The Substance review

No genre gets hyped quite like horror.

Often taglines will read ‘the best horror film of the past 20 years’, plus other similar sentiments.

Coralie Fargeat’s has been whispered about since bagging Best Screenplay at Cannes earlier this year, but it’s in the stratosphere and gladly, the hype is wholly justified.

Demi Moore, plays Elisabeth, who hosts a daily workout show, but after turning 50, is quickly canned by her sleazy producer, played with unabashed smugness by Dennis Quaid.

After being involved in a car accident, she is offered the chance to take part in an experiment known as The Substance, which will give her a second chance at youth.

What initially feels like an update of a Faustian bargain becomes something entirely different by its conclusion.

Moore’s turn is something to behold, as she literally lays bare her insecurities and in an art imitating life imitating art moment, comments about the expectations around women and how they are often sent out to pasture once they hit a certain or show any sign that they aren’t 25 anymore.

Elisabeth’s creation ‘Sue’, played by Margaret Qualley, is a different beast altogether, who swaggers around and takes what she wants to stay ahead of the game; but at what cost?

Once things start to go south for this arrangement, The Substance becomes arguably one of the strongest body horror films to date.

We always have The Thing and The Fly remakes in this conversation, but people need to be adding The Substance to this illustrious list.

The biggest compliment I can pay the film is that my audience was stunned into silence by its conclusion.

Fargeat’s insistence on practical effects only enhances the horror on show, and Moore and Qualley’s commitment to going all in only enhances the experience; this is a movie where everyone is at 9 at worst.

It’s noted that Moore has never bagged an Oscar to date, and it’s not hyperbole to say she has to be in the conversation for this, arguably her best-ever performance.

Maybe have a light lunch beforehand, but seek out The Substance at your earliest convenience.

The Substance is screening now in UK cinemas.