Shadows on the Wall | The Substance

The Substance

dir-scr Coralie Fargeat
prd Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, Coralie Fargeat
with Demi Moore, Margaret Qualley, Dennis Quaid, Gore Abrams, Hugo Diego Garcia, Oscar Lesage, Joseph Balderrama, Matthew Geczy, Olivier Raynal, Matthew Luret, Tiffany Hofstetter, Daniel Knight
release US/UK 20.Sep.24
24/France Universal 2h20

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A parable about body image, this stylish film gently introduces its fantastical premise, then cranks things way over the top. Writer-director Coralie Fargeat may hit the themes a bit forcefully, while indulging in outrageously excessive imagery, but there's a knowing method to this madness. Even the movie's most bonkers moments come with both pointed commentary and emotional undercurrents. Frankly, more movies need to wake audiences up like this.

After a stellar career, actress Elizabeth Sparkle (Moore) is now a TV exercise guru. But her producer Harvey (Quaid) is seeking a younger woman to replace her. Then Elizabeth sees an advert that offers to restore her youthful self. And after injecting the activator, the fresh young Sue (Qualley) emerges from her body, then easily lands the job. But strict instructions must be followed with this substance, including an all-important stabiliser and a seven-day limit before swapping back around. And it becomes increasingly difficult for Elizabeth and Sue to remember that they are one person.

Boldly colourful sets, an intense sound mix and mind-boggling effects work combine to make this film thrillingly unforgettable. Although those with a more squeamish stomach might be advised to steer clear, as the accelerating levels of yuckiness go right through the roof, especially in the jaw-dropping final sequence. But Fargeat's grip on this material is so sure-handed that it's impossible to look away, and the cast dive in with gusto, reflecting the film's more fantastical stylings alongside darker resonance.

Moore is particularly astonishing in a role that demands full-bodied investment, baring herself completely for the camera. And the thoughts and feelings reflected in her eyes are powerfully moving, especially as Elizabeth begins to struggle with her duality. Qualley is also terrific in a more subtly riveting role as a young woman with the perfect body, triggering often deeply inappropriate replies from everyone around her. The men are more cartoonish, and Quaid is unflinching as the leery producer who oozes gleeful lust.

It would be easy to see this film as a pastiche about Hollywood's obsession with youth, whatever the cost. But there's more going on here in the underlying exploration of self-image, as Elizabeth wages war with Sue over the high cost of bending the rules. Of course, because they are the same person, this is a battle within her soul about how far she's willing to destroy herself to find fame and admiration. So her cracked star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame becomes a chillingly on-the-nose icon.

themes, language, violence, nudity 19.Jun.24

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