The Substance – REVIEW

As a seasoned moviegoer with decades of film-watching under my belt, I must say that “The Substance” is a cinematic rollercoaster ride that leaves you questioning the pursuit of eternal youth and the objectification of women in Hollywood.

In the world of entertainment, there’s a strong emphasis on maintaining a youthful appearance, often leading some stars to undergo multiple cosmetic procedures, giving them an unexpected resemblance to someone with a goatee beard. However, the trend now seems to be shifting away from plastic surgery towards Ozempic, a drug that not only aids in weight loss but also appears to restore a youthful look. It is here that The Substance comes into play.

Actress Demi Moore (formerly known as Elizabeth Sparkle) has lost her luster in the eyes of powerful agent Harvey, portrayed by Dennis Quaid. Once a celebrated figure, Demi’s career has taken a turn to hosting daytime fitness programs. However, she learns that Harvey intends to replace her with a fresh, young face. A mysterious hospital doctor clues her in on a solution: a product designed to make her appear younger and fresher. She swiftly signs up, gathers her gear, and plunges into the rejuvenating waters of the fountain of youth – albeit in some awkward situations. Yet, this revitalizing substance comes with conditions; if she fails to abide by three basic rules, particularly ensuring that her younger and current selves coexist for alternating seven-day periods, there may be undesirable consequences.

In this revised scenario, a younger version of Elizabeth, portrayed by Margaret Qualley as Sue, emerges as the star on Harvey’s daytime fitness program. Cameras frequently capture her toned physique in a way reminiscent of 1980s soft-core porn music videos. Sue enjoys the attention she receives but is hesitant to relinquish it every week for Elizabeth. Unfortunately, the consequences are dire, and soon Elizabeth wishes to halt the process, only to learn that the bodily harm she has incurred cannot be undone.

Although Sue and Elizabeth are essentially the same individual, repeatedly informed by The Substance providers that they are ‘one’, they still prefer to spend time apart, understanding that their interactions might have detrimental effects on each other. As their situation worsens, the storyline progresses towards an extremely shocking climax that could rival any climactic scene seen this or any year.

In one of Demi Moore’s most impressive performances to date, she critically examines her own career path, youth, and nudity with grace. Margaret Qualley complements her superbly in this role. Dennis Quaid delights in his over-the-top portrayal as the detestable agent, particularly during close-ups that can be rather disturbing, such as a restaurant scene where he gleefully devours oversized shrimp by peeling and stuffing them into his mouth.

The Film, titled ‘The Substance’, serves as a cautionary tale on the chase for youth, skillfully crafted by debutant director Coralie Fargeat, who previously delivered the gritty ‘Revenge’. Drawing inspiration from works like David Cronenberg’s ‘body horror’, Brian Yuzna’s ‘Society’s baroque horror, Brian De Palma’s ‘Carrie’ and even The Elephant Man, this movie presents scenes of intense, grand guignol horror that might be challenging for some viewers. Yet, these disturbing scenes would have been a thrill for the special effects makeup artists involved. At Cannes, ‘The Substance’ was met with enthusiastic applause, rightfully winning an award for its screenplay, despite carrying certain imperfections. This is one of the year’s standout horror films, offering insights on the pursuit of youth, symbolically suggesting that true beauty lies beneath the surface.

Here’s the Substance review …….

2024-09-20 02:23

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