Coralie Fargeat’s The Substance, which has received five Oscar nominations, has been getting a lot of attention in the news lately. The film follows Elisabeth Sparkle (Demi Moore, Ghost), a faded celebrity, through her journey with the Substance, a mysterious chemical that creates a “better version” of herself (Margaret Qualley, Poor Things), who Sparkle calls Sue. However as Sparkle and Sue develop a rivalry, each attempting to spend more time as the active version, things start to get messy. The plot is believed to be loosely based on Oscar Wilde’s classic The Picture of Dorian Gray, examining society’s treatment of women as they age.
Both Qualley and Moore deliver stellar performances. Moore’s dangerous self-loathing and Qualley’s ruthless ambition create a dynamic that is nothing short of fascinating. They both contribute to the film’s message about beauty standards for women in the spotlight in different ways. The actresses have been nominated for several awards for their performances with Moore winning a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy. During her speech accepting her award, Moore said, “When we don’t think we’re smart enough, or skinny enough, or successful enough, or basically just enough, just know: You will never be enough. But you can know the value of your worth if you just put down the measuring stick.” This quote rings true to the film’s message and reminds the audience just how real the issues within the film are.
In addition to the excellent performances by the cast, the cinematography and direction created a gory and intriguing mood over the whole film. The movie never shies away from the more disturbing elements of its premise, but it does not glorify them either. Its purpose is to disgust the audience, and it certainly delivers. The film is also underscored by music that builds the tension around each scene with every passing second until a thrilling final scene that audiences cannot possibly forget. By the end of the film, you will not know if you want to laugh, cry, or scream. The film is available to rent or purchase on Amazon Prime and Apple TV+.
