“Have you ever dreamt of a better version of yourself? Younger, more beautiful, more perfect?” This is the question posed to the aging Hollywood star and face of her own aerobics show, Elisabeth Sparkle (Demi Moore). She was recently fired by sleazy studio executive Harvey (Dennis Quaid) because he wanted a younger woman to lead his morning program. “After 50, it stops,” he tells her plainly.
Coralie Fargeat’s sophomore feature film, “The Substance,” is audacious, gory, an absolute blast, and will certainly be a major contender for best picture this year. It fiercely critiques the commoditization of beauty while remaining absurd and abstract.
“One single injection unlocks your DNA and will release another version of yourself.” This is the promise of the black market drug ‘the Substance’ that Elisabeth decides to take. Elisabeth creates a second version of herself: the young and beautiful Sue (Margaret Qualley) emerges from Elisabeth, and she auditions to be the show’s new star.
“A perfect balance of seven days each. The one and only thing not to forget: You. Are. One. You can’t escape from yourself.” This is the golden rule for those who take the substance. Sue has seven days to live her life while Elisabeth waits, unconscious, and vice versa. After seven days, they must switch. When this rule is inevitably broken, horrifying side effects ensue.
‘The Substance’ delivers a brilliant showcase of practical effects. It is a masterclass in body horror, grotesque and refreshingly authentic. It confronts the very feminine desire to fight against time. To prevent every fine line, wrinkle, and dark circle from appearing. Elisabeth goes to absurd lengths to preserve the precious currency of youth; she takes measures that many could not imagine themselves ever taking.
The film’s last act is completely uninhibited- experiencing it was the most fun I’ve had in a movie theater in a long time. The last thirty minutes will have you laughing hysterically, gagging, and thinking, “surely, this can’t get any crazier”, just before it does again and again.
