I had been outside the club, looking in, while people said amazing things about The Substance (2024). While I did not see it on the big screen (I have regrets), it still had a colossal impact! This film easily slid into my top 10 list for the year. We follow a star reaching a new chapter in her life when she finds a rebirth for her career. I highly recommend avoiding all trailers and sprinting to see this movie at your earliest convenience (available on Mubi). The Substance offers gorgeous visuals, incredible body horror, captivating performances, and sharp commentary. Let’s dig into the details.
A Whole New You, Boo
Elisabeth Sparkle (Demi Moore) and her yellow coat (serving as supporting cast) are stomping through what seems to be the last days of her successful celebrity career. On her 50th birthday (of which everyone reminds her), she learns that she will be replaced by someone younger. After a car accident, she has an encounter that leads her to the substance. The plot that follows picks apart what one may do to cling to stardom, beauty, access, and fame. The Substance exposes how dangerous it can be to tie self-worth to star status and/or youth. It’s a look into what happens when one doesn’t respect the balance. This is shown physically by having two bodies that must share an alternating schedule with dire consequences if the schedule is not followed with fidelity.
This could represent the idea of harming your body for temporary physical gains (unsafe beauty treatments, surgery, drugs, etc.) with no consideration for how it may catch up to you in the future. There are also clear parallels to the acceptance of the aging process. Opting not to accept the aging process ends in an obsession with youth and missing out on the life you could have. There can be tangible dangers to coveting a life that is not yours (even if it was yours in the past).
All Eyes On Her
Focusing on someone who’s a celebrity was an excellent choice for this ride. It may be easier for someone who lived a paparazzi-free life to let go of their “prime” age gracefully or retire. When the whole world is watching your life cycle, you’d have to brace yourself for public opinion every time you enter a new era as long as you stay in the spotlight (and that lifestyle can be addictive). If being in the spotlight provides for you, it would be even more difficult to let it go. This is compounded by desirability directly affecting job opportunities as a celebrity. Elisabeth Sparkle was perfect for exploring the full spectrum of what could go wrong with the experience. Sue wanted the stardom just as badly as Elisabeth (you are one), which drove the plot deeper into chaos in the best way!
If Looks Could Kill
I am a sucker for outfits, and The Substance delivers looks! Although Harvey (Dennis Quaid) dresses like a 90’s motel comforter, Elisabeth and Sue EAT! There’s a dragon robe and a red dress that should have been listed as cast members. I also love beautiful shots, so this film had me in a headlock visually. The vivid color palette had my eyes dancing around the screen. Sometimes the camera movements felt like a video game, which could possibly relate to the mentioned “matrix.” Also, if you like butts, the camera lingers behind characters often too.
The body is on full display in The Substance, which makes the body horror that much more intense. We zoom in on what we think are imperfections until the audience sees the trajectory of Elisabeth/Sue’s body. We watch a back split open and hatch a baddie, a chicken leg emerge through the navel, shocking mutations, a savage beatdown, and a blood fountain. The body does some amazing things! Even in a monstrous state, Elisabeth/Sue tried to adjust to the beauty standards she had always known. The movie is a journey that must be experienced to be believed.
You can catch The Substance on VOD or start a free trial with Mubi to experience the switch. It’s 9/10 stars for me!
