If you combined the creature FX of Carpenter’s The Thing, the gore of De Palma’s Carrie and the eccentric lust for science of Cronenberg’s The Fly you might come close to the cinematic experience of Coralie Fargeat The Substance. The film is a biting satire on ageism in Hollywood and the relentless pursuit of youth.
Demi Moore gives a shockingly brave performance and bares her body and soul in this unforgiving creature feature. If true beauty is on the inside then Elisebeth Sparkle never stood a chance. The film is a graphic feast from the symmetrical framing and vibrant color palette in its opening scene to its gruesome end. I dare you to try and eat during this film.
I’m still having nightmares of chicken drumsticks being expelled through my navel. Fargeat’s film plays on the audience’s own vanity and our willingness to see someone fail. A cautionary tale that will leave you gagging for more.
The Substance is out in theatres now, Watch the trailer here.
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