The Substance
The Substance
Have 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?
rg9400 reviewedNovember 1, 2024
A 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.