters are the same person in different bodies. In the beginning, Moore plays Sparkle as damaged, but as the film progresses, she becomes just as vindictive as Sue.
The small cast also includes Dennis Quaid, who plays the foul yet hilarious head of the television company, Harvey.
The film is filled with scenes that will either completely shock you or make you burst out laughing from the grotesqueness. I was more on the side of utter astonishment but couldn’t help but awkwardly chuckle at the absurdity at times. The constant reappearance of Moore and Qualley in a head-achingly bright white bathroom, where Sparkle first takes the substance and morphs into Sue, is exemplary of the anxiety-inducing feel of the film. A disgustingly close-up shot of Quaid devouring a bowl of shrimp may be the grossest scene in the film and just flat out disturbing.
The glamorous fashion of both characters, designed by Emmanuelle Youchnovski, also sets the film up for success. Moore’s exceptional yellow trench coat, paired with huge sunglasses and blood-red gloves morphs her into an immediately recognizable character. Qualley is decked with sparkly leotards and puffy ball gowns. Even the wardrobe creates the dissonance between the two women with Moore’s outdated look and Qualley’s flawless and youthful appearance.
Fargeat pays homage to several other classic horror movies. For example, she includes an eerily familiar bloody hallway scene similar to Stanley Kubrick’s “The Shining” and close-up head shots of Moore in the shower reminiscent of Alfred Hitchcock’s “Psycho.” These scenes were hidden gems, and it was gratifying to spot them.
The tantalizing score gives the viewer the same anxiety that both Qualley and Moore feel throughout the piece. Paired with Qualley and Moore’s stellar performances, the viewer can feel the tension oozing out of the screen. This uneasiness keeps the viewer on the edge of their seat until the very end.
Along with an anxiety-inducing score, a lack of dialogue as Moore stares into the mirror analyzing every inch of her face allows her facial expressions to take the viewer on a journey through her mind. Her disgusted manner towards her own face as the camera slowly inches closer creates a sense of impending doom. Moore’s superb acting ability allows these scenes to shine and sets this film apart from other schlocky horror movies of its kind.
Even though the film is near perfection, the amount of gore throughout becomes a little overwhelming. At certain points, it feels meaningless and takes away from the plot.
“The Substance” might make you lose your appetite or even your lunch, but it will also likely leave you craving to watch it over and over. Either way, the film is going to leave a lasting impact, scarring or intriguing viewers.
