The Substance | Film Review

 

When Elisabeth Sparkle (Demi Moore) is fired on her 50th birthday, she is offered the chance to become a newer, better version of herself. 

I had heard such good things about this film before watching it, but I read as little as possible because I wanted to go in completely blind – and that definitely paid off!

I absolutely loved this film!

When you know completely what it’s about, the concept is really intriguing and original, because it takes a somewhat universal experience, turns it on its head and creates a world that shows us the visual manifestation of these feelings.

And it does this in such a creative way, with really unique visuals. This film is visually one of the most original films I’ve seen maybe ever! And that goes for the dialogue too – very well written and original.

The film has so much to say about ageing, vanity, beauty and self-esteem, and it’s saying these things so well.

The performances were incredible. Demi Moore certainly deserves to be awarded for her work here, but she and Margaret Qualley completely embodied their characters and made the film as good as it is.

I love that substance as a concept is also an important part of the film. Sue (Qualley) as a character has no substance, no personality, she’s not really a person, and it’s so interesting to see the way she is treated solely for the way she looks. Again, the film is giving us a lot of important messages and things to think about without hitting us over the head with lessons.

It’s so fascinating seeing the way both of these characters spiral out of control, especially because you can kind of understand where they’re both coming from.

The gore aspect of the film was really weird for me, in that I found myself strangely squeamish which felt odd as a lover of gore. I think it’s because, while the idea of the film is obviously fantasy, it doesn’t feel that way. Everything feels quite rooted in reality, so when things become strange and gross, it feels like it could really happen exactly as it is.

Speaking of weird, the film really leans into the weirdness in the last 30 minutes and it’s so much fun to watch! While still managing to be really thought provoking and powerful.

Overall, I can’t say enough good things about this film, I thought it was amazing and I’m glad public perceptions seems to agree. Watch this if you haven’t – but go in as blind as possible!

9/10