Coralie Fargeat’s The Substance, a bold venture into body horror, stars Demi Moore in a transformative role as Elizabeth Sparkle, a former star facing the harsh realities of aging in an industry fixated on youth. Set in a hyper-stylized world where 80s aesthetics meet modern horror, the film uses shock and satire to explore the absurd beauty standards forced on aging actresses. Elizabeth, who once commanded the spotlight, now hosts a fitness show, until her employer (played with sleazy entitlement by Dennis Quaid) suggests replacing her with a younger face. Desperate to reclaim her youth and relevance, Elizabeth turns to a mysterious substance that allows her to create a younger doppelgänger, Sue, portrayed by Margaret Qualley.
Fargeat’s storytelling is relentless, embracing grotesque visuals to heighten the terror of Elizabeth’s struggle. The film shifts from biting satire to graphic horror, particularly as Elizabeth and Sue begin battling over control of their shared life. Sue’s youthful ambition threatens to eclipse Elizabeth completely, plunging the story into a brutal exploration of aging and identity. This satirical horror draws disturbing parallels with classics like Sunset Boulevard, as Elizabeth’s tragic dependency on youth reflects the broader anxieties of aging actors in Hollywood.
Although The Substance revels in gore, it uses this visual intensity to underscore the psychological horror of Elizabeth’s loss of self. Prosthetics expert Olivier Afonso adds to this visceral experience, creating effects reminiscent of 80s horror but with a modern twist, evoking both admiration and discomfort. Moore’s powerful performance embodies both the horror and heartbreak of Elizabeth’s plight, making The Substance a provocative commentary on society’s superficial beauty ideals.
Ultimately, The Substance is a shock-laden examination of self-worth, vanity, and resilience, offering viewers an unsettling yet poignant look at the sacrifices made in the name of beauty. The Substance is now streaming on Mubi.
