The Substance
JetertheJedi

Review by JetertheJedi Patron

The Substance 2024

★★★★

Watched Sep 23, 2024

“You are the matrix. Everything comes from you. Everything is you. This is simply a better version of yourself. You just have to share.”

I know that I have said this for many films in the past… but what in the actual fuck… did I just watch?

Words cannot describe how I’m feeling right now. The Substance is quite literally one of the most out of pocket, disturbing, bizarre, fucked up films I’ve ever seen.

I understand why so many are so high on this. It’s an absolute nightmarish psychedelic trip. If you want some spoilers (out of context), take this as you will. Gollum -> The Mother -> Sloth on steroids… if you’ve seen it, you’ll understand.

Coralie Fargeat really swings for the fences. She did not leave anything up for the imagination. Many will call this, shock value, and I wouldn’t necessarily disagree with that. I understand what the film is trying to say, but by the third act, it became almost exhausting to watch (in a good & bad way.

But my biggest takeaway from this is; Demi Moore & Margaret Qualley are sensational. Especially Demi. I was absolutely stunned by her performance. Easily, one of the best of the year. Qualley could kick me to death and I’d say thank you.

I can truly say that this film is not predictable. I mean I know that something would eventually go wrong, because it’s a body horror film. But what the fuck.

This is going to be one of those, “I saw it once & that’s enough”. Body horror just isn’t my thing, for the most part. There’s a couple exceptions, but it’s typically not my jam.

Fortunately, this film was so well acted, directed, with beautiful cinematography and production design, & an electric score, I was intrigued for majority of the runtime. It’s an exhilarating experience, no doubt. Also, the practical effects & makeup is arguably the best of the year.

My biggest negatives, besides how gross it was at times, was the runtime & the third act. I have mixed feelings about the end. But outside of that, I was locked in. Also, I laughed a good amount.

Strong 4/5💉

2024, Ranked
Margaret Qualley, Ranked
Horror, Ranked

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