Watched on MUBI India
We went into The Substance not quite sure what to expect. The buzz around it had us intrigued, and we’d all heard it was “the wildest movie of the year.” From the start, this film throws you straight into the deep end with its intense visuals and twisted plot, so we quickly realise it isn’t going to be just another horror movie. Directed by Coralie Fargeat, it follows Elisabeth Sparkle (played by Demi Moore), a Hollywood star who tries to reclaim her youth through a bizarre drug. Let’s just say, the effects of that drug go way beyond what any of us could’ve predicted.
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What really stood out to us was how the film dives deep into beauty standards and Hollywood’s obsession with youth. Elisabeth’s transformation into her younger self, “Sue” (played by Margaret Qualley), is both fascinating and creepy. It’s like watching a high-stakes battle between who she was and who she feels pressured to be. Each scene kept us guessing what crazy turn would happen next, and we couldn’t stop talking about the ways the movie tackled themes of self-worth, vanity, and the impossible expectations society puts on women.
The visuals in The Substance are absolutely stunning, and they’re also pretty disturbing. We couldn’t look away, even when things got really intense. The body horror, especially, was over-the-top in the best way. From Elisabeth’s transformation scenes to the dreamlike, almost surreal cinematography, the movie definitely knows how to make a strong impression. We all agreed that the cinematography and soundtrack created such a cool, eerie vibe that made everything feel even more twisted and surreal.
Of course, Demi Moore was incredible as Elisabeth. She brings this raw vulnerability that had us feeling for her, even as her choices got darker and more desperate. Margaret Qualley nailed it as Sue, perfectly capturing the carefree but sinister vibe of someone who’s living the life Elisabeth wants back. We loved how each actress balanced their roles so well, but we did think the story got a bit too caught up in shock value toward the end. By the time the credits rolled, we all agreed it was a wild ride, but maybe it went a little too far trying to top each scene.
Smash Hit Score: 8.5/10
The Substance was an experience we’re glad we shared. The movie has its flaws, but it left us with a lot to talk about. It’s intense, unsettling, and sometimes ridiculous, but also super memorable. We’d definitely recommend it if you’re looking for a horror movie with style, substance, and some serious surprises. This one isn’t for the faint of heart, but for us, it was worth the trip.
