This week, the new horror thriller Substance, starring Demi Moore, hits US theaters.
The film was praised by critics, who noted its provocativeness and relevance. As a result, the film took home the Palme d’Or for Best Screenplay. For horror films, the victory seems somewhat surprising.
We’ve already watched the new film and are very impressed. As always, we’ll tell you about it without spoilers.
Briefly
The script is shocking in its audacity.
There is a lot of “meat” here, not everyone will like it
The acting is commendable.
Horror with a current definition of subtext
It’s worth watching, but not for everyone.
◦ Back to Contents ◬
The script is shocking in its audacity.
What is the film about?: The story follows Elizabeth Sparkle, a once successful fitness show star whose producer decides to become a younger host.
While searching for a way to regain her former glory, Elizabeth comes across a drug called “Substance” that allows her to create a younger, idealized version of herself.
The entire film is literally saturated with monstrous irony. The use of several “innocent” methods that should not be violated (who said “Gremlins”?) turns Elizabeth’s life into a creature so terrible and outrageous that the boundaries between “funny” and “horrible” are erased.
At the same time, the film cannot help but be compared to The Picture of Dorian Gray: it also explores the horrors that lead to an obsession with youth. But if Dorian Gray ages gracefully in a portrait, Substance creates a physical and monstrous version of this fear – a body that is destroyed by failure to follow the rules. And it showed this very boldly and disgustingly. It will be difficult to forget some scenes.
The director masterfully uses the grotesque, bloody scenes and exaggerated images, creating not just a body horror, but a real manifestation against standard beauty.
“Substance” literally laughs at how the entertainment and media industries chase women to unattainable beauty standards.
◦ Back to Contents ◬
There is a lot of “meat” here, not everyone will like it
The plot is captivating in its directness and boldness. The young version quickly captures Elizabeth’s attention and work, but a battle for existence begins between them. No one wants to share their time in this world, and this is where the real nightmare begins.
The film boldly ventures into body horror territory, and does so with panache, creating scenes that are simultaneously terrifying, disgusting, and fascinating. This isn’t just horror for the sake of shock value; the grisly scene has symbolic significance, demonstrating how the characters’ physical transformations reflect their inner fears and conflicts.
Director Coralie Farget is clearly inspired by the work of genre masters like David Cronenberg, but her approach to body horror is more stylish and emotional.
There is a scene in the film that is the ultimate spectacle, filled with blood and gore, but at the same time it is deeply metaphorical. Not for the faint of heart.
The final part of the film is the most terrifying, plunging the viewer into a real nightmare of bodily transformations. Farget takes as his basis the idea of classic horror: the body that changes and gets out of control.
The horror in Substance is not limited to visual shocks and bloody scenes. The horror of the film is also deeply psychological. Elizabeth, going through a midlife crisis and feeling useless, is forced to look at a younger, more idealized version of herself. Emotional pain becomes literal, the fight for youth turns into an initiative with oneself.
A film full of shocking moments, bordering on mutilated bodies, decaying flesh and brutal metamorphoses. These scenes can cause physical discomfort or even nausea.
◦ Back to Contents ◬
The acting is commendable.
Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley impress with their performances, bringing not only a physical transformation to their characters but also an emotional side. Moore amplifies the internal conflict that is evident in his actions – the promise of youth and self-rejection. Qualley, on the other hand, suggests youth and the desire to succeed, but behind her glossy image lies loneliness and emptiness.
Dennis Quaid, the actor in Harvey, brings elements of satire to the film, his caricatured portrayal of a producer providing the absurdity of the industry’s demands on age and appearance.
◦ Back to Contents ◬
Horror with a current definition of subtext
The film boldly questions beauty standards, puts the spotlight on young and successful women, and how society and the media create impossible ideals. It does so through shocking visuals, where the grotesque and excess play a major role.
The scenes where Elizabeth is imagining her reflection and can’t accept her appearance are permeated with a deep sense of insecurity and despair. This is something that many people can relate to, and it is here that the emotionally important film lies. Gorgeous, if scary, moments.
The final part of the film is the culmination of all the emotional and visual elements, reaching its peak in a bloody, grotesque spectacle. The ending will not only shock you, but will definitely make you discuss the film after watching it.
◦ Back to Contents ◬
It’s worth watching, but not for everyone.
Substance is a film that leaves no one indifferent. It is both a cruel satire and a tragic story of losing oneself in the conditions of unattainable standards.
Visually stunning and filled with profound metaphors, Revolution is the latest in a series of contemporary body horror films that showcase the pertinent ideals promoted by the media and entertainment industry.
But this bold and provocative work will certainly not appeal to all viewers. Substance is not for those who shy away from scenes of physical transformations and psychologically difficult stories about aging. The film may also alienate viewers who are drawn to violence and sexualization.
We recommend watching it to all infected people. Such bold, authorial, and at the same time very relevant cinema is rarely made. This film is about fears that we are not always ready to admit: the fear of losing its youth and the fear of being forgotten. Gorgeous and instructive.
Source: Iphones RU
I am a professional journalist and content creator with extensive experience writing for news websites. I currently work as an author at Gadget Onus, where I specialize in covering hot news topics. My written pieces have been published on some of the biggest media outlets around the world, including The Guardian and BBC News.
