Alaa Aldin Alomar’s review published on Letterboxd:
The Substance is a well-crafted movie—strong in its visuals, acting, and writing. It’s a body horror film that requires a strong stomach and a taste for the extreme, but underneath the gore, it offers one of the smartest horror stories of the year. The message about the pursuit of perfection literally consuming the self is clear.
The Substance is visually captivating, and it effectively tackles the theme of beauty standards for women, especially as they age. As Elisabeth’s life unravels, it becomes clear that her internal struggles are deeply tied to how she sees herself. The tension between Elisabeth and Sue can be understood as a manifestation of self-hatred, with Sue’s aggression reflecting the way Elisabeth mentally tears herself down. Qualley’s portrayal of Sue is more animalistic than human, as she relentlessly pursues dominance and the spotlight.
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