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
- neuroparadox13h agoDefinitely should not have watched this on my birthday. 🎂 A hyperbolic and grotesque look at beauty, aging, addiction, and sexism, (among other things.) Think Cronenberg does Dorian Gray and you'd be most of the way there. Rewatch Review: Still amazing, and still 20 minutes too long. That being said, if there was a 3 hour DC I would totally watch it. 😂🤣
- 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.
- s.spr1d agoIt doesn’t lack substance!
- 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.
- Johnny Gold4d agoThe movie was great until Near the end, then it turned to shit…
- LeustadJuly 21, 2025Disturbing and pointless
- Rick FoxJuly 20, 2025If you love the fly, you will definitely love The Substance. In other words: Avoid eating while watching this movie. You have been warned.
- paulwht1979July 10, 2025This movie was a well executed, honest look at the state of the modern woman. Specifically, the coastal, hollywood, feminist type that is obsessed with youth and beauty and being the center of attention. For what this movie was trying to do, I give it high marks for its honesty, creativity, and willingness to show the ugly side of modern, self-obsessed women. I found myself angry at how ungrateful she was in the beginning and feeling sorry by the end. It was a tough watch, reminding me just how off-kilter things are and how far they've gone. I want to mention the stylistic choices in some of the scenes that annoyed me very much. Dennis Quaid's character eating shrimp, the wall eye vision scenes meant to be disturbing, I get it, but I just wasn't a fan of the choices. Demi Moore is still as good an actor as ever, and Margaret Qualley was just fine as a spoiled brat hungry for fame, but she was the eye candy of the movie. Overall, I didn't like it, but it wasn't made for me.
- jadennnnnnJuly 7, 2025one of the most important films ever fight me about it incels
- ScottOctober 9, 2024All I'm saying is who among us wouldn't take a glowing green substance that turns you into Margaret Qualley.
- 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!
- UniqueMovies Deb HJuly 5, 2025Dennis Quaid is such an outstanding actor!! I've just started to watch this movie so I will be adding things to this review as I watch this movie. As for Demi Moore, she looks like she's already had quite a bit of cosmetic surgery in real life. I almost didn't recognize her. The first movie I ever saw Dennis Quaid in is the parent trap. What a switch from the character he played there being a father and a husband to this disgusting person right now the way he eats his food In this movie!! So far so good. I will get back to the movie and come back and set some more reviews. 👍 When Demi Moore is standing in front of the mirror naked looking at herself that is not her body! The body they're showing is a uglier version of what her perfect looking body really is! The breasts with her nipples, Those aren't even hers either in the movie. At least not in that scene anyway. So she injects herself with the serum that's supposed to make her look better, she falls on the floor all EFed up, Then!!!, okay guys,, now I see what your talking about!!! Disgusting things happen!!! 😱 OMG!! You gotta watch to see it, I'm not gonna give it away 🤢 🤮🤮 But I will say this! They must have paid Dennis Quaid and Demi Moore. An awful lot of money to be in this movie!!😱🤮 Okay!!!!!!!!!!😱🤮 😭 When she becomes the better looking person, it's not even Demi Moore now! A different actress is playing her younger self. I'm going to have to pass on the rest of this movie! Can't watch anymore. It's too disgusting for me. There is better movies waiting for me. All I give this movie is two stars that's about it! 🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮
- 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
