The Substance

2024 - 9 - 19

Demi Moore's Gory Quest for Youth: A Film Review That'll Shock Your Socks Off!

ageism in Hollywood - body horror - Coralie Fargeat - dark comedy - Demi Moore - Dorian Gray - entertainment industry - female empowerment - hagsploitation - Margaret Qualley

Dive into the wild, wacky, and grotesque world of 'The Substance', starring Demi Moore in a body horror romp that critiques society's obsession with beauty!

Demi Moore has pulled a masterstroke in her latest film, *The Substance*, an uproarious and grotesque horror-comedy that dives headfirst into the murky waters of aging and societal vanity. In this absurdly gory tale directed by Coralie Fargeat, the former A-lister finds herself navigating the dark alleyways of beauty and decay, battling the relentless march of time with shocking desperation. Set against the backdrop of Hollywood’s never-ending quest for youth, Moore portrays an egocentric actress who stumbles upon a deadly cure for obscurity, leading her on a chaotic journey filled with outlandish twists and gut-wrenching moments.

The film cleverly marries elements of science fiction and satire, redefining a modern take on the classic Dorian Gray narrative, only this time it's filtered through Instagram-worthy aesthetics. Alongside her younger doppelganger, played by the talented Margaret Qualley, Moore exposes the terrifying absurdity of chasing beauty at all costs. With a storyline that flirts with both horror and hilarity, *The Substance* pushes the boundaries of body horror to convey a deeper message about self-acceptance and the repercussions of our societal norms. It's not just another film about glorified youth; it’s a powerful commentary on the monstrous lengths one will go to preserve their image.

Film critics have been buzzing since *The Substance* made its debut at the Cannes Film Festival, earning standing ovations and praise for its audacity and provocative storytelling. Viewers are treated not only to thrilling visuals but also to a dissection of the culture that worships superficiality while punishing the natural aging process. It’s safe to say this film is not for the faint-hearted; the in-your-face satire leaves audiences scratching their heads and questioning their own perceptions of beauty. Moore’s performance has been heralded as one of the best of her career, cementing her prowess in an industry that often relegates women over 50 to the sidelines.

- Fun Fact: Did you know that the film’s director, Coralie Fargeat, is famed for her previous work that boldly portrays feminist themes and subverts traditional horror tropes? Her unique vision is beautifully executed in *The Substance* as she invites viewers to reflect on their own notions of beauty and self-worth.

- Interesting Tidbit: The film features a striking contrast between the digital aesthetic of the younger character and the raw, unsettling visuals of Moore’s character, serving to enhance the narrative of how society’s obsession with social media feeds into self-doubt and societal pressures! Get ready to laugh, cringe, and think deeply with *The Substance*!

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Image courtesy of "The New York Times"

'The Substance' Review: An Indecent Disclosure (The New York Times)

Demi Moore stars in an absurdly gory tale of an aging actress who discovers a deadly cure for obscurity.

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Image courtesy of "The Washington Post"

Beauty — and monstrosity — are skin deep in 'The Substance' (The Washington Post)

Demi Moore plays an aging, egocentric star in this gonzo horror-comedy.

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Image courtesy of "Financial Times"

The Substance film review — Demi Moore turns on herself in lurid ... (Financial Times)

Coralie Fargeat's sci-fi shocker follows the downward spiral of a 50-year-old movie star who resorts to drastic measures.

Beauty and Body Horror Collide in The Substance (Miami New Times)

Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley star as an aging actress and her younger doppelganger in this update of Dorian Gray for the Instagram age.

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Image courtesy of "NME.com"

'The Substance' review: bombastic body horror with plenty to say (NME.com)

'The Substance' sees Demi Moore take the lead in this sickening satire of society's obsession with youth and beauty.

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Image courtesy of "Houston Chronicle"

'The Substance' starring Demi Moore, Margaret Qualley cuts deep (Houston Chronicle)

The knockout horror-thriller from director Coralie Fargeat also stars Margaret Qualley and Dennis Quaid.

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Image courtesy of "City A.M."

The Substance review: Demi Moore in best film of her career - CityAM (City A.M.)

There were plenty of standing ovations at this year's Cannes Film Festival, but one film in particular had everyone buzzing. Coralie Fargeat, who came to ...

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Image courtesy of "The Detroit News"

'The Substance' review: Demi Moore shines in bold, boundary ... (The Detroit News)

In-your-face satire is not for the squeamish or weak of stomach. Adam Graham. Detroit News Film Critic. Wickedly audacious and boldly over-the-top ...

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Image courtesy of "The Independent"

The Substance review: Demi Moore is sensational, but this body ... (The Independent)

Coralie Fargeat reimagines the historical misogynist 'hagsploitation' genre to powerful effect – at least until her film's disgusting ending.

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Image courtesy of "Home — Crooked Marquee"

Review: The Substance — Crooked Marquee (Home — Crooked Marquee)

Whether Coralie Fargeat is making a rape-revenge film with the lurid neon nightmare Revenge or a body horror like the gory satire The Substance, ...

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Image courtesy of "British Vogue"

Filmmaker Coralie Fargeat On The Shocking Truths Of 'The Substance' (British Vogue)

The film centres on Elisabeth Sparkle (Demi Moore), a Jane Fonda-esque actor and fitness icon who is abruptly laid off from her TV show by a misogynistic ...

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Image courtesy of "Los Angeles Times"

'The Substance' review: Fearless Demi Moore in showbiz satire (Los Angeles Times)

Demi Moore is boldly exposed as an aging Oscar winner rejected by her producer in a hyperstylized satire that also stars Margaret Qualley and Dennis Quaid.

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Image courtesy of "IndieWire"

Why Is The Substance Opening in Nearly 2000 Theaters? (IndieWire)

Go big or go home: MUBI's 'The Substance' and Focus Features' 'Conclave' are specialized movies that both see the wisdom of opening wide.

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Image courtesy of "ABC News"

Movie Review: 'The Substance' is brilliantly disgusting and deranged (ABC News)

Writer-director Coralie Fargeat treats audiences to a heavy dose of biting social commentary on ageism and sexism in Hollywood, with a spoonful of sugar- and ...

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Image courtesy of "KQED"

Beauty Is a Beast in LA-Set 'The Substance' | KQED (KQED)

Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley star in a new body horror film that doesn't pull any punches.

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Image courtesy of "Screen Rant"

The Substance Ending Explained (Screen Rant)

The film is a dark comedy about the entertainment industry, but it's also quietly a tragic horror story about the lengths Elisabeth and Sue will go to achieve ...

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Image courtesy of "Powell River Peak"

Movie Review: 'The Substance' is brilliantly disgusting and deranged (Powell River Peak)

Writer-director Coralie Fargeat treats audiences to a heavy dose of biting social commentary on ageism and sexism in Hollywood, with a spoonful of sugar- and ...

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Image courtesy of "The Conversation CA"

Prioritizing entertainment over substance is a dangerous trend in ... (The Conversation CA)

New research has found there is a concerning trend in Canadian political discourse: the tendency to treat politics as little more than sensational ...

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Image courtesy of "Cambridge Day"

'The Substance': Demi Moore's cure for aging goes beyond spine ... (Cambridge Day)

The inspired casting of Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley as the same ego/persona is nothing short of a lightning strike. Moore plays aging fitness queen ...

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