If you were lucky enough to catch Coralie Fargeat's debut in theatres back in 2017 then you have undoubtedly been patiently waiting for her return to the director's chair ever since. Now, Fargeat is finally back with her sophomore effort and Edinburgh International Film Festival has gifted us with a preview screening of The Substance. With anticipation for the film at an all-time high, the question is whether it can defy expectations or not.
It stars Demi Moore as Elisabeth Sparkle, a fading fitness guru who uses a black market drug that temporarily creates an enhanced, younger version of herself in the form of Sue (Margaret Qualley). Of course, this wouldn't be a Coralie Fargeat movie without some horrifying side effects.
The French director isn't exactly known for her subtlety and that is certainly no different here. Using elements of body horror to display the disgust that society places on old age, and to show the literal monster that fame can turn you into, this on-the-nose approach never makes things any less engaging.
Thankfully, the transition to Hollywood with a bigger budget and even bigger stars has not changed Coralie Fargeat one bit. Filling almost every frame with deliciously deranged moments of hyperviolence and manipulating exploitative techniques to mock the male gaze and celebrate female bodies, the familiar marks of a Fargeat picture are right here in The Substance.
Many actresses have opened up in recent years about the reality of being over forty in Hollywood. With roles drying up and the limelight dimming, many can feel a sense of abandonment when they turn such an age. In this sense the casting of Demi Moore is a genius move, adding a sense of realness to the role thanks to Moore's famed peak in the 80s and 90s. Yet, Moore proves she couldn't be farther from the washed up character she portrays as she proves that she still has some unique performances in her and some even bigger swings to take in a role like this.
With her natural star power Moore has the ability to take something as simple as getting ready for a date and make it the most horrifying scene of the entire movie. Scenes of Dennis Quaid on the phone at a urinal, of Demi Moore talking to an old man at a diner, or of Margaret Qualley smiling in the mirror, are all more disturbing than any form of body horror that The Substance could possibly unleash on us. It is in these scenes that this picture shines. As beautifully bloody as things may get, it is the weight brought to the film by Moore, Qualley, and the wonderful screenplay, that really packs a punch.
Considering the weight that all of the above brings, Fargeat is given full reign to unleash hell. By bringing a relatable story to the screen and by making us care for this character, the director has us in the palm of her hand and takes the opportunity to tie our stomachs up in knots. With insane prosthetics, gallons of blood, and some truly disgusting up imagery, this movie is sure to send shivers down your spine.
With this film, Coralie Fargeat takes the opportunity to assure us that Hollywood has not turned her into a monster, that Margaret Qualley shall not be chewed up and spat out like many young actresses before her, and that Demi Moore can still kick some ass regardless of age. Defying expectations through blood, guts, tits, and ass, The Substance is one of this year's most fucked up movies and cinema is all the better for it.
The Substance screener at Edinburgh International Film Festival
