The Substance
Directed by Coralie FargeatHave you ever dreamed of a better version of yourself? You. Only better in every way. Seriously. You've got to try this new product. It's called the Substance. It changed my life. It generates another you. A new, younger, more beautiful, more perfect you. And there's only one rule: you share time. One week for you. One week for the new you. Seven days each. A perfect balance. Easy, right? If you respect the balance...what could possibly go wrong?
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The Substance Ratings & Reviews
- rg9400November 1, 2024A fascinating movie in two parts. The movie starts out as commentary on female beauty standards and the drive for relevance and fame as female stars age and become older. It's a premise covered in a lot of famous movies, and this movie isn't exactly subtle with its messaging. Almost every scene and plot device is crafted to drive that message home. From the frenetic score, the claustrophobic framing and close-ups, and the off-the-walls acting from Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley, the stylish movie remains engaging even if this section feels a bit overlong. Even though the themes have been covered before and the movie's messaging is very direct, I didn't mind because the premise is unique and the message hasn't exactly been learned by Hollywood or society still. Then the movie drastically shifts. It stops trying to focus on themes and instead just becomes a pulpy, crazy ride that left the audience in shock. For a movie that was clearly so intent on its messaging to suddenly drop it completely is definitely intentional, and a contradiction that I can't decide is one I like or do not like. Certainly, the movie will alienate a lot of people because of that last act, though I am surprised by the amount of buzz it is getting just from initial previews outside of the film circuit. For me, it definitely kept me glued to the screen even if it feels like a completely different movie almost. I just wish it sort of had a bit more "substance" (excuse the pun) in that section as well. One last note. For a movie with such an obvious feminist lens, there is certainly a lot of objectification of its female stars, especially Margaret Qualley. Obviously, it's purposeful, but I've seen some female viewers find that it appeals specifically to a male perspective moreso than a female one. I obviously cannot comment on that, just that the excessiveness felt true to the movie's styles and themes, meaning I personally did not find it exploitative. This movie is really well-made and well-acted, a Cronenberg-esque marvel with an important message at its heart. It will not work for most people, but it did for me.
- alowester3d agotrash, wtf was that
- PonceFamily3d agoToo bizarre
- Paulo Coelho AlvesOctober 31, 2024Starts at 11, goes up to one million billion and it’s just about the most perfect movie I’ve seen in a long while. There’s a lot of Cronenberg’s body horror and De Palma’s Carrie here, but it’s very much its own sick, twisted, horribly mangled, oftentimes riotously funny vision.
- ScottOctober 9, 2024All I'm saying is who among us wouldn't take a glowing green substance that turns you into Margaret Qualley.
- mickerdoo5d agoBoth extremely grotesque and sexy. Watched the body horror through my fingers. Otherwise a good film with spooky premise and sparkly design.
- baumi373October 25, 2025Starts very strong, ends weak. But it is okay and watch able.
- DurosityApril 17, 2025Surprisingly good for the first 2/3 of the movie.. the final 1/3… I’m still not sure what I watched.
- JkrilinDecember 19, 2024What a crazy movie! It's one of those that leaves you thinking: "What did I just see?". The story starts off pretty normal, but gradually becomes more bizarre and twisted. It has a mix of black comedy, body horror and criticism of the cult of fame that, although it sounds strange, works incredibly well. The practical effects are grotesque, in a good way, and the direction manages to keep you on edge even in the most absurd moments. Plus, there's something super captivating about how it plays with the audience's emotions: one moment you're laughing and the next you're kind of uncomfortable or disgusted. That said, it's not a movie for everyone. If you like more conventional stories, this one might seem too weird for you. But if you enjoy cinema that takes risks and isn't afraid to be extreme, this is a trip worth taking. I came away thinking how crazy and original it was. Highly recommended for those looking for something different!
- wipeout630October 10, 2025A very clear statement on aging and beauty. It went from weird to gross to "WTF is happening". The ending had to be an absolute blast to film!
- sn00gansOctober 9, 2025Look, I get the message of the movie and it's a good message but for crying out loud, don't treat the viewer like an idiot. Watching this movie was like having the writer shouting in your ear DO YOU GET IT? DO YOU GET IT? HOLLYWOOD WANTS YOUNGER PEOPLE AND THROW AWAY OLDER PEOPLE. DO YOU GET IT DO YOU GET IT for two and a half hours. Also, learn some more camera techniques than extreme closeups.
- EmApril 13, 2025The Substance delivers a captivating narrative until its final 45 minutes, where a contrived burst of fake horror feels excessively overdone.
- Blockbuster Movie PassMarch 30, 2025Perfection
- WilkoMarch 30, 2025Absolutely appalling film. So janky and poor. Had to turn it off
- LeustadJuly 20, 2025Disturbing and pointless
