Running Time: 140 Minutes
Certification: 18
Starring: Demi Moore, Margaret Qualley, Dennis Quaid, Hugo Diego Garcia, Gore Abrams
"Have you ever dreamt of a better version of yourself?" That is the enticing question at the heart of The Substance, Coralie Fargeat's feature follow-up to Revenge, her impressive 2017 debut. The writer/director opens the story following Elisabeth Sparkle (Demi Moore) on set of her popular aerobics TV show for her 50th birthday, although the celebrations diminish upon discovering that she is being fired.
She soon receives an unexpected proposal for a mysterious serum, promising to create a younger version of herself that is "more beautiful" and "more perfect." Upon being injected, Elisabeth births a fresher version of herself that goes by the name 'Sue' (Margaret Qualley), who intends to succeed Elisabeth's role while appealing to a younger audience. Amidst their diverging lives, a balance must be maintained of seven days each as they alternate between who is awake and who is catatonic. The pair are constantly reminded that they are one, and that deviating from the balance will result in irreversible consequences. What could go wrong?
For her sophomore feature, Fargeat exceptionally captures an ageist cycle that sees women as having an expiration date, and subsequently chews them up in favour of younger replacements. This is exceptionally depicted through utilizing minimalist storytelling, conveying so much through imagery that speaks a thousand words amidst largely wordless scenes. A standout example arrives early on, as Elisabeth Sparkle's ascension and fading into obscurity is depicted by focusing on her Hollywood Walk of Fame star. The way this stationary shot utilizes this unique perspective to say so much is utterly masterful.
As the film goes on, those understated methods of storytelling are contrasted by a more maximalist approach, where fears about aging are realized so vividly with jet-black humour and Cronenbergian levels of grotesquery amidst a blood-soaked aesthetic. The impressive work by the make-up team is deserving of every accolade possible, yet the output also highlights the balancing act that Fargeat walks throughout this work. That her film can deliver on its themes through such differing approaches, blending them in resonant and fun ways across a 140-minute runtime, is utterly masterful.
Central to it all is Demi Moore, masterfully breathing life into the once-shining star through an expressive performance. So much is conveyed on her face about the years she gave to her career, which have now been thrown aside due to a perception that she is no longer useful, with a massive self-portrait from her younger years looming over her as a constant reminder. Although the ensuing journey does not quell her worries or how lost she feels, there remains a struggle to let go as she would rather live vicariously through Sue's success than fade away entirely. It all makes for one of 2024's best performances which, if there was any justice, would garner Moore a Best Actress nomination at every eligible award ceremony.
The architect of her career spiral in Dennis Quaid's skincrawlingly sleazy producer, pointedly named Harvey. As the camera focuses upon his face, the close-ups capture every facet of toxicity oozing through the character's grotesque words and actions (particularly the way he eats cocktail prawns.) His attentions are soon turned to Sue, whose high-spirited personality leaves him envisioning a ratings success. The energetic younger self is tremendously brought alive by Margaret Qualley, as Sue basks in her rising star power with a refusal to let go, regardless of the consequences.
When the consequences do arrive, they make for an unforgettable experience which never forgets about the film's themes. Fargeat exceptionally casts an unforgiving look at the beauty standards propped up by Hollywood, and how quickly basic humanity disappears when faced with blemishes on what was a seemingly perfect visage. Taking minimalistic and maximalistic approaches to its story, The Substance is an audacious masterpiece that will linger in the mind.
The Substance made its English Premiere at Frightfest 2024. It is available in cinemas from September 20th.
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