Julia Kane ‘27
Opinions Editor
According to the Letterboxd app, which holds every movie I see and their respective reviews, I watched over 30 films throughout 2024. I rarely adore a movie enough to give it five stars, but upon viewing director Coralie Fargeat’s The Substance, I knew it would eclipse all others of the year. However, I recommend going into this movie blind and be warned of some spoilers below.
Starring Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley, The Substance dares to showcase an original body horror film that risks turning away squeamish audiences. It tells the story of Elisabeth Sparkle (Moore), a famous yoga instructor now battling aging and societal beauty standards, especially harsh amongst celebrities. Sick of being treated as inferior by co-workers, her boss, and audiences alike, she leaps at the opportunity to take the Substance. The fluorescent green liquid injection is said to create a younger, better, and more attractive version of oneself and they switch every seven days. The Substance-created being is named Sue (Qualley), and immediately, audiences can see a significant difference in treatment and how being young and attractive are pivotal qualities for a career and social status.
Without giving away major details, the compelling nature of the film’s progression draws viewers into a world with a drug many people would dream of taking. Though grotesque and bizarre, I couldn’t seem to look away from the screen displaying a contorted body and the abhorrent side effects and pain of beauty. Fargeat provides stunning cinematography with complex views of the Substance’s effects and the changing color palette, representing the change between youthful beauty and it slipping through one’s grasp. Visually compelling and radiant, The Substance defies expectations and envelops viewers so that one can hardly look away.
Strong acting performances are abundant in The Substance with all cast members effortlessly transforming into their distinctive characters. Moore and Qualley equally shine in their own way, playing off each other in a way that truly connects Elisabeth and Sue through shared subconsciousness. As Elisabeth bears the toll of the Substance and revolts against Sue, Sue revels in her newfound beauty and attention, taking more and more from her counterpart. It is a striking, yet tragic depiction of self-hatred and the desire to be adored and celebrated for one’s youth and beauty. Although Qualley was snubbed after not receiving the Oscar’s nomination for Best Supporting Actress, Moore triumphed, clinching the Best Actress nomination. Additionally, Dennis Quaid adds to the film’s disturbing nature as he devours a huge bowl of shrimp and treats the women as disposable as the half-eaten shrimp he discards. I was thoroughly impressed by the entire cast’s performances as they held my attention and interest rapt, and they all deserve their flowers.
Despite criticisms that The Substance is unrealistic and claims to not understand the allure of taking the Substance, I firmly disagree and believe that for some of those who disliked this film, its satirical nature flew over their heads. It is not meant to be hyperrealistic with factual technicalities, but rather a hypothetical, societal critique that challenges the norm. Those who think that no one would take the Substance have never experienced the heightened standards for women’s bodies, age, and overall allure. The Substance is an amazing depiction of the lengths that people will go to fit the status quo and the claw marks left on one’s fading physical looks. Models, actresses, and other desirable careers often cause women to self-loathe and do anything to be the pinnacle of beauty, allowing them to succeed further and feel more comfortable in their own skin. Unfortunately, most of the time these dreams and standards are unattainable and deteriorate one’s confidence and happiness. Even in this film, Margaret Qualley has to wear a breastplate, further sexualizing her character and showing the hyperpolarity of Sue and Elisabeth’s beauty standards. Laden with important symbolism, The Substance leaves viewers with lessons and messages to show them to value the present, appreciate themselves at any age, and the merit of self-reflection.
As horror movies seldom receive Oscar nominations or win awards, The Substance has five Academy Award nominations as we head towards the 94th Awards Show. This shows how well received the film was and how it did not receive the typical treatment for horror movies, which are usually seen as nothing more than cheap scares and few deeper messages. Being my favorite movie of the year, I cannot sing enough praises for The Substance and believe it will benefit every viewer differently if they respect the balance.
Copy Edited by Lilly Baumfeld ’28
Featured image courtesy of TMDB
Leave a Reply