Movie Review: ‘The Substance’

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Review by James Lindorf

French writer and director Coralie Fargeat is back with her second feature film after a seven-year break. “The Substance” received great acclaim when it premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, where it won the award for best screenplay. At the same time, Fargeat came up short after being nominated for best director. “The Substance” will open in a limited number of markets in the United States on September 20th.

Elisabeth Sparkle (Demi Moore) was the Hollywood it girl with enough talent to win an Oscar when she wasn’t hosting television’s most popular fitness program. Now Elisabeth is in her 50s, and the show has become antiquated, failing to move beyond 80s jazzercise, and studio head Harvey (Dennis Quaid) is ready to make a change. Jobless and afraid of the future that awaits her, Elisabeth is offered the chance to try a new product called The Substance. The drug claims it will generate another you, one that is younger and more beautiful. The only catch is that you must return to the real you every seven days. After committing to the program, the world is introduced to Elisabeth’s new persona, Sue (Margaret Qualley), who reclaims everything the former starlet loved. Now, they have to respect the balance or suffer the consequences.

It is the cast that brings “The Substance” to life. Dennis Quaid is perfectly punchable as the worst type of sexist and misogynistic executive. To him, women are only as useful as the strength of the erection they give him. It is incredibly hypocritical as he is a loud, yellow-toothed mess who doesn’t wash his hands after going to the bathroom. Quaid revels in playing the character, giving one of his most energetic performances in years. Margaret Qualley (Maid) has the broadest character; Sue is cutesy, conniving, sexy, scared, violent, and vapid. She flits from trait to trait to fit whatever the situation calls for, like a true narcissist or sociopath, and Qualley handles them all well. She is the least polished of the group, but you could believe her as the innocent farm girl from Indiana, the party girl into all things sex, drugs, and rock and roll. I think she would be great in an “I Spit on Your Grave” or “Ready or Not” violent action film based on how she handles herself in some segments of the movie. The film’s real star is Demi Moore, who has been acting my entire life and has never been better. She excels in every moment written for her, which was desperately needed because there was not a lot of breadth in what was written for her. Combining these performances with over the top gore thanks to some decent CGI and some great practical work makes the film a visual feast.

Fargeat’s screenplay is witty, bizarre, and thoroughly entertaining. However, a film that wants to satirize Hollywood and society’s obsession with female beauty should have delved more into the toll it takes on them. Instead, it becomes a showcase of blood, guts, boobs, and butts. There is nothing wrong with that; escapism and entertainment are fundamental to the industry. One fairly unique touch Fargeat offers is that women can also be roadblocks to liberation or other women achieving their dreams. In this sexist male-dominated world, nobody should be working to boost the other more than Sue and Elisabeth. While Sue may initially think Elisabeth deserved better, it is quickly pushed aside as it is her time now, and nothing Elisabeth has to offer the world is worth what she can do.

Another underdeveloped aspect of the script is the bond between Sue and Elisabeth. They are different, but how much do they experience each other’s actions? What is Elisabeth’s reward for maintaining the process? Is she feeling all of the emotions when they switch? Is she riding shotgun and feeling everything in the moment like it was happening to her? Once the balance starts to crumble, we see Elisabeth struggle with her decision. While what it may cost her is clearly displayed, the benefits are a mystery. The guy who gave her the information on the drug would have done more for her by offering a therapist’s business card.

While beauty and the film’s messaging may only be skin deep, Fargeat was able to tone and sculpt “The Substance” into a bloody good time. If you don’t have time for a “Death Becomes Her” and “The Fly” double feature, “The Substance” is the perfect hybrid and earns a 4 out of 5.

Director: Coralie Fargeat
Producer: Coralie Fargeat, Eric Fellner, Tim Bevan
Screenwriter: Coralie Fargeat
Distributor: MUBI
Production Co: Working Title Films
Rating: R (Language|Graphic Nudity|Gore|Strong Violent Content)
Genre: Horror, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Sep 20, 2024, Limited
Runtime: 2h 20m