The opening scene of the film is captivating; it could stand alone as a well-made short film. It’s a scene that features no actors but is highly intelligent, with a strong connection to the ending scene. Besides the opening sequence, the film reaches the point of brilliance in several elements. The first element is its title, “The Substance,” which we know has dual meanings in English. One meaning refers to the substance or drug around which the film’s plot revolves.. At the same time, the other meaning is “essence” and it’s highly relevant to the key backbone of our story.
Another key aspect that I admired about the film is its storytelling. The plot is driven by some of the smartest and oldest story elements, reminiscent of the tales our grandparents used to tell us. My late grandmother used to tell me stories based on the same idea as the plot of this film, albeit without any inappropriate content. The classic tale of an evil witch who offers a deal with conditions that, if broken, lead to unforeseen consequences—this is the essence of the story. For instance, in “Cinderella,” she is given a chance to attend the ball and meet the prince, but she must return before midnight. The entire story builds tension around what will happen if this condition is breached.
In “The Substance,” the central character is an actress who was once very famous in her youth but has aged and now only has her fitness show to keep her under the spotlight. The producers of the show, however, begin to rebel against her as they seek a younger, more attractive host who can appeal to the audience more. Amid this, she receives an offer that changes everything: a drug that promises to restore her youth, creating a better version of herself—young, beautiful, and charming, yet still the same person. The only condition is that each version must not take control of the body for more than a week at a time. After that week, there must be a switch.
As expected, with classic story frameworks, we anticipate that this rule will be broken, and we wait to see the consequences unfold. The film explores themes of fame, youth, beauty, public allure, and how these values are measured and manipulated by media and cinema. It questions when a person reaches their peak stardom and when they face being replaced or discarded.
This film doesn’t seem to have a specific message. Instead, it offers a reflective exploration without explicitly telling the audience what to take away. This approach is a characteristic of quality cinema—it presents ideas but leaves interpretation open.
Despite moments of seriousness, the film frequently erupts into humor, juxtaposed with grotesque and shocking elements. The third act, in particular, contains moments that made me close my eyes in anticipation of what would happen next.
This provocativeness is part of the film’s intent, reminiscent of Quentin Tarantino’s use of gore and shock in his films. The objective is to challenge and provoke the viewer, which suits the exploration of what drives the characters to make extreme choices, like the older actress accepting such a harsh deal to reclaim her youth.
Despite its artistic nature and provocative content, the film’s nudity is shocking but not overly explicit in its sexual content. This seems intentional; the filmmakers aren’t trying to provoke desire but rather to evoke thought, disgust, and deep emotion, especially in the final segment where the story comes full circle.
The film’s third act, however, becomes my primary critique. While the story could have concluded more cohesively at certain points, it continues to expand, attempting to address various themes like media consumption and the cycle of fame. It feels as if it drags on unnecessarily, reaching a point where it becomes less focused.
Performances by the lead actress, portrayed by Demi Moore, and her younger counterpart, Margaret Qualley, were strong, though not standout enough to be considered extraordinary. If I had to choose, Demi Moore’s performance was particularly brave as it reflected her career and resonated with the film’s themes.
The movie shines in its screenplay and direction. The scenes showcasing the transformation, the way the drug is administered, and the overall aesthetic are brilliantly executed. Although it’s unlikely to receive significant award recognition due to its provocative nature, it is a film that leaves a lasting impression if one is willing to engage with its bold content.
In conclusion, “Substance” is a thought-provoking film that challenges viewers with its themes and presentation. Despite moments of discomfort, it is an intelligent exploration of fame, youth, and the sacrifices made for beauty. My personal rating for the film is 8.5 out of 10. However, it’s not a film that adheres strictly to logic but rather plays in a surreal space where concepts and perceptions take precedence over rationality.