The Substance - Movie Review

Chris Stuckmann reviews The Substance, starring Demi Moore, Margaret Qualley, Dennis Quaid. Directed by Coralie Fargeat.

[@Dethmaster64]

A body horror movie being described as impossible to watch while eating is a compliment of the highest order

[@BuckysKnifeFlip]

So Dennis Quaid eating will finally top Denethor eating in LotR. Thanks. I hate it. Haha

[@MartijnPennings]

I respectfully disagree. The scene with Denethor was simply longer and had much more tension in it. Dennis Quaid is more a comedic character in the movie than a menacing one. The anti-ASMR shrimp eating is still disgusting though.

[@Sullivanbeats]

The grossest part of this movie was when she got Stuckmannized in the third act, I threw up my burger on the spot

[@gooptaco2420]

Nothing prepared me for that scene bro 😭 I'm SO GLAD I decided to not get snacks this one time

[@thefirstbourne149]

What’s wrong with getting Stuckmannized?

[@denji_ai]

"This is not an eating movie" this line is enough for me to get excited

[@VarSUBTOVAR]

I saw The Substance at this year’s Cannes film festival. It was fantastic.

[@ulicesvilla6995]

Is it "Martyrs" levels? Because I cannot handle that lol

[@visualpr3cision]

I’m going in 2 hours, I’ll let you know. I love the original martyrs but it’s a one and done watch for me, haah.

[@miquonk]

@@visualpr3cisionwould love your own review, after you check it ojt

[@sorosspy]

​@@ulicesvilla6995idk I think people making it worse than it seems, there is a LOT of body horror, that is true but it is made in a sense that it doesn't even look humanoid/ realistic, its bordeline a fantasy, also it's funny sometimes intentionally or not so it makes disgusting scenes more barrable to get through

[@anitaknight3915]

​@@ulicesvilla6995lol you read my mind because I couldn't eat or drink anything during Martyrs!

[@minkstar9021]

Haven’t seen it yet, but regardless of whether I like it or not I’m just happy to see Demi Moore get some long overdue appreciation. Edit: I get the Critical Grifter crowd thrive out of trying to force division amongst people, but you do realise you’re not going to make some weird war between Jeremy and Chris happen right? The two have met, talked about films, have openly shown support for each other’s channels (Hell, when people were giving Jeremy grief for disliking Dunkirk, Chris was one of the first to defend him). If they’re not friends, they clearly respect each other as critics. So stop being such parasocial weirdos and just soak in your desperation for your political feelings to feel validated elsewhere.

[@MartijnPennings]

She is a 62-yo actress playing a 50-yo woman while looking 40...

[@minkstar9021]

@@MartijnPennings Was there a point you were trying to make there? Cause it just sounds like this is your first time hearing what “acting” means.

[@6sixtysix]

@@minkstar9021 hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha keep coping

[@MartijnPennings]

@@minkstar9021 jeez, I was just trying to pay a compliment... If my body looked like that at 62!? I would be kinda weirded out having tits and a vag, but probably still content...

[@BatAmerica]

Body horror is such a fascinating concept for audiences. It takes something so familiar to us, our bodies, and twists it into something scarier than any foreign idea. However, some body horror movies rely more on shock than humanizing the characters being transformed. Hopefully, The Substance has substance.

[@jeepersmcgee3466]

they can't all be Terrifier 2

[@MartijnPennings]

I saw it this afternoon and in my humble opinion the Substance has both shock and substance. I really didn't know what to expect except for the trailer but the film transcends the trailer by every metric.

[@BatAmerica]

@@MartijnPennings Thank you for the recommendation.

[@TheReelRapNerd]

This is the ultimate body horror film of the decade. I haven't seen a film that grossed me out like this in a while. It just escalates continuously to a point of unpredictable insanity lol

[@sparrowwilson4514]

Considering Demi’s relationship with her own aging process, it’s actually really cool that she starred in this movie. I bet it was real cathartic for her. I hope she does more interesting movies like this because she’s a good actor.

[@DannyPodcast]

actress no?

[@sarrra24666]

@@DannyPodcast do you enjoy being so pedantic?

[@JordanMaitlen]

Also got to see this last night. It’s easily one of the best of the year. It’s also further proof that body horror CAN actually be scary.

[@alexandra.h.b.]

As a person with body dysmorphia, fear of aging and love for the horor movies, I'm really looking forward to seeing this movie. I'm just glad somebody had the idea to talk about this haunting subject through a body horror genre. The struggle is real, more and more people want to achieve this unrealistic physical standard of the best version of yourself possible. No matter what you achieve, there is still more to do, more to improve. In theory we should take care of ourselves and accept our flaws, the things outside of our control,but in practice it is very hard to do and the whole things reminds of some vicious cycle.

[@anitaknight3915]

I agree!! From the trailers I could tell that this film has deeper layers of body dysmorphia, perfectionism, self hatred, rejection, and the societal/inner pressures of beauty, perfection, anti aging, and thinness.

[@imtheaaiden]

Just saw it last night, and I gotta say, it’s my favorite movie of the year. Perfect balance of heavy themes and grotesque, jaw dropping entertainment. I won’t spoil anything, but Chris was right, my stomach turned and I was repulsed in the best way possible. Amazing film on all levels, check it out if you like horror and can stomach body horror.

[@ulicesvilla6995]

Is it "Martyrs" levels? Because I cannot handle that lol. The Fly and pretty much anything cronenberg is just fine for me

[@KrystleLovesHorror]

That’s exactly where I’m going to see this … at a theater that brings you food. So, now I’m in trouble. 😂

[@anitaknight3915]

Girl you better fast that day and not eat any snacks lol 😂.

[@KrystleLovesHorror]

@@anitaknight3915 Girl, for REAL! 😆 Especially because even though I’ve grown up watching horror, gore has never been my fave. 🥴 I might be getting queasy even WITH fasting! 🤣

[@dizzy_star]

Can’t wait to see this one. Demi Moore and Dennis Quaid in a stylistic horror film, ahh!

[@MrKillerNachos]

Not only did I felt grossed out, but the way that Coralie uses body horror to show how women feel with all these unreachable standards, also made me feel really moved

[@Dolcevita_bakes]

I’m in my own horror movie, it’s called… menopause! I have all the symptoms and then some that you wouldn’t think had anything to do with menopause. It is a nightmare!

[@chrisfury6316]

I am exactly the opposite, i can eat at The Texas Chainsaw Massacre without problems, but not at The Fly. Or Salo.

[@anitaknight3915]

Same. I couldn't eat during martyrs or when evil lurks.

[@gooptaco2420]

Watched it last night and my God this was PHENOMENAL!! The CAMERA WORK, Cinematography, the crisp sound design, and the stellar acting!! This is hands down my favorite movie of 2024. Straight 10/10! And I do NOT give movies a perfect score a lot at all. Was already sold on the idea and it being something new and fresh and was NOT DISAPPOINTED

[@anitaknight3915]

I am excited to see it after hearing the same director/writer of Revenge is behind this film because that movie was beautiful and stylistic. I thought strange darling was shot stylistically beautiful and unique too.

[@PeeJayBrownJr]

You just made me cancel my ticket for another movie for tomorrow and buy one for this one.

[@Evan-nx9ng]

Chris grew up with substances

[@gleewhoseline198]

Funny you mentioned the scene of Dannis Quaid eating, because a similar shot in Revenge (just before the character is raped) made me physically retch when i watch it first ( I unfortunately had a mouthful of popcorn at the exact one moment.) Fargeat knows how to turn stomachs, that's for sure.

[@jcrashmore]

I love the premise and cast involved but I really dislike body horror so I'm out. I am happy movies like this being are still getting made and offering something different though. It's just not for me.

[@deusex3124]

"This is not an eating movie" - Chris Stuckman. That's a pull quote right there.

I can't believe what I just saw! Demi Moore is awesome for going the distance with the prosthetics and pushing it to the limits.

[@JROTCBALL]

I got to see the early screening at my AMC and holy fuck it’s SO good.. definitely one of my top five of the year and Moore definitely deserves a best actress nomination. My screening had a elderly lady who had to walk out during the third act xD

[@averyjennett9810]

Funny enough, I watched this yesterday at the Star Cinema Grill while enjoying a big juicy burger and fries haha! I don’t get grossed out easy so it was cool, but man was it gross haha. LOVED IT.

[@peachreadbull]

peobable the best movie i've seen all year and easily one of my favorites of the year.

[@pvtalsobrook]

Strange Darling

[@peachreadbull]

both in my top 3 for the year!! ​@@pvtalsobrook

[@LatoyaRichards-d9l]

Looking forward for your next upload!

[@cyrusthegreat3299]

Ok, incel.

[@pietrozavattaro2323]

@@cyrusthegreat3299cringe

[@Shemonstercomics]

Demi Moore was perfectly cast for this movie. In a way it's a reflection of her. A very talented very beautiful actress having to deal with getting older and the way Hollywood and society as a whole view ageing actresses. It's true. Once an actress reaches a certain age, film roles dry up. They can't find work and they are constantly compared to much younger modern actresses. It's a film about how society views and treats ageing actresses and the effects of that.

[@pvtalsobrook]

Strange Darling review?

[@RedakaiCity]

Am I Racist review first.

[@BeerMetal58]

@@RedakaiCity That movie actually did make me vomit.

[@ZANESUCK2]

No​@@RedakaiCity

[@auntvesuvi3872]

Thanks, Chris! 💉 I thoroughly enjoyed it. Kudos to writer/director Coralie Fargeat.

[@MartijnPennings]

I saw it this afternoon and i had the same physical reaction; i have not eaten the snacks i brought. To be honest, i was surprised that not more people walked out. Thoroughly enjoyed it.

[@MichelleScott-um2iz]

This video is so good! I'm hooked!

[@claytonrios1]

Sometimes being young again has its consequences. Some what ifs are best left in the mind.

[@coolshah1662]

Your development from someone who gave a snarky comment about Sharon Stone's character and her fear of aging out of relevance in Catwoman and the sheer lack of empathy you showed to this is very interesting and good to watch. Yes, women are treated like shit for aging. More and more people need to acknowledge that that women are objectified to a degree that their entire worth is weighed by their youth, and the fact that men aren't held to the same standard is why the world is so horrifyingly misogynistic. So the body horror makes sense in this context.

[@azza8504]

Managed to catch an early screening of this last week, I absolutely loved it and the reactions of everyone else in the cinema

[@BananaLoaf77]

Easily one of the best films of the year (in the genre). I just wonder how much never wanting to watch a film ever again affects people’s feelings on the experience. 😂

[@terminalshutin]

Some of the shots reminded me of Requiem For A Dream, a great movie with a sometimes difficult to watch ending (especially when you have to watch it over and over for a Psychology paper). This looks like a really interesting body horror film and I'm going to try to catch it this weekend.

[@Yikes702]

I saw it last night and I think Demi should get the Oscar; however, I think she'll get screwed out of a nomination, like Jeff Goldblum did for "The Fly." The fact he didn't get a nod still rankles me to this day.

[@robtierney5653]

The Trailer gave me that vibe of those movies that came out a few years back where the "Repo Men" have to repossess the organs of people fell behind on payments. Don't know why, body horror genre I guess?

[@MP-dz7vy]

Favorite movie of the year so far, what a memorable cinema experience. Go watch it with friends!

[@angelojavier8672]

My fave this year, what a wild ride! 10/10

[@inappropriatejohnson]

You had me at "horrifying bodily thing". Thanks

[@darksoulsthanos9940]

Hadnt heard of this before yesterday, but am really looking forward to checking it out this weekend!

[@tmdtt]

The movie was very mature, very Demi Moore.

[@Yikes702]

Did you see her on Jimmy Fallon last week parodying this? It was really funny..

[@ethankillion786]

The audience cheered as soon as the title card came up haha what an experience :’)

[@martinlarrivee5081]

I really love Revenge. Watch it many times. Amongst my favourite B-movies. Just feels so fresh, alive and modern.

[@TheNickSweat]

I was very proud of myself for continuing to eat my Nerd Clusters during that last 30 minutes. Holy hell, what a movie!

[@LateCambrian]

Saw last night. I haven’t had to own a copy of a movie in a while until Now… 11/10 stars

[@sunshinesooperman5110]

Oh have I been waiting for this review!

[@mikec4931]

Was nasty, weird, and entertaining. Glad I saw it in theaters

[@urilaf8598]

The theatre experience with a crowd was very fun

[@cosmicsin8292]

Had the Pleasure of Attending the TIFF Premiere it’s been a long time since I’ve seen a director utilize practical effects body horror to this degree can’t wait to see it again!

[@johno378]

I only bought a drink, since I wasn't that hungry. While watching the movie, I definitely knew that was the right choice.

[@yvankrzeslo6366]

i saw the film 2 weeks ago it's going to take me at least 2 months to see it again . My brain still cannot process it .

[@fangzhouzhao1087]

Not even the genre, this is one of the BEST movie ever made

[@ArvalVampire]

"This is not an eating movie" AND NEITHER DRINK, YOU ARE GOING TO WANT TO THROW UP ALL

[@WaterHazard86]

I'm glad a film came out that Chris loved so much, he decided to not shove a terrible sponsorship down our throats. Much appreciated!!

[@axemexa1]

Yeah tapping the skip button a few times is so excruciating isn’t it?

[@devonmunn5728]

Honestly you'll get that with every other KZbinr unfortunately

[@HelleBunny_]

Yeah, it’s not like he makes a living off this stuff and sponsors are the best avenue for profit vs adrev or other options! 😒

[@tonymannion5743]

I was watching Lexx one time and had to put down my large kebab with extra chilli sauce. I thought "Let's see what's on the other channel" and I can tell you I was overjoyed to see it was The Human Centipede 3.

[@mattjazzfan2288]

I was stuck in stand-still traffic on my way to the theater so I didn’t have any time to get snacks and by the end of the film I was so thankful for that lol

[@austinmelton8401]

Saw it last night and LOVED it

[@Brownaut1993]

You make the movie sound great but man I'm not sure I'm down for a film that makes me feel sick. I'll just buy a beer when I see it lol

[@BajaFrecuencia]

Incredible film, glad you loved it!

[@Dolcevita_bakes]

If there is going to be a woman hoping to look younger and prettier and thinner why use Demi moore? She already looks great already. I wish I looked like her!

[@Yikes702]

Simple. Demi Moore has been scrutinized for DECADES over her looks and what she may or may not have done. She was the highest paid actress in the 90s and was slammed for that. Also, read her autobiography and you'll see why she was perfect for this role.

[@mrawesome7175]

I loved REVENGE so im Glad to hear this is good. Will check it out.

[@Chimchiri]

Your movie reviews are possibly my favourite. Mostly because I feel if it's worth a review from you it must be special in some way and usually I give those movies a try. But also I LOVE how passionate you clearly are and how you emphasize what you really love about a movie. Definitely gonna give this a try!

[@OddOneOut665]

When the EFF is your Review for TERMINATOR ZERO gonna drop, huh Stucky?!?!????

[@AD-fx2qd]

Incredible film. Seen it twice now, both times equally as mesmerised.

[@carlossosa2907]

Looking forward for this one

[@DJmicaiah]

I work in a hospital laboratory and I eat while watching Bizarre Foods, I think I can handle it.

[@mr.hostetter855]

The last ten minutes of When Evil Lurks got me. I had to get up and leave the room.

[@Turbulance16]

Dennis Quaid? I am glad to see he is still acting.

[@TheHunt708]

Watching this tomorrow looking forward to it

[@ffiontill5924]

Haven’t watched the review yet but I really hope it’s good. I’m looking forward to seeing it next week. The concept is really intriguing and I like dark themes.

[@kbcustoms3571]

When she shot the movie revenge she did a similar thing. She zoomed in on one of the bad guys mouth while he was eating and it was absolutely disgusting. Very visceral

[@mickolos]

You need to review Infinity Pool next. Best movie I've seen in years.

[@douglas4934]

This movies was on my radar for a while, can't wait to watch it now

[@TheRealClankZoka]

One of the rare films that legit horrified me but I absolutely loved it!

[@billysmithdrums]

This movie had me audibly cringing. I havent had that in years oh my god it was fucking fantastic

[@TheProphegy]

As someone who has a gf who deals with beauty standards and being so focused on vanity and scared of aging; would this movie be good or bad for her? Would it help open her eyes or would it make her mind even worse with those thoughts?

[@billysmithdrums]

@@TheProphegy no no no lol. Do not have her watch this until you watch it if she's sensitive

[@pvtpain66k]

been watching the channel for a few years now, and hearing you say something is scary or nauseating, in a good way, REALLY piques me, knowing how you are with scary movies. 😁

[@TheSacralHealer]

This movie was AMAZING!!!! I’m about to rewatch. The ending was total society vibes I need to see it again 😅

[@nope5657]

I'm a big "style IS substance" guy. And I'm also not one to call "obvious" themes and symbolism bad just for being obvious. But The Substance??? While The Substance is one of my favorite LOOKING films of the year, I found its hilariously trite...treading ground so well-worn it feels...wait for it...pretentious as fuck. "Guys, what if aging was SCARY!" That is quite literally all this film amounts to, imo. It's so aggressively "GET THE POINT!?!" about its story and theme that it ends up quickly feeling like a self-impressed lecture. Same reaction I had with Longlegs...incredible well made film with nothing to say - just very impressed with itself. "Guys, weird people into satanism are SCARY!" The Substance is a formal showcase, no doubt. But it's a showroom with nothing much in it. Some of the more acclaimed horror films this year have disappointed me greatly. As far as a horror/thriller meditating on aging...OLD is WAY more nuanced and thoughtful.

[@jnc3880]

Cannibal (2006), Melancholie Der Engel (2009), Carcinoma (2014), Debris Documentar (2003), Blight of Humanity (2018) and sections of The Profane Exhibit, all directed by Marian Dora, turned me off from eating. His stuff is absolutely grotesque. The nastiest of the nasty. August Underground Mordum and Ozroco the Embalmer are also difficult to sit through and eat although slightly less revolting. The dinner scene in Sweet Movie is worth mentioning too.

[@TheLongestTake]

Hyped to see this one!!!!!!

[@thegonefshn5752]

I will eat macaroni and cheese while watching this and it won't bother me 100% certified gaurantee.

[@jamesdman7193]

Sounds like clayface orgin from batman

[@ffiontill5924]

Recent thanksgiving made my stomach turn and couldn’t eat whilst watching it. I loved that though

[@RebeccaEdwardsJamesEdwards]

Wow!! I had seen the railers & wasn't very impressed, but after your review, now I really want to see it.

[@pmdaentertainer9575]

I love your T-shirt soo much

[@WarlordRising]

It mixes Verhoeven satire and full frontal nudity with Cronenberg's body horror. I'm surprised this got away with an R rating considering the amount of nudity onscreen and the subject matter. Top 3 adult thrillers of the year so far. In no order: Red Rooms, Strange Darling, and The Substance.

[@markhernden9472]

I will be buying my usual bag of sweet buttery popcorn and if need be, I will quickly dump the contents on the floor and hurl into said bag.

[@AshParth560]

Gonna see this along with Transformers One tomorrow since it'll be payday. And as speaking body horror, the last time I saw this sort was The Human Centipede.

[@Wheretheportlandorarealadiesat]

I just got a trailer for it before youre review of it 😅😮

[@SplinterInYourEye]

I watched it last night. Blew my mind. It was awesome!

[@BaDAiR647]

Looks interesting. Ditto on Texas Chainsaw. Ugh, barf. But i love it!

[@AvatP5]

The shunting scene from society is still one of the grossest things I’ve seen put to film.

[@dforeigner]

Haven’t been stopping by since the whole Madame web debacle, and came back now to see if “am I racist?” has been reviewed yet. Looks like it hasn’t.

[@alejandrorodriguezborrero496]

The movie star today here in Puerto Rico in the select fine arts movie theaters with Strange Darlings

[@Letthechildrenleave]

If you want to see the most horrific thing you've better open your eyes and see the massacre in the Middle East. 🇵🇸

[@crispy_338]

Yeah, those Hamas terrorists are killing so many Jews 😢

[@RichZilla96]

What's happening over there?

[@darksoulsthanos9940]

You used the wrong flag 🇵🇸

[@Letthechildrenleave]

@@darksoulsthanos9940 I am on the right side like rest of the world. You better check your moral compass

[@pietrozavattaro2323]

Piss off he’s reviewing a film ffs, we don’t talk about that here

[@PlanetVeldt]

This movie should've been marketed as much as longlegs was, but it didnt because the script doesn't have hail satan written every 5 pages

[@royailove]

lol I already got tickets to watch the Substance at the Alamo Drafthouse. Regardless, I'm excited to watch it