The Substance: A Harrowing Exploration of Aging and Body Horror
The Substance, directed by Cory Finley, the filmmaker behind the brilliant debut feature Revenge, is a captivating and unsettling exploration of the complexities of aging and the relentless pursuit of physical perfection. Centered around a fading celebrity who turns to a black market drug that temporarily creates a younger, "better" version of herself, the film is a masterful blend of body horror and personal drama.
From the outset, the reviewer was eagerly anticipating Finley's next project after the success of Revenge. When The Substance won the award for Best Screenplay, it immediately shot up to the top of the reviewer's most anticipated list, and the film did not disappoint. Described as a "body horror movie," The Substance delivers some of the most horrifying and visceral bodily experiences the reviewer has ever witnessed on screen.
The reviewer draws a comparison to the original Texas Chainsaw Massacre, a film that they find so unsettling that they cannot eat while watching it. However, The Substance takes this discomfort to a whole new level, warning viewers that indulging in a meal while watching the film is not recommended, as the imagery and sound design are so effective in creating a sense of nausea and revulsion.
The Substance is praised for its ambitious and audacious approach, its stunning cinematography, and its exceptional performances, particularly from Demi Moore, who delivers a potentially career-best turn. The reviewer acknowledges that the film's exploration of the complexities of body image and aging may create a conflict within the audience, as they are asked to empathize with the characters' insecurities and also be repulsed by the more extreme body horror elements.
However, the reviewer argues that this conflict is a reflection of the nuanced and multifaceted nature of how we perceive our own bodies and the aging process. There is no simple, binary response, and the film's ability to capture this emotional volatility is what makes it so disturbing and powerful.
The Substance is a must-see for fans of body horror and intense, visceral filmmaking. While it may not be an easy watch, the reviewer praises the film's ambition, technical prowess, and its ability to tap into the deep-seated anxieties and fears that come with the relentless pursuit of physical perfection in a youth-obsessed society.
Part 1/5:
The Substance: A Harrowing Exploration of Aging and Body Horror
The Substance, directed by Cory Finley, the filmmaker behind the brilliant debut feature Revenge, is a captivating and unsettling exploration of the complexities of aging and the relentless pursuit of physical perfection. Centered around a fading celebrity who turns to a black market drug that temporarily creates a younger, "better" version of herself, the film is a masterful blend of body horror and personal drama.
Part 2/5:
From the outset, the reviewer was eagerly anticipating Finley's next project after the success of Revenge. When The Substance won the award for Best Screenplay, it immediately shot up to the top of the reviewer's most anticipated list, and the film did not disappoint. Described as a "body horror movie," The Substance delivers some of the most horrifying and visceral bodily experiences the reviewer has ever witnessed on screen.
Part 3/5:
The reviewer draws a comparison to the original Texas Chainsaw Massacre, a film that they find so unsettling that they cannot eat while watching it. However, The Substance takes this discomfort to a whole new level, warning viewers that indulging in a meal while watching the film is not recommended, as the imagery and sound design are so effective in creating a sense of nausea and revulsion.
Part 4/5:
The Substance is praised for its ambitious and audacious approach, its stunning cinematography, and its exceptional performances, particularly from Demi Moore, who delivers a potentially career-best turn. The reviewer acknowledges that the film's exploration of the complexities of body image and aging may create a conflict within the audience, as they are asked to empathize with the characters' insecurities and also be repulsed by the more extreme body horror elements.
However, the reviewer argues that this conflict is a reflection of the nuanced and multifaceted nature of how we perceive our own bodies and the aging process. There is no simple, binary response, and the film's ability to capture this emotional volatility is what makes it so disturbing and powerful.
Part 5/5:
The Substance is a must-see for fans of body horror and intense, visceral filmmaking. While it may not be an easy watch, the reviewer praises the film's ambition, technical prowess, and its ability to tap into the deep-seated anxieties and fears that come with the relentless pursuit of physical perfection in a youth-obsessed society.