Unless you’re already into genre films, it might be easy to dismiss “The Substance,” at first glance, as a too-gory entry in the body horror category.
But upon deeper inspection, this sophomore effort from French writer-director Coralie Fargeat (whose first feature, 2017’s “Revenge,” was adored by critics) is a firmly self-aware and feminist fable that warns – quite graphically – of the pitfalls of blindly chasing youth.
The premise and plot of “The Substance” are simple: celebrated actress and fitness guru Elisabeth Sparkle (Demi Moore, in a scenery-chewing performance) has a star on the Walk of Fame and a popular exercise show. At the top of the movie, she is celebrating her 50th birthday and discovers that she is being fired by her boss Harvey (Dennis Quaid), a vile and crude entertainment executive.
From there, an increasingly distraught Elisabeth comes to learn of a mysterious black market drug known as the Substance, which promises to deliver her a younger and more vital version of herself – with certain caveats. Enter Sue, played by Margaret Qualley, a voluptuous and vivacious younger “self” who plots to reclaim Elisabeth’s former glory. The pair just have to follow a few simple but non-negotiable rules, as dictated by the shadowy company that provides the Substance. Of course, that equilibrium doesn’t last very long.
Post a Comment