THE SUBSTANCE MOVIE REVIEW | Double Toasted

[@earnieboy54]

You don’t have to live in LA to understand this movie. Body image problems, ageism, being labeled as useless… for someone going through some of this I get it.

[@jool4867]

Only Americans expect life to be fair.

[@CandieP]

Exactly. They are even claiming the new age of elderly is over 25😂

[@turtlejeepjen314]

Same here- I’m 49, & I totally get it!! 💚

[@JavierIAcuna]

Yeah… selfsteam comes from… the self. Anything else is irrelevant.

[@GizmoBeach]

I agree with the o.p. that this flick raises some questions about mortality and the sadness of wasted youth/potential when you reach a certain stage in life. But it fails to answer any questions by going off the rails after almost two hours of booty jiggling and body shaming. There was the seed of an interesting psychological/philosophical thriller here...but it failed to sprout.

[@Spiderman-wt8hb]

Was hesitant at first to see this, but I’m glad I did. The scene where she goes into a frenzy trying to get ready for a date is probably one of the saddest things I’ve seen in a movie recently.

[@nkonig1]

Yes that might be the best scene in the movie.

[@omaridaniels8427]

And the unfortunate thing is that it was just with a guy who was just happy to see her after so many years and probably wouldn't have cared how she looked!

[@GDeNofa]

And Fred was a sweet guy too. 💔

[@FurubaGirl08]

I know! I loved how the guy was being such a dork and so sweet around her that I found him charming. I was like "girl just get out of the door!! It's gonna be ok n u look great 😩"

[@mimiM1970]

That scene was so sad and extremely well done! I felt myself tearing up during it tbh cause I've definitely been there lol

[@HimieFreeman]

Y’all are missing the fact that she is both people, the movie literally writes that on the screen and the person on the phone reiterates that the whole movie every time one version tries to blame the other version for something. Her consciousness is in both bodies, which is why she becomes addicted to being Sue.

[@moses9647]

I don't think so. My read was it meant they can't live without each other. Also, I think it meant that Sue's views of Elizabeth were Elizabeth's and vice versa. But when they woke up they didn't have the other's memories, past activation. I think the "oneness" is more a deeper idea than Elizabeth birthed her own self hatred. Same as the doctor guy. Really, anyone that would go for this is likely doing so from that same place and is doomed to fail

[@christinagray6591]

yeah, I thought it was pretty clear they were the same person

[@Paranormal718]

Thank you! It's a symbiotic relationship. Don't want to spoil for anyone who dares to continue reading, but, the "termination shot" at the end before completing and the abrupt awakening severed Sue and Elisabeth.

[@lamario]

​@@moses9647 Both Elizabeth's and Sue's views of each other were all Elizabeth's view of herself. The movie was about self-hated (amongst other related things). Sue's choices that necrotized Elizabeth were due to Elizabeth's obsession with wanting to stay young. Elizabeth's food and fitness choices also affected Sue. Elizabeth hated Sue, Sue hated Elizabeth, but Sue WAS Elizabeth. Elizabeth hated her young self and the older person she had become. They were truly one.

[@Denis-tf8fl]

They are the same person. The guy on the phone corrects her when she complains "she is you".

[@omaridaniels8427]

This movie absolutely should be seen with as big of a group or audience as possible. This is body horror on steroids, and some folks in my theater either looked away or covered their eyes during certain moments. But that's a sign of how effective the film was with some imagery. Not gratuitous for the sake of being gratuitous. And it goes without saying that Demi Moore, Margaret Qualley, and even Dennis Quaid all delivered fantastic performances. And Martin's right about Qualley. Ever since The Leftovers and onward, she's been everywhere. This, Kinds of Kindness, Sanctuary in 2023, Drive-Away Dolls (which I liked, but didn't love), she's been on a roll.

[@AlMoSiCe210]

Look up the movie Sanctuary. Margaret Qualley is JUST as fire in that as well!

[@omaridaniels8427]

@@AlMoSiCe210 Saw it in theaters last years. Interesting to see with other people.

[@ATSinclair11]

I thought the pummeling after being pushed through the table was a bit too much but rest of it was awesome

[@JustinUrban1]

I was one of two people laughing near the end at how insane it was getting in the final act. That’s the kind of movie experience that I’m glad to pay high ticket prices for! It was fun filled gore, with meaning behind it.

[@osmanyousif7849]

Yeah, for the first two thirds it's nothing scary, more disturbing and well. And even then, it's nothing jump scary, or has jump scare music. The last third however, is where the real terror begins, but even then, it's more of a slow buildup to what you'll witness.

[@SpideySensei72]

I really hope this movie does well, especially when you hear people complaining that there's no unique content at the box office but then showing up in droves for Beetlejuice 2 and the umpteenth Transformers movie. The director also made the move "Revenge" which is also definitely worth checking out. This may just be one of my top movies of the year.

[@MariaRodriguez-hb4ix]

Apparently, people aren't going to movies unless for a few selected features. This isn't one of those. Box office last weekend was $3.1M at number 6 of top 10. There were 2 other horror movies this week that made more movie (all under $6M). Bettlejiuce 2 is performing okay . Top 1 third week at $26M. Transformers did $25M this weekend.

[@jamespader]

people claim they want original movies but they clearly don’t

[@osmanyousif7849]

Sadly, indie movies are a dime a dozen. Some can make back their budget, others can't. I hope this movie isn't one of them however. People should really check it out.

[@MariaRodriguez-hb4ix]

@@jamespader body horror isn’t the type most people would want to see on a theater . But if done correctly; they will sell fine on VOD and get a lot of streaming. Main problem would be how expensive a body horror movie budget was . Most tend to be under $20M and get at least even .

[@osmanyousif7849]

@@MariaRodriguez-hb4ix , The Substance costed $17.5 million. So we'll see.

[@amandadosanjos3994]

Demi deserves AT MINIMUM an Oscar nomination!

[@cheezyfilmsproductions1842]

The movie in general should get nominations like crazy -- wouldn't hold my breath though. The academy hates horror. And this movie is so fucked up despite how incredible it is, I have a hard time seeing them even mentioning it

[@哥坤-s7o]

@@cheezyfilmsproductions1842 This movie is not to be taken seriously. You have to appreciate it for what it is. It gives a middle finger not only to the male gaze, but also to the academy for their narrowed perceived standards of a academy award winning movie. Fuck the academy it says. Let's make it wild to the end and enjoy what we did.

[@Loophole23742]

😂😂😂She's barely in the movie and when she is she barely speaks.

[@Dee_Dee216]

​@Loophole23742 That's what talent looks like. It's about the impact you make when you are on screen not the amount of time on

[@COSun25]

She got the Golden Globe win. An Oscar win isn't impossible.

[@bensneb360]

The way I understood it, Elizabeth and Sue weren’t different people, it was Elizabeth mind going into Sue body, that why the commercials kept iterating “you are one”

[@ruprect8858]

No i don’t think so, otherwise there would be no reason to be jealous. The same person thing was more of a reminder that you need each other to stay alive, you are not two people.

[@AlexisAZambrano]

​@@ruprect8858she's jealous because she hates herself when she's her older self and even says, you're the best part of me. She's separating herself when getting jealous because she's having a mental break.

[@notsurewhat2put]

They’re separate entities with separate consciences. Each making their own decision while relying on the other one for survival. It’s more of a team, a partnership, but they are one

[@ruprect8858]

@@notsurewhat2put Yes, they are having nightmares about chicken legs going straight to their butt because they are sharing nutrients and never speak. I thought it might work better if they left each other notes or something, the way they dragged each other around the apartment showed contempt.

[@osmanyousif7849]

It's literally Jekyll and Hyde. Sherman Klump and Buddy Love. Both are each other, yet the question is more how far will this person control themselves?

[@Omar-wq9dz]

It’s good seeing Demi Moore again, and this movie’s getting a lot of positive buzz, so let’s see how well it does

[@omaridaniels8427]

She was good in the FX series Feud this year.

[@MariaRodriguez-hb4ix]

So far, not so good. $3.1M first weekend Most probably will become a cult classic and will perform excellent at streaming.

[@omaridaniels8427]

@@MariaRodriguez-hb4ix In the film's defense, it is more of a smaller indie film, so it only doing modest numbers isn't too big of a surprise.

[@skyofthelivingdead]

I feel like it’s going to be the Videodrome of the 2020’s. Not commercially huge, but held in high regard by critics and audiences. It’s primed for a cult following.

[@theprowler18]

I'm not shocked it didn't do so hot at the Box Office. It will likely get a following down the road and be looked upon as a cult classic of modern day horror.

[@JustinUrban1]

Me and one other person in the theater were laughing so hard at the end of this movie at how insane it got that other people walked out looking at us like something was wrong with us 😂. It just kept going and going and it was awesome to see something so wild in theaters!!!! We need more old school body horror like this!

[@veronikabelina3188]

I thought it was hilarious towards the end too. It was tragic for sure but I laughed as well

[@reduXstereo]

MONSTER ELIZABETH!!! Lol

[@JustinUrban1]

@@reduXstereo It was so much fun lol. It was 💯 % worth seeing it with other movie goers

[@UC4AQUgrQ9EwVIGoF0w7xHXg]

​@@reduXstereo 😆 Monstro ElisaSue

[@Popcicle74]

It’s a mix of Requiem for a Dream and The Fly, with a dash of 2001: Space Odyssey

[@spicymemes7458]

Demi Moore/Margaret Qualley both look a helluva lot like Jennifer Connelly too

[@AceOfSevens]

Also Showgirls

[@infernosatx9731]

For me it was a mix of The Thing, Carrie & Death Becomes Her 😊

[@michaelgreene4816]

2001??? You high?

[@Popcicle74]

@@michaelgreene4816the part where they show the visuals ? Did you watch the movie ?? Have you even seen 2001: Space Odyssey ??? The visuals !!

[@jaythomas468]

I WILL SAY: this movie has been marketed and advertised BRILLIANTLY. From the first few trailers I had seen which just showed trippy visuals and Demi Moore looking and acting crazy, I’ve been HOOKED TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT IT.

[@sunshinesooperman5110]

Korey at 12:01 A.M. “Get in, Gremlin, we’re going swimming!”

[@DoubleToasted_]

LOL! Exactly! Don't forget that late night snack!

[@lexis4490]

This is a proper horror movie.

[@123rockfan]

I mean, it’s all subjective. Some people think it’s not a proper horror movie at all, considering the campy tone and outlandish humor. I loved it, but I think it easily could’ve been scarier if the humor was toned down

[@GizmoBeach]

@@123rockfan The director's previous film was Revenge. That film was atrocious and unbelievably stupid. Midsommar was god-awful but I had to watch the rest since I'd gone to the cinema. I streamed Revenge...turned it off after 20 terrible minutes. The director could've made a sinister thriller but her campy tone (especially in regards to Quaid's character and the last 1/3 of her newest film) was not only unnecessary but a terrible distraction.

[@123rockfan]

@@GizmoBeach for me it wasn’t unnecessary though. It was hilarious and probably the best horror comedy I’ve seen in years.

[@Meretneith]

Corey's objection towards the premise is actually adressed in the movie. Elisabeth realizes that the deal doesn't work for her and she IS jealous of her younger self. But she's too scared to live her life as a middle-aged woman. She can't stop although she tries a couple of times. And that's part of the message. Instead of enjoying life with all the money she has she relies on questionable "solutions" that are non at all. They are just presented to her as solutions. By the way did anyone realize how subtle the movie indicates that this "experiment" or whatever it is, is a failure in general? When Elisabeth gets her first treatment in a special facility that requires a key card from the organisation the wall is full with mailboxes. But every time she gets new substances the boxes become less and less untill there are only about 6 of them.

[@atate8571]

I didn’t even pick up on that!

[@BxCaramelburst7605]

I didn’t catch that!

[@coribug42]

And then it never gets reported? Do people normally just die away from the public?

[@nickmattio3397]

I saw that too, maybe because Elisabeth had the most fame $$$ etc so she stretched it to the end basically

[@janeenharrison1953]

first sign: the gate didn't go all the way up.

[@politefan8141]

*Spoilers* My interpretation is that Demi's character isn't merely a spectator, she inhabits the character played by Qualey in the film. Scenes which reinforce this is the scene where Qualley blows a kiss to the audience in the same manner Demi does earlier. She also can perform the same choreography. She isn't a new person. It's still Demi with different skin. The reason why she dissociates during the course of the movie is because she begins to question her identity in relation to others. Those who desire her as Qualey treat her like garbage when she's Demi. Requiem is a good comparison, as this film could be read as a metaphor for addiction. Demi is given the choice to stop using the Substance at any time. The reason she doesn't even as she begins to resent Qualey's success is because she can't return to her previous self. She starts to possess signs of accelerated aging which are irreversible. Most people undergoing trauma or addiction become adept at hiding the signs. The inability of Demi to hide signs from her psychological trauma is why she becomes dependent on the Substance. *Major Spoilers* The scene at the end which may have confused some people is when she is fighting herself. I'm pretty sure that her id has been fully unleashed at this point, but I chose to read it as both merely destroying themselves. Demi's character not only hates her other self, but also who she's become.

[@AlexisAZambrano]

Exactly, and why that needle is called extermination

[@alski5963]

Wow! You are 💯 percent right! Your insight is amazing! I'll add it's not two it's always one person! That's was what she was told by the substance creator.😮

[@JackieMartin1974]

I saw it with a larger audience last week... Great film. Yeah, the Dennis Quaid character... the way Coralie Fargeat chose to frame him... definitely helps emphasize the meaning of the film in terms of the societal beauty standards and aging and the male gaze.

[@BeanMate]

I think to ask "Why would Elisabeth take the substance at all?" is kind of a strange question, becuase the answer is that absolutely no one, including Elisabeth, would take the substance if they knew exactly what it might actually entail. Elisabeth only has the video she watches on the USB stick to go off of, and that unfortunately never mentions that your younger self will rip out of your back, and potentially develop its own personality seperate to the matrix personality and might just end up turning you into golem lmao. It only tells her that it will give her a younger, more beautiful and more perfect version of herself. Whoever makes the substance seems to intentionally leave it pretty damn vague as to what is going to happen, because no sane person would take it if they knew. We as the audience have the benefit of hindsight, we can look back and say she was stupid to take it in the first place, but how was she to know?

[@1977TA]

This movie is seriously meta. Demi Moore is facing the same age related crisis in real life her character in this movie deals with. If the substance was real, she and a lot of aging actresses would be taking it without a doubt.

[@user-dr2yz8um3d]

I saw this opening day at my local movieplex Shocked I was the only one in the theater Let’s face it; the Hollywood industry has changed but also remains the same in many ways particularly when it comes to women The standard for beauty is raised very high and it’s hard for actresses 50 and over to be taken seriously let alone remain fresh and desirable for audiences The movie is visually splendid taking many inspirations from ‘The Shining’, ‘The Fly’ even ‘2001: A Space Odyssey’ A lot of visual motifs that get the idea of gross executives wanting young and fresh faces along with extreme closeups although they could scale back a bit on the wide angle lenses It's amazing Demi Moore is in her 60s and this is actually a reflection of her actual aging vagaries in the industry; being in the 1990s her physique and beauty was the craze yet she gives probably the best performance of her career She's put through the ringer so much from a lot of prosthetics and grisly makeup effects They did a great job with Margaret Qualley making her look like the younger version of Moore's character, she's very believable giving a convincing portrayal of a youthful woman who wants to hold onto the spotlight as long as possible Denis Quaid plays the perfect amount of slimy, he literally chews up the scenery projecting the dirtbags in the modeling world I was unprepared for how much nudity was in this but man they don't shy away from showing the body horror portions, at times it pays a lot of respect to David Cronenberg and HP Lovecraft to even The Elephant Man Especially the climax where it gets so violent and insane It gets very unnerving when both of these women are fighting each other for dominance and the movie could've shaved off 20 minutes near the end Yet the film by Coralie Fargeat takes quite a jab at the male gaze, Hollywood's preoccupation with youth, the inevitability of aging, not being washed up, self-hatred, and the lengths women will go through to stay perfect even for selfish reasons It'll be very controversial for many viewers but talked about regardless being it dissects the notions of beauty and fame while also acting as feminist body horror satirizing staying young with obsession becoming true terror itself Fargeat makes a satirical take on misogyny, beauty standards, celebrity status, and the culture of youth But she also combines many of these elements with pure body horror like a twisted ‘Nutty Professor’ Truly not for the squeamish yet very relevant in today’s pop cultural landscape of entertainment

[@friendlypup5650]

I think the movie makes it clear her conscious is transitioned into her new self

[@kellz9972]

Kind of and kind of not. The transfer scene makes it clear. But everything after is an act of tug of rope between both bodies. Sue gets mad about Liz just wasting away during her 7 days but if they were the same conscious, why does she get mad at herself for an active decision that she made? Unless it's a commentary on depression and how we can end up in holes we didn't plan to put ourselves into I guess.

[@friendlypup5650]

@@kellz9972I think beyond that, it’s basically bipolar. Which is why the man on the phone always goes “there is no ‘she’. It’s you”

[@kellz9972]

@friendlypup5650 I think the term would be split personality. Someone who is bi-polar would still be able to reason within themselves especially after the first time Sue broke the rules and caused harm to Liz. Sue actively didn't care about the well-being of Liz. So far as to make an entirely new room with no lights and shoved her in it.

[@SuperPal-tr3go]

Have ever resented your past self for knowingly doing something incredibly stupid that you know you'd have to pay for in they future? It's like that times hundred.

[@user-wg2sb1dw7c]

No, it doesn’t. They both have no idea what the other does. If that were the case there would be no conflict - at all.

[@JJ-94]

I've seen a lot of messed up movies. But this one definitely makes my list. This is the most intense experience I've had in a long time. Demi Moore earned an Oscar

[@trav-zm7ix]

The movie is about accountability, they kept blaming each individual personality for what was going wrong and he kept telling them they was one person.

[@bigpictureguys8415]

Blew my mind that they never left notes for each other to try to communicate. Once they were both awake at the same time I thought it was such a wasted opportunity that they didn’t talk to each other

[@yungmeanmug]

​@bigpictureguys8415 but, she hates herself. She was able to take out her self hatred with the same violent nature she prob does in her head, on the actual physical allusion. If they were to ever be separated, it would've never been a pretty conversation.

[@bigpictureguys8415]

@@yungmeanmug I didn’t need a pretty conversation but there was so much gold they could’ve mined there. Just breaking into an immediate fight was such a dumb waste

[@yungmeanmug]

@@bigpictureguys8415 met. Would've made it way less impactful. She didn't need to talk to her. She is her.

[@bigpictureguys8415]

@@yungmeanmug sounds like lack of imagination to me. Being the same person doesn’t negate the need to be in touch with yourself

[@kill4551]

I mean. Anyone who has a period understands body horror. Even the stuffiest lady out there has had a day where she's looking at her underwear going 'okay, is this reddish slime an early period, leftover semen, cervical cancer, do I have a yeast infection, or did my body just hit its self-cleaning function and everything is operating as normal?'

[@JDotWill]

This movie is wild. There are things I could critique but I was engaged the whole time, I was never bored & the movie stuck with me. There’s some images from this movie that’s been in my head since I saw it on Thursday. It’s a High Full Price movie for me

[@kellz9972]

This movie was fucking insane. 1 of the first movies i caught myself covering my face during some of the nastiest parts. Loved it, one of my favorites of the year. No notes.

[@ruprect8858]

I got one, where they hell did she get all that blood from. 😂

[@SegaMaster172]

Her body was so deformed and unstable from the second dose, it basically caused her blood cells to constantly duplicate at a rapid rate and straight up turned her into a blood fountain.

[@sunshinesooperman5110]

I think the first motivation for Elisabeth’s taking the Substance is she just got fired from her job and needs money. (Sidebar: what is up with her AMAZING apartment with the billboard view?? She had to at least have millions saved just to afford that place). Sue not only kept the money coming in, she was probably getting paid a lot more.

[@jojoadeyemi8239]

Hollywood never does a good representation of people's incomes and their actual real estate options or living conditions. Houses and apartments are always nicer than they should be even for characters portrayed as poor or working class.

[@bigpictureguys8415]

When did it ever imply she had money issues? I don’t remember that coming up at all

[@7damon8ietheredge54]

that's what I couldn't buy plot wise, she only 50 so she gets fired from her job they gave no indication that she couldn't get another job or just thrown away from society cause she's 50 so she doesn't seem desperate enough to take a drug that she does no research on. also she's 50, she don't have no ex husband no kids no family no one to talk to about this decision she about to make. she's not 80 and living alone she only 50. still liked the movie but hated the ending, went on too long and to over the top and kinda took me outta it. if monstro appears in the bathroom and she comes out of Margaret and it ends there then I love the ending. side note margaret was looking like a snack and not even in the exercise scenes where it's clearly sexual just the part where she taking to the neighbor I was like damn she look good

[@lowserver2]

its not about the money at all

[@bigpictureguys8415]

@@7damon8ietheredge54 I hear you on the doesn’t feel desperate enough part but that’s purely because they didn’t give us virtually anything to go on with her character. We didn’t know her outside of her job & the fact it ended. The movie didn’t give us much character depth whatsoever

[@anthonyduran7553]

In terms of practical effects, sound, music, and visual design The Substance is on par with Terrifier 2. Complements and reinvents the horror by making it exciting all over again.

[@shumworld]

I came back from watching it. Among the many things people talked about, I found the film to be an allegory for self hatred and how far one is willing to go to win the admiration of others.

[@bigpictureguys8415]

Definitely

[@NyceDreamz]

Corey, you need to review Coralie Fargeat film " Revenge." I didn't pay attention to the credits. But when I seen the restaurant scene in " The Substance." It immediately reminded me of a scene from the movie " Revenge." And when I looked up the director. It's the same director. So please give her earlier film " Revenge " a review.

[@coreycarnegie5990]

Second this! That specific subgenre of Horror really doesn't do it for me, but I loved Revenge

[@LeonBarnes85]

You have parents who live through there kids all the time ...this actually makes sense

[@cobracommander8133]

I loved this movie. I’ve lived in LA for 25 years and I totally understood the story and character motivations. I’m sure a lot of people will be able to relate, women and men. I mean you could replace “the substance” with TRT therapy and a guy in his 50s and it would be a very similar film.

[@jackd6881]

do test shots make you grow a whole ass person out your balls?

[@geodaet83]

The weirdest thing is, do they ever say what the substance costs. So they just send her to this locker but she never pays for it, right? At least not with money.

[@FurubaGirl08]

Not only that, there's seems to be lack of instructions/detail (other than the "step 1 n such" on how to administer the drug such as the dosage and how to use the equipment. Like how would she know what some of the items are for? 😅

[@jool4867]

Seems like it’s an experiment that they are testing on people

[@allys744]

I haven’t seen this movie, but it sounds like a nastier, satirical, body horror version of “Requiem for a Dream.” At least one character (or more) are getting involved in drugs/drug trade and suffering through the effects. Even the film’s poster is very similar to Requiem, with the extreme closeup on the eyeball. In fact, it seems like a hybrid of Requiem and “Death Becomes Her” because there’s a character who takes a potion to make herself younger. Interestingly, I heard that ray liotta was supposed to play Dennis’s character, but he died shortly after he was cast two years ago. Also, it’s interesting to hear Korey say that he was glad that a woman directed this because this is a dirty movie, because that was the exact same thought I had with the filmmaker behind “Saltburn”

[@lowserver2]

it has a ton of scenes and quick cuts, that are exacly the same, as they were in Requiem too

[@spicymemes7458]

It's like if Darren Aronofsky gave a script to Eli Roth to hold while he went and made The Whale, but when he got back, he said David Lynch stole it.

[@joancampbell7995]

😂

[@skyofthelivingdead]

This is so specific but so accurate lmfao

[@danmann861]

More like David Cronenberg while channeling Kubrick, Early Peter Jackson and even John Carpenter stole it

[@GDeNofa]

during an interview, Margaret said she was home, portraying herself as Sue to stay in character. prosthetic boobs, being self-absorbed, and all that. And her hubby hated it. 😅

[@sorasgirl0]

The actress in the movies consciousness was in the younger version of herself. It wasn’t an entirely new person, it was her. I thought it was obvious since when the clone first woke up, she was checking her body in the mirror. The younger clone was doing what the older clone wanted to do.

[@martinconnery6189]

This movie can really go on forever… each movie there’s a different user .. an anthology film series

[@raven3067]

Happy Birthday, Korey! 🎊🎉🎂

[@DoubleToasted_]

Thank you both!!!

[@ziggy8253]

Happy Birthday, Korey! It’s time to order The Substance-j/k. 😂

[@SlyfyGummy]

Point blank period, I cried. This is something every woman should experience watching. Self Love is beautiful and conquers the most devious societal upheavals.

[@pokemonfan2630]

Lol yes women need more self love, its not like half of them think they are the universe, not even the center, they just are the universe, we exist to validate them.

[@SlyfyGummy]

@pokemonfan2630 HI! I'm not sure, but I think you have the wrong idea about what my comment meant. In my opinion, the protagonist represented someone who just didn't give themselves enough respect and appreciation and how they resulted in crazy beauty standards and concepts where they believed value comes from. What made me very upset was how she didn't go on a date with a guy who really liked her for her. She had an idea that she should be more and hated herself, so she ultimately refused to go on to date with the guy. I think it's really about how women should recognize that aging growing up. Regardless, it shouldn't make you uglier and less desirable. Just fine natural part of life. People who appreciate you and also you should appreciate yourself without needing to be the center of everything, you know?

[@GDeNofa]

It was very sad when she didn't meet up with Fred. He could have turned her self-doubt around. He was adorkable and just enamored by her. 💔

[@joannvauters5297]

That's what's going on with the majority of humans existing on earth now hunny; to the point where they think they are more than man or woman, or they don't have to settle for their gender because they want to act as if it's just a role. So, maybe self love was never anything she even felt was required. Wtf is love to people who only believe in what they see?😅 That's like telling them they are God's children; not happening

[@michaelgreene4816]

YOU CRIED WATCHING THIS? NUTS.

[@Saintbomberino]

‘The rules are the wrapping paper,the consequences are whats inside the box’

[@SuperPal-tr3go]

The film made it pretty clear that they are literally the same person shifting their conscious to the other body.

[@rmeddy]

Between this and Strange Darling, it had a lot of great feminine thriller/horror this year.

[@regal394]

It definitely was a throwback to the 80s. Reminded me of the Fly and Toxic Avenger

[@sirslob1]

It’s a high art version of a Troma film. Toxie would be proud.

[@VWayyyyyyyy]

A new Toxic Avenger movie is def happening after seeing this film.

[@stevethomas74]

That's actually a great and apt description! I'm not a Troma fan EXCEPT for 'Class of Nuke 'Em High' because I grew up on that shit! As a highly impressionable 12 or 13 year old who was (and is) hugely into Horror, I grew up in the best time along with my friends :D

[@coreycarnegie5990]

​@@VWayyyyyyyy Not sure if you know but there's already one that's been filmed and screened at a few festivals, but looks like it's struggling to get distribution 😢

[@friendlypup5650]

Everyone stop what you’re doing and go watch this movie ASAP

[@ninjanibba4259]

No

[@ejenks1870]

I’m glad Korey mentioned @25:30 how he noticed influences of Kubrick in the film. I immediately thought the same thing, especially the carpet in the studio hallway resembling the overlook’s carpet in “the shining”

[@Paranormal718]

Although I understand Julien comparing this to a Black Mirror episode, this is something that would be for the proposed Red Mirror ideas.

[@jean-pierre5221]

You guys saying don't be a b*itch reminded of Penguin's mom in the first episode lmao

[@stephaniebee30]

An extended episode of Tales from the Crypt!

[@garethmiguel]

They aren't separate people though, they're both the same mind. They know everything the other has done. It *feels* like they're both separate because they never encounter one another normally and have such drastically different lives and outlooks.

[@CorpsmanPrivateer]

I think that they shared a consciousness, but when trying to remember what the other one did was like trying to remember what you did while drunk. So it's always Elizabeth, but it's Elizabeth during a blackout.

[@ShockyD]

Exactly, it reminded me of old versions of the Hulk comics where Banner could only vaguely recollect what happened as Hulk when he woke up, but could still feel what had happened while he was out.

[@kitchencountertalk9115]

A MUST SEE…at least once! All of the 7 deadly sins are in this movie - especially Greed, Envy & WRATH. This is NOT a comedy. This is Dark, a true horror film. I saw this as a matinee and by the time this movie was over, I couldn’t wait to see the SUN again!!!☀️Self Hate is Real y’all, especially in Hollywood/HollyWeird. Love yourself! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@tonybens]

All Demi Moore needed was some better help

[@turtlejeepjen314]

I’m 49, & as a woman I’ve struggled with body image my entire life. I get it, & this totally home. Demi Moore & the actors deserve every award on the planet!!! 💚💚 One of my new favorites, up there with Requiem for a Dream.

[@David-rq9en]

I haven’t seen the movie yet. I just want to stop in and say Margaret Qualley is so unforgivably beautiful. I am a damn simp for that woman.

[@missmoanypants]

Oh, then you are really gonna love her in this!

[@andrewdeen1]

dennis quaid eating that shrimp is going to stay with me.

[@Spawnwick_Boseman82820]

Craaazy shit I've seen in a while

[@shettywap]

I absolutely loved this movie. One of the few movies where I didn't see where the movie would end up. You knew that she would be completely consumed by it at the end, but the practical effects were really awesome to see. I think all of the acting performances were also top notch, as well. Most definitely my favorite horror movie of the year, although I can see some people not enjoying it as much. 9.5/10 for me. It really just struck a chord for what I like to see in this kind of horror.

[@GareBare90]

CAN'T WAIT FOR TOMORROW! LET'S GOOOOOOOOOOOO! 🎉

[@earnieboy54]

Me three! LETS GEEEEEEEEEERRRRRRR!!!

[@GareBare90]

Coming back here, IT'S A GLORIOUSLY GROSS MASTERPIECE! One of the best films in 2024 for sho

[@Amber-sc9jp]

I feel this review really missed the mark without a female perspective. I’m not a subscriber, so I am not familiar with the channel or hosts here, but when one of them said Demi Moore is still beautiful and still looks great, after referencing all the nude scenes, that is not what I believe the director wanted to be taken away. Demi was in a very vulnerable position in those nude scenes, showing unflattering angles and portions of her body, which naturally happens as we age! The takeaway shouldn’t have been “she’s still beautiful”, it should’ve been “it doesn’t matter if she’s beautiful or not”. As a woman, we need to know that we have intrinsic value, regardless of what we look like on the outside. That’s why she could finally die happy as ElizaSue because she finally accepted herself even tho externally she was a hideous monster.

[@Choppacity80491]

The good thing is they didn’t tell us who selling the substance & that can be the main plot in the next movie let’s get the substance 2 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽🙂‍↕️

[@Paranormal718]

Despite this being a Body Horror film, great point in describing this as a Dark Fable. I can totally discern those elements now. As for the questions going unanswered on "The Substance", all signs point that its black market.

[@Kevin.e.Turner]

I've been rocking with Corey and the guys since the Animated spill's movie reviews days.

[@regalmonkmusic]

Watched this last night. Just wanted to get out for some air, so I had no expectations of it. I thought it was okay. Some aspects of the film went left for me. I thought the last act went far out there teetering on ridiculous at certain points, making sure to insert callbacks to classic horror moments from films like The Shining and Carrie, among others with no real connection to the overall story. Interesting themes are presented in this film and I enjoyed some technical aspects. The movie got some laughs out of the audience as it went along, I'm not sure if that was intentional but it happened. I'd be curious to see what other films were in the running for Best Screenplay at Cannes, because by the end of this I was scratching my head at the fact that this film won that award. One lingering thought that I had throughout was: What does Demi Moore's character get out of doing this? What's the benefit of doing this? In my view, nothing....and that took me out of the film a bit. I'm not a fan of body horror, though this one wasn't as gratuitous as other films I've seen (e.g. Cronenberg films). Honestly, the one time I turned away from the screen was when Dennis Quaid's character was gorging on shrimp. An ambitious effort with much exaggeration; I could see this getting crazy hype. Not quite my cup of tea, as I wish more things were explained and fleshed out, but it's not the worst film I've seen this year. I won't watch it again. If you decide not to watch this, you won't miss out on much.

[@Nightwing-ce1tx]

PRAISE: A relative, an associate, a celebrity and people on the show botched I've seen them all go to the experiences of cosmetic body altering surgeries. Some have really taking it to the extreme. This movie takes it to an extreme and then some. Theres superstar Elisabeth Sparkle (Demi Moore) who let's what someone says about her looks eat away at her confidence. So she decides to go with the Substance that seemingly offers youth again. But of course it comes at a price and I'm talking about more than money. High praise to Moore and Margaret Qualley as Sue for completely and I mean COMPLETELY turning over their acting skills and bodies to the movie. As a studio executive Harvey, Dennis Quaid turns in a swarmy and chauvinistic performance. The close up shots show the internal unattractiveness of a character. I enjoyed Writer and Director: Coralie Fargeat's playing with the guidelines and rules of the Substance but also that she presents a story with clear and strong messages about when compliments aren't enough, self obsession can push people out of your life that actually may care about you and like you the way you are. What are the true benefits of having cosmetic procedures? Are there really any at all? I definitely kept asking that of Elisabeths character once the movie reached a certain point. Even getting involved with something sketchy out of complete desperation because all logic and reason has vanished.I couldn't help but think of the work of David Cronenberg and the book The Picture of Dorian Gray as the movie progressed. This movie takes body horror to all kinds of insane levels, I found the movie involving and one of the most horrifying experiences I've ever had in a movie theater. This movie isn't for everyone and I'm not sure people will be able to stay in their seats for the entire movie. PROBLEMS: As soon as there was a major turn in the first 30 minutes of the movie it was predictable what thread in the movie was going to unravel. The movie reaches stomach churning,over the top levels in its climax that I just shook my head at. Scale of 1 to 10 a 7.5

[@Kendenka]

I cried in the last 30 minutes. I loved the crescendo.

[@SabrinaRina]

Strange interpretations over this film. My understanding is they have a shared experience and history on activation. But Sue may be the ego, selfish, fame driven. Elizabeth is left with the insecure, body doubting, depressed self. Then the longer apart the more of separate individuals they become driven from a similar foundation. Elizabeth still benefits from Sue's fame, even if its like a persona and not the real her. Sue is like a stage presence to Elizabeth's home lost identity. The fun of Sue takes its toll on Elizabeth. Cutting back her years. It is Fable like, but it's caution of youth, beauty, fame, and self perception, in particular as a woman. I kind of wished there'd been a woman on the panel. Men are often told they're morally bad, but accepted, boys will be boys. They may hear they're ugly, old, fat, but that looks don't matter as much, go make money, be a success, and you'll get someone off the shallow things. Women, are told nothing matters but looks. Sure, be smart in case of ugly, always be nice, in case of ugly, but if you look good, nothing else will hold you back. And then people hate you for being pretty. And when you get hate from all directions, from a young age, how do you not hate yourself? And if you avoid hating yourself, are you actually showing disdain for others? Isn't all of it coping with pressure that will either trash you today or tomorrow, but no one wants to volunteer to be trashed sooner than later. And Sue didn't go out as a younger Elizabeth, she went out as a new girl. A hot, young, new girl that also had some charm. The speed of the gigs I think was an exaggeration of disposability. Also just taking over the apartment, no one cares to ask questions of a hot girl. The director was taking shots at her experiences and observations in the industry.

[@KelsEyeMurpow]

Yes!!! Well said!!!!

[@justiceflynn6297]

A great year for Hollywood legends in horror or thrillers!! ⚕

[@jackd6881]

Demi Moore started in horror. She's just coming back home.

[@jongon0848]

This movie reminded me a lot of Requiem For A Dream except with more David Cronenberg body horror.

[@MrBump2]

This was definitely near the top of my list this year, maybe at the very top. I'm still thinking about it, but I had such an unexpectedly wild time with it. Seeing it with a reactive crowd made it amazing as well.

[@ejenks1870]

Major influences from “requiem for a Dream” throughout the film

[@bravobytz1820]

Reminds me of The Picture of Dorian Grey if it was directed by a female Cronenberg.

[@rixlox650]

From an addict’s pov…this is a great insight on addiction. When she is young she is living the “high” and when she is her old self she is off her high and has to deal with reality!

[@intuitiveimprints]

Great to see Demi Moore back. I’ve always liked her and I’m happy she finally gets a good, high profile role again. I’m also a fan of old school Cronenberg so I can’t wait to watch this one. Nice to see a female director do a film like this. She looks like she has a very creative and dark and twisted style.

[@TheEnigmaticBM39]

She had her start in horror ... phenomenon is one of them

[@stevethomas74]

@@TheEnigmaticBM39 You're getting her mixed up with Jennifer Connelly 😉 Funny thing is, I remember thinking at one point earlier in the film when she's looking at herself in the mirror, that she reminds me of JC in that shot. Either way, I would make sweet relations to EITHER of them 😆

[@patrickcharles6983]

Demi Moore's back start looking like Jared Leto's arm in "Requiem for a Dream" 😆. Love when it goes full Gwar concert in the final act 🩸🩸🤘🩸🩸 also i'll never eat shrimp again because of this flick 😆

[@myra-yves]

that ending blood splatter scene was definitely metal asf lmao

[@patrickcharles6983]

@@myra-yves it was glorious 🤘🤘

[@jgarcia4721]

I absolutely loved it. It seemed everyone in the theater enjoyed it, since there was plenty of reactions all around me. By the time chapter 3 started i turned to my boyfriend and said "I fucking love this movie"

[@clarissab5882]

01:17 "Damn that's nasty!" is right. This movie is CRAY-ZEE! Like a bad accident, you can't NOT look. Man! :::shivers::: Buckling in for the rest of your review. lol. 😆😆😆

[@stevecatanio8532]

I think the aspect people are forgetting is the substance is probably the greatest anti drug movie since Requiem for a Dream. But Substance is more satirical and fun than that film.

[@cinematicsterling6897]

this is a better than sex for me. i absolutely loved it

[@bigpictureguys8415]

The monster stuff at the end didn’t lose you? I kept saying “okayyyy we get it” with the spinning blood parts. Thought the whole monster part went on wayyyy too long

[@reduXstereo]

@@bigpictureguys8415 It got way too cartoony at the end but I still enjoyed the artistry behind it all.

[@lowserver2]

@@bigpictureguys8415 thats the best part lol

[@bigpictureguys8415]

@@lowserver2 not for me my guy. Was with it for a little bit but it has already gone on too long by that point

[@lowserver2]

@@bigpictureguys8415 thats the whole point lol

[@ryanneave246]

Been hype for this movie for months and all I gotta say is Dayuum! Saw it at early screening and I was blown away at what was on screen. If u love indie filming, top A effects/cinematography, Gore at its best, acting of high and frantic order then check out!

[@altonyoung3734]

The Substance goes THERE!!! 👍

[@hereforvids1514]

Thanks to Julien to advocating that this movie be reviewed!

[@timothylewis2527]

We all know people who use AI pictures and filters to make themselves look better online. They accept the compliments and "likes" for an image that looks nothing like them. Even convince themselves that it IS them. That's this movie.

[@lamenia]

The thing about beauty and Hollywood, is that it isn't about the experiences but the appearance. You learn to crave the attention and adoration. As a celebrity you are disconnected from your fans, and sometimes even yourself. People used to talk about seeing their "name in lights." But not it's seeing how often your seen on social media(another curated image that is not really you. Think of Gwyneth Paltrow speaking on her Marvel role. She has no idea what she was in. Is it any different than having a clone do the work and you get the praise? People will a say who did your work or you look so different on screen and the checks keep coming and your name stays relevant. Being revelant is valued more than having substance.

[@JDotWill]

Damn, I wish Martin had seen this.

[@Choppacity80491]

This movie is in the top 5 best movies of 2024 I really enjoyed this movie & loved its message

[@bigpictureguys8415]

Even the third act? The whole ending scene at the taping?

[@Choppacity80491]

@@bigpictureguys8415 yes bcuz you fools said alien Romulus was one of best movies this year & that 3rd act was HORRIBLE

[@bigpictureguys8415]

@@Choppacity80491 not me I gave Romulus a rental 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@dque_2U]

First: This Movie passed my " no-break" test. As soon as it opened, to the end credits . I did not take my eyes off the screen. 2nd; Could the "exaggerated" males be an interpretation of Her point of view?

[@syncopaint_minis3016]

From what i have heard the birthing scenes are going to be similar to the film “Men”. British horror a couple of years ago.

[@everforward5561]

I have a hard time figuring out why the supplier hasn't been exposed by now in the world, considering they have insane science fiction level technology and clearly aren't all that secretive about it. It's honestly insane to have a serum that can do this. Also, the rules of the serum seem really arbitrary.

[@kayjay6114]

Potential spoiler: It seems no one would be left to do that. Each time she went to pick up "refills", there were fewer of those lock boxes each time, indicating that most don't survive the experience. And he only interacted over the phone by lock box number with no personal details; outside of the sketchy warehouse existing, the users never knew who they were dealing with. Edit: More spacing added

[@bigpictureguys8415]

@@kayjay6114I’m willing to let it go or otherwise there’s no movie but they’d have been caught immediately. None of the older folks camped out at the location? Would’ve made more sense if every user had a different pick up location or they just dropped it off at your house

[@thelivingjed9676]

I think it was intentional. The film takes a lot of influence from David Cronenberg and he keeps science stuff very vague in his movies.

[@bigpictureguys8415]

@@thelivingjed9676 yeah none of the “that wouldn’t happen in real life” things bothered me at all. The movie is clearly fable like how Korey said. Spoilers… I had a bigger issue with how they never tried to communicate via letters or how the movie missed an opportunity for interesting dialogue when they were both awake at the same time. There could’ve been some really cool stuff that would’ve added to the message or themes at play in the movie but they chose to go with an insane over the top fight scene 🤦🏼‍♂️

[@osmanyousif7849]

Also, the biggest unrealistic thing about this movie is trusting any supplier who's business runs in a dirty ally way.

[@gcolbyp]

This movie definitely seems Hemendinger coded 😆 I’m contemplating on watching this. I want to see it because of the great word of mouth, but I’m also someone who can get very squeamish to these types of movies and even y’all descriptions of what happens made me squirm.

[@austindevine248]

I’m predicting Demi Moore and or Dennis Quaid might get Oscar nominations for this.

[@marcoschieres7831]

Yeah right 😂😂😂😁

[@austindevine248]

@@marcoschieres7831 you don’t think so?

[@adamx6000]

Everyone keep saying that the main character doesn’t get to live in the other body. But what I got watching is that she does. That it is a kind of body swap with only one soul.

[@ronj77]

The director's first movie was called "Revenge" 💯 It's NOT a Body Horror Movie like this was but it was Damn Goo, Definitely worth checking out‼️

[@justinriley]

The grossest movie I've seen all year. But I loved it.

[@chanelhenderson8460]

I loved it minus the last 15 mimutes Demi & Margret ATE THESE ROLES DOWN. The last 15 minutes was just too much & seeing Dennis Quaid eat wasnt needed. Sue IS Demi Moore they are ONE. The movie says this repeatedly. Ok so yall didnt understand the film I see

[@Sharpe1502]

I really loved Fargeat’s first movie Revenge. It’s one of my favorite horror movies/movies ever. So I have been waiting (im)patiently for her follow up to that one. I finally had the chance to watch this and it did NOT disappoint. Fargeat is someone who knows that if you are going to be style, you need a simple message to build a foundation on and to play with. I absolutely love this filmmaker, I think she is going to be one of the greats if she keeps going how she’s going.

[@MrDannyArroyo]

Man!!! I was LOVING this film so much. Terrific story. Excellent acting. Was on the edge of my seat waiting for what was to happen next. The camera shots were unique, odd and off kilter, but only added to this story. The sound effects were spot on. This is a great film... UNTIL If only the film ended at about the two hour mark when the final "abomination" was briefly revealed. This film is a suspense horror thriller. Period. End. It did not need the excessive gore the final 20 minutes. Unnecessary and took away from, what sadly was, a great film. It became an entirely different movie at that point from where it began. Kudos to Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley for their bravery and performances. Excellent work.

[@BraninT]

They aren't two separate people. It's one consciousness switching between two bodies. It's like when you wake up with a hangover after a night of drinking and you're angry at your former self for staying out all night and drinking so much. The difference is that she has another body to project that anger onto.

[@mtvisionary]

It was basically reqrium for a dream as a 2 hour black mirror episode.

[@mimiperri]

the movie kind of addresses the benefit to what Elizabeth does. Sue had to do all the work involved with the fame and Elizabeth got to basically relax and not worry about work or money. problem is Elizabeth got so jealous and insecure, she couldn’t enjoy it.

[@kellz9972]

The problem didn't start with Liz being jealous. Sue actively broke the rules and caused shit to happen to Liz.

[@mimiperri]

@@kellz9972 nah- she was already insecure and even jealous of youth from the moment she was fired from her show. it just intensified the more she was reminded of her aging (breaking the rules) and sues youth and beauty. and because they are the same person- sue has the same flaw of needing to live only young and beautiful and old liz is useless now anyway

[@kellz9972]

@mimiperri The problem started with Sue getting upset that she was doing all the work and Liz got to be lazy. Liz didn't have an issue with the drug/program until Sue broke the rules and it impacted Liz negatively. She was prepared to waste away her days until she got to swap and Sue wasn't down with that transaction.

[@ellebelle6247]

⁠I interpreted it as Sue making a choice to take more days for her own pleasure and of course Elisabeth wouldn’t like the negative consequences of that. But Sue is Elisabeth, and I think there are some deeper reflections to be had on what choices Elisabeth has made in her life (taking a mysterious drug in the name of vanity for one). I think it’s brilliant that, while there is the main messaging of societal exploitation, it doesn’t let Elisabeth nor Sue off the hook for their participation and choices as well.

[@reduXstereo]

@@ellebelle6247 Elisabeth was getting addicted through her Sue persona. Kind like if someone wins the lotto and goes gambling only to eventually lose it all in the end.

[@johnlewis195]

The Director Said "The Substance" is about her Anger she had when she was Younger and She found a way to Release it in this MOvie