If you’re a horror fan and exist on planet Earth, get ready to bow down to Coralie Fargeat (Revenge) and consume every fk’d up thing she ever dares to make. Her newest film, The Substance, blows away the audience by the sheer chaos that unfolds. Fargeat’s latest is simply a movie that redefines what’s to be expected and she pays homage to so many of the greats who came before her (and are still living). Simply watching the film is not enough. The film has to be experienced. It has to be projected directly into your subconscious and seen Clockwork Orange-style as that is what it does to your senses. It’s simply one of the most chaotic, unnerving, unhinged things one can see this year that boasts performances that are simply electric and unhinged in their execution, giving career resurgences to two of the stars and a career-best thus far for another. Prepare for The Substance.
Demi Moore as Elisabeth in THE SUBSTANCE. Photo courtesy of MUBI.
Elisabeth Sparkle (Demi Moore), a former A-list celebrity, is facing a form of identity crisis that sparked from Harvey (Dennis Quaid) loudly and obnoxiously discussing her dwindling star power without realizing she’s in the men’s room, and then firing her from her Jane Fonda-esque (9 to 5) workout show. This coupled with an open call audition in the paper asking “who will be the next Elisabeth Sparkle” pushes her over the edge to find a new drug from the black market that asks the question “what if you could be a younger, more attractive, better version of yourself,” then states that it will change your life. Simply called “the substance,” this drug duplicates your cells and allows you to “split” off a clone, sharing seven days on, and seven days off, needing to remember that you’re both only ONE person. This is where Sue (Margaret Qualley) comes in, the younger, more beautiful, better version of Elisabeth. Things slowly start to dissipate between the two and the balance gets put into jeopardy.
Margaret Qualley as Sue in THE SUBSTANCE. Photo courtesy of MUBI.
When it comes to the performances in the movie, they all stand their own ground and make for three very different characters that sit with audiences in three completely ways, leaving one of the most well-rounded and dominantly-acted movies of the year thus far. Starting with Dennis Quaid (InnerSpace; Reagan), he plays Harvey (clearly being a portrait of Weinstein), masterfully creating a power-hungry, disgusting, foul human being who will step over anyone and is fueled by his own ego. Simply one of the most vile and disturbing performances of the year that isn’t a killer or someone committing heinous acts, it just makes your skin crawl by him simply being an individual who exists. While, on the other hand, Demi Moore (G.I. Jane) as Elisabeth, who wants to do everything and anything in her power to not be a forgotten star of the past and wants to remain in the limelight while being unable to relinquish the fame she once had, gives the performance of, arguably, her career. It’s a performance simply powered by the need to be known and important that cannot be understated at any moment, and one that shines in all ways, shapes, and formats. Lastly though, Margaret Qualley (Drive Away Dolls), who has consistently delivered brilliance with every role audiences have seen her in, redefines her career with her performance of Sue. Simply exquisite and brilliant in every sense of the word, Qualley commands every second of her screentime and captures the audience, making us hang off of every move and word she says in a way unlike anything before. A career-defining performance is given by Qualley here while Quaid and Moore remind audiences what they’re capable of; truly a stacked deck of performances that help balance this intricately disturbed and chaotic adventure to full mass.
Demi Moore as Elisabeth in THE SUBSTANCE. Photo courtesy of MUBI.
“The substance,” within the film, states that “It will change your life,” and thanks to the ambition from writer and director Coralie Fargeat, that statement is true for the presentation of and execution of the film, as well. It will just simply do that — change your life. It is a revolutionary film that demands to be seen and will absolutely astonish and shock audiences in the greatest way possible. The Substance is simply one of the most prolific, jarring, and brilliant movies of the year, so sit back and enjoy the chaos that unfolds.
Screening during Toronto International Film Festival 2024.
In theaters September 20th, 2024.
For more information, head to the official Toronto International Film Festival 2024 The Substance webpage.
Final Score: 4 out of 5.
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Categories: Films To Watch, In Theaters, Recommendation, Reviews
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