Coralie Fargeat's film The Substance continues to leave its mark on audiences and critics alike as it navigates the complex themes of youth, identity, and societal pressures. The movie has sparked conversations not just about its plot but also about the very essence of horror and personal transformation.
Fargeat, who is known for her groundbreaking work, revealed her intentions for the film during an interview with Variety. When asked about the chances of a sequel, she was quick to dismiss the notion, expressing her desire for originality over repetitive narratives: "Oh no, oh no. Like the point of this movie is to present fresh things to the world. No sequels, no prequels, no number two, number three. So I'm going to be so happy to bring something else fresh to the world in a bit." This sentiment reflects her commitment to innovation in filmmaking, which she believes is often lost to the lure of sequels and franchises.
The Substance, her follow-up to the 2017 action thriller Revenge, presents the harrowing tale of Elisabeth Sparkle, portrayed by Demi Moore, who is grappling with the harsh realities of aging and the entertainment industry's obsession with youth. After losing her job as the host of an aerobics program due to her age, Elisabeth turns to the black market to find a drug capable of producing a younger version of herself, named Sue, played by Margaret Qualley. Critics have applauded the film for its satirical and grotesque portrayal of societal standards, earning it high ratings on review aggregate sites like Rotten Tomatoes, where it currently sits at 89 percent fresh.
At its core, the film does more than merely entertain. It has ignited discussions about the very nature of beauty and self-worth. The metamorphosis from Elisabeth to Sue is fraught with unexpected consequences, leading to violence and self-loathing as the older and younger versions of herself interact. Scenes depicting the grotesque nature of this transformation are both compelling and disturbing, forcing audiences to confront their discomfort with aging and beauty.
This year's 82nd Golden Globe Awards saw The Substance earn five nominations, including Best Director and Best Screenplay for Fargeat, as well as Best Picture - Musical or Comedy. The nomination for Moore as Best Actress adds to her long and storied career, marking another highlight after years of thriving as one of Hollywood's leading ladies. The nominees are set to be honored during the ceremony hosted by Nikki Glaser on January 5.
Notably, both lead actresses, Moore and Qualley, are continuing to branch out from The Substance with multiple projects. Moore is currently working on the sci-fi feature I Love Boosters, co-starring Keke Palmer and LaKeith Stanfield, showcasing her versatility within the film industry. Meanwhile, Qualley prepares to return to horror through A24's Victorian Psycho, set to begin filming soon.
Coming from its successful run at the 77th Cannes Film Festival, where it garnered the Screenplay Award, The Substance is gaining traction at the box office, with nearly 160,000 viewers and expectations to surpass 200,000. This balancing act between commercial viability and artistic expression places Fargeat's film at the forefront of the so-called 'body horror' subgenre.
The film's reception has also spurred interest and debate within cinephile communities, especially concerning its graphic content and the horror genre's role. Fargeat's ability to blend body horror with satire challenges audiences to reassess their views on beauty and aging proactively. Yet, viewers should be forewarned: the film's shocking imagery lingers long after viewing, leaving both impression and discomfort.
At its heart, The Substance presents not just the story of Elisabeth Sparkle; it emphasizes the broader societal critique of the pressures to maintain youth and beauty, which can lead to dire consequences. Considered more than just entertainment, the film stands as both a reflection of reality and a mirror to viewers' own fears and desires.
While Fargeat has not publicly declared her next project, her progressive vision and commitment to compelling storytelling continue to evolve through her work. With the Golden Globe nominations already boosting the film's visibility, audiences are left waiting eagerly for what fresh concepts the filmmaker might present next.
Available for streaming on Mubi, those who have yet to witness the evolution of Elisabeth Sparkle can still indulge their curiosities as The Substance continues to unearth new discussions about horror, identity, and the inexorable march of time.