sonia’s review published on Letterboxd:
this was absolutely fucking insane. FIVE STARS.
the substance has easily got to be one of the most overwhelming cinema experiences i’ve ever had. having watched this one by myself it was incredibly overstimulating but i enjoyed every last second of this film.
this was right up my alley and easily one of the best films i’ve seen all year, along with one of my favourites. when i first found out this won best screenplay at cannes i knew i had to see this one in cinemas. i honestly don’t think i’ve ever heard that many gasps from an audience in my life! from start to finish i was completely invested in the story and where it was going as i truly had no idea. the substance took turns in ways i couldn’t even believe, having me on the edge of my seat at multiple times throughout the film. i honestly cannot get over how well this was shot, it just looked so damn good. i loved the set design and overall atmosphere this film had, it all fell into place perfectly. the score for the substance was also so unique and really captured the tone of the film, i will definitely be listening to this on repeat! this is the first i’ve seen of coralie fargeat’s work and i am beyond impressed. the concept for this film came and delivered, and i will without a doubt be checking out some of her other films for sure.
i absolutely fucking love it when original ideas take off and are a success, and the substance is a prime example of that. as i mentioned before, i had absolutely no idea where this was going and the end of the film had my jaw on the floor. i was in complete and utter disbelief as i didn’t expect this film to go where it went. the ending scene of the film had me so tense and my heart was racing. it’s so hard to talk about without spoilers but once you see it you’ll know what i mean. the body horror shown was fucking incredible! it was so disgusting so much so that i had to look away at times, highly impressive. the substance reminded me a lot of the fly, the thing and barbarian all of which i absolutely love! the makeup design was outstanding and easily one of my favourite parts of this film. seeing how it progressed throughout the film the more the substance was used was incredible to see and so unsettling.
both demi moore and margaret qualley have given two of the best performances this year. they undoubtedly deserve all the praise and recognition that they’re getting. i’ve always found margaret qualley to be an underrated actress and this is definitely my favourite project i’ve seen her in. watching her character of sue abuse the use of the substance had my blood boiling. there where times where i couldn’t help but also feel sympathy for her, she just fucking nailed it. demi moore’s performance in the substance is up there for one of my favourites of the entire year. she completely stole the show as elisabeth sparkle. it was so interesting following her character and to see how the substance changed her not only mentally but also physically. i really hope she gets a few nominations from this film because all i have to say is wow.
what an absolutely disgusting, bizzare, heart racing and revolting film with an incredibly important message. this is a must see in my opinion and one i can only see becoming a horror classic in my eyes. fucking brilliant.
