Mark Kermode reviews The Substance - Kermode and Mayo's Take

[@kermodeandmayostake]

Hello everyone, thanks for watching. If you enjoy Mark's reviews perhaps you'd consider subscribing to our weekly podcast, on which we talk about all manner of film and non-film related stuff, discuss the box office top ten, speak to top guests and provide a bunch of recommendations of things to watch at the cinema and at home. podfollow.com/1616559297

[@PsychoticSmith]

I thought the most powerful moment in the movie was the simple moment when she was preparing to go meet that nice guy for a date but couldn’t get herself to leave home.

[@guest_informant]

100%. That was so hard to watch.

[@niallmartin9063]

That scene had tragedy and pathos, but the rest of it was like Ari Astors 3rd movie. Rubbish!!

[@xctyk]

That's the part I felt the most

[@PsychoticSmith]

@@niallmartin9063 That’s honestly a great comparison. Both films end in such an absolute batshit insane way. I don’t think the ending is complete rubbish for this movie. However, I did find myself feeling like it dragged a little towards the end. I believe this was intentional. However, I wish we could have gotten a little more details into how the Substance was created. Sequel maybe? Prequel? lol

[@Mattowar77]

The most heartbreaking scene for me.

[@andrespruden6628]

One aspect that seems to be overlooked in The Substance is how it captures the duality of addiction, especially the relationship between Sue and Elisabeth. Sue, the “high” self, is very aware of her connection to Elisabeth, yet she willingly sacrifices Elisabeth’s integrity to maintain the illusion that the substance offers. This reflects the experience of addicts, who often continue the cycle despite knowing the harm they’re causing to their sober self. The film beautifully portrays the guilt, loss of identity, and depersonalization that addicts experience, and I’m surprised more people haven’t recognized this as one of the film’s key themes.

[@golderjames]

@@andrespruden6628 couldn’t agree more

[@peterl4489]

This comment is absolute cinema *insert Scorsese here*

[@rachelbest4681]

Most people watch a movie to merely enjoy the spectacle - to be entertained. And damn was I entertained.

[@jackmatthews947]

Excellent point, very well said.

[@jacquiedls]

This was my exact takeaway from the film.

[@fitandhappy42]

I love when these kind of movies come up just to watch as Mark turns into a ball of pure enthusiasm and Simon basically disassociates.

[@melslee3900]

tee hee!! Yes, Simon Will Not like this film 😊

[@DJBigbadbuckley]

Struck me that this version of Dennis Quaid would make an amazing Vince McMahon

[@JackHeadlamBJA]

@@DJBigbadbuckley thought the exact same! With a bit of that mega church pastor with the shark-like gaze

[@diegorux]

True!

[@TheVarietyVendor]

@DJBigbadbuckley felt the same way right away. The suit. The hair. The perverted demeanor

[@cacacalr]

I thought the same exact thing the whole movie

[@hjgunn_26]

thought it from the first scene. And then next scene he says "you're hired". and then later does the Mr Mcmahon strut down a corridor, too perfect

[@j0niithan]

Saw it at an advance mystery screening in my local cinema. Packed screen, prompted five walk outs, I had to stop eating the food I ordered after a while because it was genuinely making me feel a bit nauseous. Gets about halfway through the film and I think "it can't get any worse", and then it does and it does and it does again. Absolutely insane, one of my favourite ever cinema experiences, my favourite film of the year and destined to be a horror classic. Loved it!

[@stephennootens916]

So I should skip the popcorn when I go see it.

[@AceZachrocks123]

@@stephennootens916 i had to stop drinking the milkshake i had personally. i can't imagine getting a food to chew on during it lol. I see like soooo many horror movies and i've seen some gross stuff but this genuinely got me grossed out at points.

[@leighrogers1383]

@@stephennootens916😂😂

[@usedfuzzbox]

I was already very keen to see this, now I'm desperate to go tomorrow.....

[@j0niithan]

@@stephennootens916 Lol I would... I was gonna buy a hotdog and I'm so happy I didn't now 😅

[@saintjimmy456]

The Substance is the best film I've watched so far this year, not just horror. Strap yourself in and keep an open mind, hopefully you'll enjoy it.

[@johnpower29]

This was insanely brilliant. The sound design was amazing, you really feel every skin prick and laceration.

[@deerheart87]

I agree 💯

[@tigerfist5120]

Wth is wrong with you people? This film was lame, It was like watching a student film. Poor acting, directing, editing. A solid 0 out of 10

[@Ryhan_Beard]

I just adore hearing Mark talk about horror films, regardless of whether he ends up liking them or not. Been anticipating seeing this film for quite a while, this just helps it more!

[@Wilko137]

There's a moment at the end that had me howling with laughter. What a beauitfully shot deranged film. Im so glad it's had a wide release, we need films like these! Two people left in the final 5 minutes which was a strange place for the film to lose you. I absolutely loved this.

[@Beatmyguest001]

I was HOWLING during that final act!! I was just loving it!!

[@darrenwindle3592]

Yes it was funny

[@ADOX2525]

The thing falling to the floor?

[@simondavies419]

Did it involve her picture? That made me chuckle, even though it was quite sad too.

[@corpseyfest]

I saw this last night. People were screaming, people were grossed out but they were having a great time. Its audacious, gloriously OTT and quite disgusting at times but I loved it. If I had my way Demi Moore would get an Oscar nomination for this.

[@tymeadows9427]

This is the most perfect Kermode Mayo review ever! Watching Mayo think “not this body horror nonsense again” was golden!

[@dave3076]

"I'd love you to see it," he says with a huge smile. You wicked man!

[@matthewsnyder9189]

I love it. I saw The Shining, Black Swan, Sunset Blvd, Irreversible, Raw, Carrie - but it’s also completely its own thing.

[@joshhunt4146]

Defo The Shining - one of the very first shots in the bathroom was textbook Kubrick

[@Garrett1240]

Glad you mentioned 'Raw'. The director of that movie--Julia Ducournau, who also wrote and directed 'Titane', seems to be of a similar mind as the director of The Substance--Coralie Fargeat.

[@Technique-kj2bp]

limitless, the fly, the thing, braindead, br2049

[@Otanru]

@@Technique-kj2bp Why's BR2049 on the list LMAOOOO

[@Technique-kj2bp]

@@Otanru the sterile, minimal, distinct colours cinematography, especially the deposit box room, one shot literally looks exactly the same as a shot in 2049, even down to the the sound design in the scene. Glad you found the comparison ABSOLUTELY HILARIOUS THOUGH

[@geese5061]

Sounds like a “what if Cronenberg made Death Becomes Her?” scenario

[@MiguelLopez-fs3ll]

Eh, more Yuzna than Cronenberg imo

[@Ventibreeze123]

It’s like death becomes her on speed

[@ZachBobBob]

Nailed it

[@barbarakirk3064]

Yes! I was thinking of Death Becomes Her.

[@muaykaliente4386]

Exactly 🎉

[@he_vysmoker]

I've been listening to Mark Kermode since the 90s when he had a spot on channel 4 or bbc2 in which he would introduce one of his chosen movies and bring his critique into his intros he was and is intelligent insightful honest and funny and always spot on when choosing a film. In my opinion he is fairly easily one of the very best film commentators.

[@Dogboy73]

Finally watched it. Wasn't as gory as I expected, based on all the things I'd heard. I was getting ready for some serious body horror, which I'm not really into at all. It's a bonkers film though. Very original. I really liked it.

[@StringSun]

I was almost disappointed on first watch after all the hype but it’s now become my favourite film of the year

[@dumpsta-divrr365]

Seeing that finale in a packed theater is one of my favorite theatergoing experiences ever.

[@brocoolhurst]

the walkouts in my advance screening were utterly euphoric. What a visceral BLAST. Wish tonally it didn't play for laughs so often but when it goes full throttle it's unbelievable and Demi Moore was a revelation

[@DeltaSpartan141]

It's a satire, that's why it plays for laughs.

[@HEAVYHEARTSMUSIC]

That it doesn't take itself so seriously and is aware it steps into camp while still being sincere works completely in its favor

[@brocoolhurst]

@@DeltaSpartan141 I get it I just don't think it's that successful in that part. But I'm nitpicking

[@VegasDannyReturns]

I just hated the last few minutes. Just took me way out of the film…couldn’t wait for it to end. 20 hours of the film is an absolute masterpiece.

[@TheRealClankZoka]

I saw it a week ago, one of the rarest horror films to legit disgust me in horror, I looked away, I screamed and had to take my shoes off as it was making me sooo uncomfortable, but I absolutely loved it, it was brilliant!!, bold, creative and very outside of the box, the performances are all great, safe to say it left an weird impact on me. Not since maybe MEN or Beau is Afraid have I been kind of disturbed by horror and this left me kind of laughing a little too much when it finish, I was…. Speechless. This an experience that I’ll never forget nor a film I’ll watch again…, but go watch it without reading too much into it and with a packed audience (If ya can), it’s totally worth it.

[@GB_Rusty]

Was the shoe removal to enable proper toe curling?

[@TheRealClankZoka]

@@GB_Rusty It was yes, not disrespecting the code of conduct but it did legit make me uncomfortable to the point I just had to take ‘em off.

[@WarlordRising]

This is definitely going to be in conversation as one of the best horror films of the early 21st century. That ending is one for the ages. I don't think I've seen a wilder ending to an original horror film in a long time. It's like Verhoeven and Cronenberg cranked to volume 11. This better win best makeup fx. It'd be a crime if it doesn't.

[@WhiteRussianDolls]

The Suspiria remake is the only ending that comes close!

[@babyfacemichael1]

Just saw this on the big screen , and boy its a big screen film. its awesomness personified, the best body horror made so far. It made me laugh like braindead , its a wild , funny outrageous ride. It wears its influences on its sleeve, from The Shinning to Carrie, . I loved every bonkers , jaw dropping moment. I would give Moore the Oscar , just because like Stone in Poor Things, she richly deserves it, just give it to her.

[@leylamikkelsen1248]

The Substance exists at the intersection of Gerwig’s Barbie and Yuzna’s Society.

[@zerofocus9383]

The fact barely anyone has mentioned Brian Yuzna's Society when discussing the final act is perhaps a missed conversation. Film of the year without question

[@phillwarren6982]

Just came here to make exactly the same comment!

[@ReverendBen]

I know! Such strong comparisons

[@connorstephens7467]

Society is a masterpiece

[@russthomas7852]

For me it’s part Society, part Requiem For A Dream. Film of the year so far, and Demi Moore was a revelation.

[@deerheart87]

Def film of the year

[@OliveBranch-z9r]

Mark's review, the contribution from a viewer and the references are spot on. At an early stage it occurred to me this tale would make a blinding Black Mirror episode (on steroids), but it was so much more. During the Third Act I repeatedly failed to anticipate how far the "there" was that we were going. Came out shell-shocked and hopeful that the visceral experience of watching The Substance is as close as anyone gets to taking it IRL. Wasn't always 100% sure I was enjoying it at the time, but given that a couple of young people - perhaps they felt 'got at' - walked out, I find myself reflecting on how much I enjoy knowing what I would have missed if I'd done the same. P.S. Denis Quaid's character - "Harvey": I see what they did there.

[@nox5870]

Saw this today... This film is bonkers! Kind of reminds me of The Fly... It's a powerful film about beauty standards and self-obsession with bizarre humour thrown into the mix, and you get this. This was one hell of a ride. Dune Part Two and The Substance got to be two of my favourite films of this year so far. No movie this year made me feel good about cinema like these two. They brought back what Cinema lacked in quite some time, I would say this... The Substance is not as re-watchable as Dune 2 just because to me like "The Fly" it just... disturbed the heck out of me and left me feeling sad by the end, I just hate seeing characters destroy themselves like this. An easy 9/10, a possible Masterpiece. I just need to sit with it for few more hours before I can fully decide where I stand with this movie.

[@davidedwards8365]

Watched this last night. The best horror film I’ve seen since The Babadook. Absolutely hand-in-mouth for the last hour, which it utterly deserved to go batpoo crazy with after such an intelligent and brilliant setup. Also, the sound design was remarkable. Amazing film, and Demi Moore should 100% be Oscar-nominated, if nothing else than for that kitchen/French cooking scene 👌

[@DJGadj]

Saw the substance a couple weeks early at an Odeon Scream Unseen showing and haven't stopped thinking about it since, i absolutely loved it, the body horror was top notch and both Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley's performances were excellent A definite recommend for fans of either the actors or body horror, It definitely had some of the grossest scenes i've ever seen on the big screen but it was amazingly done and i can't wait to see it again! 9.5/10 for me 🔥

[@davidahmed7792]

It did fly by. There were elements which reminded me of The Portrait Of Dorian Grey , especially when Demi Moore’s unconscious Elisabeth was hidden behind that false wall amid all the detritus Sue just shoved in with her.

[@MrC-o5y]

Yeah I'm surprised that Dorian Grey isn't mention more in reviews etc *

[@Ruloathesome]

Durian Grey Countess Dracula The Fly all sorts of parallels good movie

[@cameronkaercher919]

Brian Yuzna would be proud!

[@MiguelLopez-fs3ll]

Yup. This film is much more Yuzna than Carpenter or Cronenberg

[@tripleb4736]

im thinking of the shunt in society and if its half as good as that its going to be fantastic

[@roachboy8583]

Exactly, Society was a big influence.

[@toolbandtube]

This is pure cinema. It's a wild ride & that ending - WOW! Body Horror LIVES!

[@jameswatling3203]

Kubrick (The Shining and 2001), Lovecraft (Reanimator!), Peter Jackson Braindead, Carrie, Verhoeven, Gaspar Noé (Irreversible), Carpenter (The Thing), Miike Takashi, Sunset Blvd, Cronenberg (The Fly), Brian Yuzna's Society - basically this movie is a 2hr20mins nod to all my fave movies and directors. Outstanding.

[@markatkinson167]

My 56 years old, seen hundreds of movies and I think this is perhaps the freakiest film I've ever seen. Had to look away at times. Everyone who left the auditorium was stunned at what they'd watched.

[@the_shadow_realm5110]

Mark got me into David Cronenberg about 25 years ago. Can’t wait to see this!

[@phillwarren6982]

Was I the only one getting flashbacks to Stuart Gordon films from the 80's during this, particularly Re-Animator and From Beyond rather than Cronenberg? And the last part just had me thinking of Brian Yuzna's Society.

[@ianhowells207]

Simon Mayo is coming across as a grumpy grand father just barely tolerating his odd, off kilter but lovable grandson. Utterly baffled but loving him.

[@Squadron_Bodron]

This is antisemitic.

[@joshzarr]

@@Squadron_Bodron😂

[@Nice_Fella]

i think thats always been the dynamic!

[@boydchristophermediauk5958]

Best film of the year, demi amazing and daring performance

[@dropboxmoabit384]

I just love how Mark enjoys the hell out of this films extremeness. So did I.

[@jimwantsaliens]

We often say you can tell if Mark hates a movie because he sighs before he starts. Here, I don't think I've ever seen him smiling so much at the start of a review.

[@brocoolhurst]

Thought my laptop was playing up watching this but it was just Mark's dodgy camera - very charming

[@danthsmith]

Saw it at Frightfest. Film of the year. Absolutely incredible

[@dropboxmoabit384]

The finale can be more aptly described as a cross between Carrie, The Elephant Man and the puking scene from Problem Child 2. With blood.

[@-diogenesthecynic-]

2:27 huge fan of Simon’s disgusted glare here

[@kizzyisdead5545]

I think one of the movies that it takes on is Videodrome. Nobody has mentioned that yet Great film. Laughed my back sore at the end😂

[@jacobshaw8825]

An absolutely fantastic work of art

[@peesavo]

Hiya Mark, saw you at Exeter services last week in M&S, was too shy to say hello but just want to say I'm a massive fan and have followed you for years! Keep up the great excellent analysis work 👏

[@DJ-wl5qo]

This movie is the most metal thing I’ve seen in years and it fucking rules

[@Fontsman-14]

A very entertaining and thought provoking film. A graphic, funny and at times deeply emotional film. I certainly recommend anyone with an open mind to watch it. All the cast are outstanding, especially Demi Moore.

[@davidrobinson2776]

I saw this with the wife and she couldn't believe Demi Moore got naked. All I could do was hold her hand and say "Bless."

[@onegathers]

Saw this yesterday. As with all the other comments here i thought it was brilliant and gooey and hilarious. Top marks to Demi for making a emotionally cold character have an air of vulnerability; and for fearlessly throwing herself into the kind of role she deserved to have had more often. I was reminded of John' Frankenheimer's 1966 masterpiece 'Seconds' about the perils of a middle-aged person desiring youth and a second chance. The bloke sat next to me came armed with coke and Popcorn. Half way through he abandoned them and walked out. Yes, this film and edibles are anathema to one another. Film of the year.

[@alisdairmckenzie]

I loved this - saw it 2 nights ago. It's great seeing all the homages to other films in it - they're well done - you'll recognise them straight away if you love cinema. One film I was expecting Mark to bring up but I am sure he just forgot is Brian Yuzna's Society from 1989... the climatic scene in that film, well it's all here. Great role for Demi Moore - she's getting much deserved attention for it - all well deserved.

[@00sinders]

Absolutely loved it. Thankfully I went in knowing very little beyond the basic premise and it was all the better for it. The final act was quite something, but the whole film worked so well.

[@lukebale8550]

I loved this film, managed to get tickets for an early showing in Manchester and was not disappointed. I'm going to see it again loved it that much. This film will be up for some awards I am sure of it

[@True-Faux]

Carpenter’s The Thing and Mattel’s Barbie had a child…

[@bottlemanic]

THANK YOU

[@DexterDexter123]

really great extended Black mirror episode that’s about 20 mins too long. gory, funny, tragic, ridiculous, entertaining once it settles into its genre. a lot of bums. reminded me a lot of the fly, basket case, elephant man, requiem for a dream. really great performances. not something i’d usually go and see. but loved it.

[@ponchostoybox]

An amazing audio and visual cinematic feast!

[@funkychicken4509]

Yeah and the film wasn't bad either!

[@deadbird1229]

Saw this Thursday night and loved every second of it. I knew Mark would be a champion of this film of course.

[@nick28476]

F*cking amazing film. Loved it. Every aspect delivers. I was glued to it.

[@redisthecoolestcolour]

Saw this at FrightFest and we had a blast, I spent the final third laughing in absolute delight, just when you think Coralie's found the limit she keeps pushing BUT she never stops making a point. There is heart and soul and a message underneath some of the most insane body horror I have ever seen. If you're not a horror fan, please go anyway, close your eyes if you must, but please don't miss out on an incredible movie with two of the best female lead performances in a long time. EDIT: Also, to say that this film is about youth and beauty is certainly true but it's about self love and self loathing. The respect we do or don't show to ourselves.

[@votdfak]

Creature from 3rd act is like the creature from indie game INSIDE. Dennis Quaid character reminds me of character Barry Fife from Baz Luhrmann's movie Strictly Ballroom.

[@profatomo]

I went into this blind, and was just bombarded with this incredible body horror masterpiece. Take one part of Cronenberg, one part of Akira and a big dash of Tetsuo the Iron man, and mix with the gore of a Peter Jackson horror movie. Gross, gory, over the top but brilliant. Funny and sickening at the same time. Maybe the best movie this year.

[@dennischiapello7243]

The smart humor also stands out, and it's there every step of the way. I put off seeing the movie when I learned it was close to two and a half hours, but, like Kermode, I was amazed how quickly the time passed. The art direction and sound design are fabulous.

[@extremetee]

Thank you Simon for that question!

[@NcboreasVapes]

This is, without a doubt, the best film I've seen this year. Nothing else to add.

[@reduxmod9178]

Who remembers Lizzie from GMTV? This randomly brought her to mind for the first time in 40 years.

[@barbarakirk3064]

I do!

[@sanjsurativideo]

Saw it last night at the BFI. Loved it!!!

[@gs8494]

it's a wild wild ride and it's just hammer blow after hammer blow, it's fantastic, my only real problem with the film is that it didn't scare me, it's still brilliant though.

[@WarlordRising]

Hence, the Cronenberg comparisons. Body horror is made to make you squirm by the bombastic gore

[@TheDungeonDive]

I don't think it's supposed to scare you. Very few things actually scare people. It's more there to entertain and maybe provoke a response.

[@travisbickle2004]

Mark’s review has certainly piqued my interest, I’ve kind of been a bit off films recently but this sounds fun and very interesting. Mark has seen a tonne of films, he’s pretty much seen it all when it comes to horror, so when i hear a reaction like this, I’m sold.

[@Ventibreeze123]

Just when I had given up on Hollywood when it comes to original horror I’m surprised and absolutely delighted with this film, I just saw it today 20/8 and it blew me away, I don’t want to say anything because it will spoil it for others but I thought it was brilliant.

[@charliecartwright4667]

Loving Mark wearing the Newlyn Filmhouse T-shirt. Perfect shout out to one of the UK's great cinemas. (Silenced the reveiw after 60 secs as still to see the film, at Newlyn later in week).

[@strikeformatik]

With the third act, the unbelievebly squishy theatre scene.. my take was everyone has blood on their hands because everyone participates in it. Also their hate was thrown back into their faces.

[@PiratesRock]

Not everyone. There was a little kid there who clearly was a big fan of Sue. Plus, I’d imagine some other people got caught up in it who wasn’t really involved in the industry or had little power to change the industry also was affected by the blood. (Such as the other female performers)

[@airs1234]

I loved the third act version of her getting ready to go to the TV studio. So bizarre and amazing.

[@robertlee2092]

Oh my god this was amazing, probably the most fun I’ve had at the theatres since Fury Road

[@jimmygillard]

Biggest rave from Mark in years, sold me on it!

[@EppyGibbon]

I don't think Simon is convinced.

[@elizabethc9406]

@@EppyGibbon Simon never is.

[@Gycvbjhfddaerfchknopjgvvj]

Cannot stop thinking about this film. The best horror film since Hereditary (possibly Talk to Me, but might just be me who adored that). Absolutely unique, don’t think I’ve ever seen a movie like it. So many Jaw dropping moments. That first birthing scene is incredible.

[@sixteenstringjack]

Talk to me was fantastic. The effects in that were unpleasantly realistic

[@scuderia_rob]

I genuinely think The Substance might be my favourite horror movie of all time. I saw it at a Scream Unseen viewing and I’ve never laughed, winced and gasped more watching a horror movie and I feel thats exactly what an amazing horror movie should do.

[@bertonspat129]

@@scuderia_rob I agree actually. Trying to fight any recency bias since seeing it yesterday but can’t stop thinking about it and can’t remember being this impressed by a movie in 15+ years

[@bertonspat129]

I agree actually. Trying to fight recency bias since seeing it yesterday but can’t stop thinking about it and can’t remember a movie impressing me so much in 15+ years

[@jethromansell8931]

I absolutely adore this film… the style, the poignancy the hilariously grotesque third act…. Haven’t seen a body horror I enjoyed like this in a very long time…

[@mcblaloc]

As a woman, I can confirm that the most VILE scene in the entire movie is Dennis Quaid's character eating the shrimp. Only a woman director could understand and capture the true HORROR Elisabeth Sparkle (Demi's character) felt as her gross, old, loud boss sat across from her and with ZERO hesitation told her that her career was over. As the film goes on and the body horror, objectively, becomes more and more extreme, as a woman NOTHING disgusted me more than the powerful white man eating the shrimp while telling the successful woman that her career has now ended. If you're more disgusted by the practical effects in the last 20-30 minutes... I insist you take a look inward and inquire why that might be. That's Coralie's entire point. Women are expected to exist as creatures of beauty, and they STILL get the short end of the stick - because no matter how vile they are, men will always have power over them. Incredible film. One of my favorites of all time, possibly.

[@RiuniteOnIce69]

...and the companion scene of the lame neighbor who now desires his "new" neighbor Sue. Whether being rejected or desired, that these abject / mediocre men are the arbiters of Elizabeth's / Sue's worth - is the film's sad joke. They're the audience Elizabeth is destroying herself to please.

[@pejpm]

@@mcblaloc what’s his skin color got to do with it?

[@RB-.-]

@@pejpm Lol fr that was a real mask off moment

[@Technique-kj2bp]

The film is a warning to not base your whole identity around your looks. Something that a lot of women do. And to avoid that vacuous celebrity culture that millions if not billions of people aspire for

[@Technique-kj2bp]

And to find yourself a good man and have a family when you're young and beautiful, instead of the miserable existence demi's character finds herself in due to her life choices

[@TonyWilliams-zl1gn]

Just watched this and it's amazing! Kudos to Demi for an amazing and very brave performance and the rest of the cast was balls to the wall committed. Cronenberg fans will revel in this bloody masterpiece ✌🏾

[@NickDusting]

I've thought about this since seeing it a couple of weeks ago - it's a film that stays with you. It didn't scare me but was hugely entertaining, squishy and moving. Marvelously played, not without a misstep or too... and miles better than anything I've seen this year.

[@ScottOnTheHills]

Loved this. Really visual, visceral and with a ton of nods to other films; 2001, the Shining, Pulp Fiction, Reservoir Dogs, Apocalypse Now, Carrie. Great soundtrack as well.

[@RuhBuhJuh1]

Saw this at a Scream Unseen and it hasn’t left my mind since. Feel like it’s going to be talked about for ages, but worth saying that while I loved it, my partner despised it!

[@ChicoSalter]

The central premise reminds me a bit of Seconds - although that one was about a male mid-life crisis. Looking forward to seeing it.

[@squatch545]

Makes you wonder if Cronenberg himself has seen it and what he thinks of it?

[@fishmanfairclough7530]

Great music, amazing sound, visually stunning with really well composed scenes. If you love body horror fantastic!

[@grobb30]

I was impressed the new version was a skilled carpenter and tiler the way she constructed that bathroom secret door 👏🏻👏🏻

[@Scampi95]

I really loved this film at the cinema, it was amazing!

[@rachelbest4681]

I loved this film and I'm not a body-horror enthusiast at all. It just made me laugh/wince/cringe all at the same time. The grotesquery was joyous!

[@ChiefBrodyRules]

LMAO Simon's looks during this entire review is incredible.

[@Tomurow]

I got 'Society' vibes at the end! 😁

[@IanJTaylor]

Ditto

[@4Kmichelinstarmovies]

great review cant wait to see this

[@harrisont2004]

The most anxious I’ve been watching a movie and the most disturbed. But it was utterly fantastic.

[@eladauk6678]

Incredible in every way. Mind blowing and unforgettable in every way. I loved it. Was really grotesque but just wow what a great film and so good it’s from a female director. Well done and Demi was OMG beyond amazing and deserves the Oscar

[@owensjl65]

Sounds like a Paul Verhoeven movie!

[@tofubutcher7456]

It's like if Croneberg was a woman amd made a feminist Robop fan film based on Dorian Gray. Except that description is selling it short, it's absolutely bonkers and a masterpiece.

[@ChrisLowe-yu4wb]

Saw it yesterday and it was awesome 🎉

[@timothywebster4288]

Lots of references to horror films like the overlook hotel and the reagent from thr Shinning and Re-animator

[@akh3152]

Was basically in shock for 20 mins after finishing the film. Hysterically laughing to myself going “holy shit holy shit holy shit! What a clusterfuck”. 10/10

[@ryanpatrick1875]

Cant wait to get to see this

[@Crouchy232323]

I dont think that's correct

[@davedecayed8218]

This film is an absolute riot. I've seen better films this year, but nothing as much fun.

[@deerheart87]

What better films ? Just interested

[@davedecayed8218]

@@deerheart87 based on UK general release: All Of Us Strangers, La Chimera, Perfect Days, The Zone of Interest

[@deerheart87]

@@davedecayed8218 zone of interest I Def agree with .

[@deerheart87]

@@davedecayed8218 thank u