The Substance Review

[@BachelorMachinesTV]

The section where Elisabeth resents Sue and Sue resents Elisabeth in return will resonate with addicts of various types: why does Nighttime Me have such a blatant disregard for Daytime Me? And the only possible way navigate it is to "keep it in balance" which eventually becomes impossible.

[@HauntedHippie]

@@BachelorMachinesTV damn. Something I hadn’t considered. Resonates on so many levels

[@V2Itself]

Fuck i didnt even consider this but as a former addict thinking about it those themes really reaonate. I only saw this movie last night so some of the themes definitely couldve went over my head. I already bought tickets to see it again in two days cause i adored it so much and now ill be looking for the themes you talked about when i see it again. Thats such a cool take thanks for sharing

[@PhilHoggart]

Yes! This cut so close to the bone for me and I'm so glad to see someone else mention it. Also Sue running to get more of her hit from Elisabeth and kissing herself that this time was special cos she needed it and she was sure Elisabeth would understand. All that we take from our future selves in order to keep the good times going.

[@marsiana]

@@PhilHoggart very requiem for a dream

[@whxrecat]

Saw this with a friend and they explained how they pulled this meaning and others aswell. - I’m trans and pulled alot of my own meanings / know other people who have aswell. Truly just a perfect movie in no glazing way lol. it did its job and tells its message in its own original and unique way.

[@padfoot2116]

I feel like that scene where Elizabeth is excited for the date but doesn’t go resonates with people with depression/anxiety too. Being excited, thinking this person sees me…and then being so overwhelmed by the outside world that you just sit down and cry.

[@chadbuchanan842]

That scene alone deserves Demi Moore to get her flowers for her performance.

[@transamination]

As others have said that was probably one of the best and most real scenes in the whole film.

[@NightOwl_30]

I'm a guy and even I connected to it. The sequence of when she is meant to go on a date and keeps going back to the mirror...I've literally done that before meeting friends I never ended up meeting.

[@HauntedHippie]

When something is done with such tact, anyone can relate. Love that about great cinema

[@cashthecurator666]

Same. I'm a guy as well, and I always stress over my appearance. Maybe a little bit too much, but I do anyway due to the unfair attractiveness standard.

[@DarthHomercles]

I'm a guy and loved this movie. And yeah, the getting-ready-for-the-date scene was heartbreaking. Demi was great.

[@hmicky-mickey]

Youre a guy and you connected with it. Ridiculous comment and it figures that a typical, gender confused, gen z-zoomer, would relate to this crap. Most female directors are HORRIBLE. Excessive nudity, excessive guts, blood, etc. Monochromatic, color-coordinated nonsense. Everything color matching. Etc. Etc.

[@AbominableQueer]

Well we are forgetting here that a man introduced Elizabeth to The Substance and was taking it himself. We meet his older self in the diner when Elizabeth thinks she’s being stalked/followed. The Substance is universal but this story is told through a female lens/perspective.

[@kkeungi5955]

Back when I was at my skinniest, I was on so many drugs and drinking myself to death because I was miserable and undiagnosed bipolar. Now I'm medicated, sane, and have put on weight and my mother still won't shut up about how "pretty you used to be". Like the sheer level of denial even fellow women perpetuate is insane. As someone who was socialized female and struggled with addiction and weight gain, this film made me feel so seen and understood- It's almost like a love letter from the director to us, it's so intimate and personal and that's why it resounds so deeply.

[@CandieP]

I feel for you. I also have a passively aggressive mom who criticizes my looks every chance she gets and mom’s like that can really mess with your self esteem 😔

[@TruckeeDoggo]

When Elisabeth walks down the sidewalk from her apartment, you hear dogs barking, it’s chaotic and unpleasant, Elisabeth is treated almost as an annoyance. And then when Sue walks down the same sidewalk, it’s idealized, slow motion, almost fever dream, and she’s being admired

[@ptboy18]

Yes ! The camera was extremely shaky and you felt anxious during Elizabeth's POV. But Sue's POV was calm, relaxed yet empowering and confident.

[@AlexanderBrando]

My partner pointed out that there was a mixture of old and new cars on the street and that the whole movie is like that. A mixture of old and new things so you can’t quite place it in time! Adds to the surrealness and the metaphor 🙂

[@HauntedHippie]

Omg I love that touch !!!

[@vonneal1]

I didn't catch that but it's brilliant...❤

[@CandieP]

It reminds me of It Follows. I like movies that aren’t based in a specified time period.

[@awebb274]

This movie was PSYCHOTIC. Great performances, social commentary, and effects. Strong 9/10

[@ronpotts6385]

I'm not female, but I can relate to the "getting older=irrelevance" aspect of the movie. Like Elisabeth Sparkle, I turned 50 this year. I work in a retail environment, so many of my co-workers are teens and in their early 20s. I get called Mr. Ron and Sir a lot by a lot of my co-workers. Outside of work, like when Im out doing things, I have been given a lot of unsolicited senior discounts, starting when I was about 42. Besides its on-point look at ageism, I really love how the film shows how the entertainment industry causes so many people's body image issues and low self-esteem. There were scenes involving Elisabeth that had me on the verge of tears: When she first gets fired (on her BIRTHDAY), when she's getting ready for her date and just gives up, and when they show the bouquet of roses she got for her birthday, and it says "You WERE amazing". Awesome movie, and I loved your review of it.

[@bensneb360]

The body horror is getting a lot of attention (for good reason, it rocks) but I would say the sound mixing was just as impressive. You hear every little creek, croak, moan, slug, snap, crackle, pop. It had me squirming in my seat, like I was sitting on cactus covered in fire ants

[@ultravioletron]

When I heard the cracking noise in her pump it up scene, I thought it's her bones....it was the camera 😂

[@enigmatics69]

I think the only good man in this whole movie was her old classmate Fred that asked her on a date😭😭 felt bad for the guy

[@Michipoo18]

Lol but why oh why did he reach into a dirty side walk cesspool and hand her that soggy paper 😂I was like "boy! I know you are the nicest man in this movie but even you are acting weird because of her looks. "

[@moses0686]

Nah, and the text messages confirmed it. If I haven't see you in 40 years and we never really talked back then there's no reason to stop them in the middle of the street. In guys mind even he's thinking "she's old now, I got a shot"

[@Michipoo18]

@moses0686 this! And the way he added the word "still" to "to you are still the most beautiful girl in the world" . Guys think they are being nice, but deep down what are they really saying....

[@Michipoo18]

@moses0686 you brought up another great point. Like you haven't seen someone in years...why isn't your first question "how are you doing" instead he just comments on her looks. Another great example that the movie does to show just how WEIRD it is to comment on people's looks.

[@skippycoulter]

The doctor was also a very normal guy. He probably should have tried to do more about a patient clearly in distress but then the film might not have happened so they gave him an out with a medical emergency.

[@lewismoran9057]

This had me gripped from the first to last frame, visually stunning as well, whilst also having some of the best body horror I’ve ever seen. Both leads just killed it too, seeing their different struggles and decisions throughout for the sake of keeping up with unrealistic standards was believable and tragic. Definitely my favourite movie of the year!

[@KyloRenRadio]

The idea of trying to cling to your youth, now that I'm on the far side of my 50's, resonated so strongly with me. I felt horribly sad for Elisabeth. At the beginning of THE SUBSTANCE, she seems amazingly with-it, in such a good place, only to see it crumble after overhearing Harvey's BS. It just broke my heart. I wanted so much to reach into the screen and let Elisabeth know she was already wonderful & enough.

[@KyloRenRadio]

I think I was the only woman at yesterday's matinee. Throughout THE SUBSTANCE, several of us did laugh at moments, then groaned "ewwww" the next.

[@bobdobbz9334]

I relate to this movie as a slacker. I basically do the bare minimum, and skate through life. I don't have any grand ambitions and my needs are met, but barely. And it's like my present self is stealing resources from my future self. But I always figured I'd just implode one day and tried to have fun while it lasted.

[@BocanadaCinemera]

The Substance was so sick! 😵 Nothing could've prepared me for what I was about to witness. I really need to see Demi on the Oscars next year. And the makeup team ofc

[@erinnadia0409]

This is my favourite film of the year! And I didn't even know about this film before I saw the trailer a couple months ago! Completely blown away and I love the makeup/effects so much. Demi was perfect and I hope she gets the recognition she deserves for this. The scene before her date almost made me break down into tears because I've been there before! I felt so insecure once and kept changing my outfits or makeup only to then just cancel and stay home to cry because I felt too ugly and not enough for some man I've never spent time with.

[@PhilHoggart]

I saw this at the weekend and I cannot stop thinking about it. While the primary theme is obviously very gendered I honestly think it soeaks more broadly to the way society sees our bodies and how we internalise those perceptions. Im a gay man in my 40s who took anabolic steroids in my younger days; the first scenes of her taking the drug were VERY reminiscent of my taking steroids. And obviously now I'm older I'm living with the (mild, but still very real) consequences of the choices I made back then; you tell yourself that it's worth it - and maybe it is? - but its so easy to forget that the person making the choice at 20 is the same person dealing with the consequences at 40. There is *no* them. You are one.

[@vonneal1]

I love this comment❤

[@sirtorchington]

I'm a guy so I can only comment on so much here, but this is a brilliant film on so many levels. SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER The blood hose arm at the end was an insanely poignant metaphor, imo, for the blood being on everyone's hands in this type of objectifying situation

[@Zimbrabim]

Or just showing that she could still menstruate. Take that, f*ckers!

[@NicolasCurcioWriter]

30 minute review of the best horror film of the year??? we're blessed

[@BrandonsHauntedLibrary]

Great review and breakdown! It's kind of crazy to me that some are calling this shallow, just because Fargeat didn't want to be subtle in the story and how she chose to get her point across. The cartoonish portrayal of men and the over the top stylization is what made this so much fun, all while being a 2.5 hour critique on Hollywood and the patriarchy's impact on body image, aging, and self-hatred. I'd say it was pretty layered actually, and worthy of a rewatch to see what I didn't pick up the first time

[@HauntedHippie]

!!! People wanna be smarter than the movie so bad!

[@BrianDunphy1980]

My favorite film of the year so far. Coralie Fargeat is a visionary. Demi Moore gives what is probably the performance of the year. The sequence where she changes over and over before her date, utimately not going, is a masterclass in acting, directing and editing.

[@cannibalgirl4717]

this movie made me cry several times INCLUDING the end

[@ZlatanHu.]

The Substance isn't my favourite horror movie of the year, it's the favourite movie. Instant classic!

[@osmanyousif7849]

Here’s an equation for you people: David Cronenberg style direction + Demi Moore reflecting on her 90s career × a theme about the abuse of performance/psychoactive drugs + a vibe like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde × the climax of Akira^Perfect Blue Put them all together and what do you get?

[@wallhagens2001]

I’ve had men call out “Smile!” as I was just walking down the street as a young woman, minding my own business. It’s SO common. Now that I’m “old” (59), I’m invisible and no one notices me anymore. I prefer it! This movie was great and Demi was fearless.

[@HauntedHippie]

Even at my age I get less attention lmao I noticed it sooo much more as a teen

[@tadgray9114]

So glad someone else is talking about the score and the sound design. It's unflinching, relentless and brutally punishing. It's mixed in such a dry and harsh way with tonnes of resonance that just hits your gut in such a powerful way. It's also interesting to hear the harmonic changes that happen throughout the film, with the cold, dissonant tones during Elisabeth's moments and the bright, uplifting harmonies of Sue, with those mixing together so well towards the end. Thank you for highlighting this!

[@MariLou-fv8wt]

Because I struggle with body dysmorphia, I deeply resonated with it. It was like an inner demon I was seeing within myself (the point of view camera made it so unsettling). Such a well done film, so surreal, loved it 5/5

[@johnsskincarereviews]

The movie was so incredibly visceral you can feel each jab of the needle. The visual side of everything was 11/10 and it was so so beautifully shot. The ending catharsis was crazy too- and there was something about Elisabeths face on the back of the monstro elisasue that was so visually jarring it hasn’t left my brain in the best way- especially the shot of the monster pulling the dress over her face. The single eye moving on the monster was brilliant as well. Demi Moore was PERFECT for this role and gave 110%!Haven’t felt this crazy in a theater in a long time and kept my attention the whole time I ran so fast to the bathroom and back LOL

[@alahad]

The guts Demi have to have had to do this movie for reals, mad respect.

[@bobandblackeyfanclubsucks]

Quite literally the guts and the guts iykyk

[@MisterKS7643]

I've almost never seen anything quite like this, or at least the way this movie does it. I've watched this 3 times in the cinema on subsequent days from the day it came out. Every time I watch it, I'm still enthralled from beginning to end and managed to find more nuggets of quirks that make this film special. The most important aspect for me is how emotionally grounded it is that you still want to know and care about what's gonna happen next. Yes, it's unsubtle. Yes, it's over-the-top (and totally bananas by the end). But boy, does it pack a punch! Edit: Also, this film has that multiple ending type of vibe (like Alien/Aliens) that I find pretty audacious and amazing that it kept going and get even crazier while maintaining the focus of the story and the themes it's trying to portray (though some people beg to differ).

[@Long_Shoulder]

Exceptional review. This was the first thing I watched after seeing the movie and I don’t feel like I need any additional commentary on it. You nailed it.

[@HauntedHippie]

@@Long_Shoulder 🥰

[@mychunkyjordi7585]

I won't be watching this, I turn 48 next month and I can't stand the way women are targeted basically and obsessed with their looks. Beauty is skin deep meaning what's in your heart not on your face. Glad you liked this Kylie, great review as always 😊💜🐾👍👋

[@roni.rsnstn]

SPOILER: When the Monstro Elisasue cue card came up, in green, with that insane horn motif, I re-adjusted myself in my seat in preparation for whatever was about to happen. I spent the next 20 minutes in pure awe. The movie spiked my serotonin to such a high that when i got home afterwards I needed to drink a coffee to calm down

[@HauntedHippie]

Yes!! Same! I couldn’t remember the name of her final form though then forgot to mention it hahah I thought it was so beautiful

[@giselleparks3125]

Truly held a lens to the generational trauma our own mothers can unintentionally pass onto us as a result of diet culture, unrealistic beauty standards, and the give and take nature of that. I think this is one of the most important films of this decade, let alone this lifetime, and that truly only is the tip of the iceberg of it all.

[@emilydavidsen5004]

I’ve never left a movie so shocked (in a good way). I almost had a panic attack in the last 30 minutes, literally cold and shaking.

[@cashthecurator666]

You fucking nailed it when you said society demands we idolize our teenage bodies. I'm 25 as well, and I feel really insecure over my body, how scrawny I am, how frequently I need to shave my beard, etcetera, etcetera. But honestly, who gives a shit what the masses think. I, for one, am tired of caring about what society thinks. We should burn societal norms to the ground and build something better. Seems that this film could be a key to that, seeing as it's spoken to so many women, but even men and intersex folks as well, not to mention neurodivergent people.

[@justiceflynn6297]

I was excited to see this film from the first trailer I watched. Wow what a year for Hollywood legends being in horror films!!

[@padfoot2116]

Hey just want to point out that the Quaid’s character is named HARVEY. I’m pretty sure that’s international, and I love it.

[@birdie8956]

I was a huge fan of her first film Revenge from 2017. I was really anticipating what she was gonna do next. Then when we literally heard nothing from her for YEARS, I thought she was just gonna become of those directors that make one film and completely disappears off the face of the earth. So when I saw the TRAILER and her name showing up at the end I literally screamed. This woman doesn’t make films, she makes literal ART. Her films are so visceral, so surreal and beautiful. Please keep making MOVIES CORALIE

[@royalhorror]

Idk why but this review just made me so teary cause you said soooo many facts !! I absolutely LOVED the social commentary. Beauty standards are scary as hell, especially with how strong social media is. Gosh I can’t wait to rewatch this already. I need to keep reminding myself just like you did that we are young. I’m tired of people criticising 25/30 as if it’s a failure. The Substance was just incredible and I’m sure I will love it more upon rewatches. I’m a guy and I related with so many aspects, especially with Demi having breakdowns in the mirror. Gosh cinema 😭

[@HauntedHippie]

When something is commenting on such an inherent human truth even a completely woman centric story can hit home for a man. Cinema at its finest

[@KyloRenRadio]

@@royalhorror The exercise segment at the beginning resonated with me in a good way, as a 50+ woman. Compared to Sue's super-sexualized routine, Elisabeth's workout resembled how you exercise at that age; to feel better and have fun being active

[@blackmanrunfree]

I’m not a horror person but I love sound design and work in the industry and holy hell this movie spoke to me in so many ways as a man and as someone who has been with several women with either dysmorphia or an ed. Also you’re super right on the business execs in the film I know exactly what you’re talking about. I wish they had this film in Dolby but even seeing it in a regular theater was incredibly well done. Might be my favorite movie this year!

[@B-Nice]

This was the first movie I’ve seen where female nudity was uncomfortable to watch at times (relax Barbarian). And the Dennis Quade character is a REAL PERSON, they exist and they brag about their mistreatment of women in private and dismiss it as “Locker Room Talk”. 🤷🏽‍♀️

[@Nathaniel2Leinahtan1]

To those who have had smiles demanded of them, I give you the ultimate comeback: "Tell me a joke".

[@dustymuniz]

The fact that you haven't seen any of Demi Moore's work is yet another reminder that I'm getting OLD. Lol. 🤣

[@G5rry]

I was thinking the same thing… Demi’s appearance was a huge topic of discussion when she was younger, so she is perfectly cast for this role. also, I find it amusing that her character is 50 years old, but she’s actually 60 when it was shot.

[@Dparish24]

As a man I agree, I don't need a 'white savior' male representation character to enjoy or feel good about being a man. I can relate to a protagonist male or female as long as they're well written and I found Elisabeth's character was relatable. Men can relate to these issues too, I myself struggle with body confidence, having been overweight in my teens and been bullied for it, although I lost weight I'm still not skinny people tell me I look great but I'm still self critical sometimes. Sadly a lot of girls I work with who in their very early 20s either get surgery/botox or talk about getting it. I try to assure them they're pretty and don't need it but I know they don't listen, I know they have boyfriends so it's clear who they're doing it for and it saddens me.

[@alahad]

well... I am a man and didn't even occur to think any of what you just said, I just related and didn't even realize or care if the character was a woman. I mean, no hate, just figured, I still haven't gotten to the point where I see everything through a political lens.

[@liamroberts1458]

My dad had this problem for a lot of years, even in his mid-late 30s to early 40s. His weight fluctuated when he was growing up, and I remember, on childhood summer holidays with him and my mum, by the beach, he'd be really insecure about having his shirt off.

[@RyanMichero]

The Substance was so brilliant. The portrayal of men didn't bother me at all, because really this is a movie about one woman (arguably two ha) and what women do to themselves to respond to impossible beauty standards. At first Elisabeth is completely invested in her career and has no family. The only guy she really cares about is Quaid's "Harvey" (Weinstein anyone?), because he pays her and love bombs her when she is useful to him, but when that stops he's done and she is alone. The one male character who is not awful, Fred, her old classmate, strikes me as somebody who she could have ended up with and who could actually made her happy--he still thinks she's the prettiest girl in the world, has always seen her humanity and individuality, and appreciates her as much as ever in spite of age. But he's a bit of a nerd, right? He's not a powerful, influential, rich person. He's old too, balding, awkward, nerdy. Maybe not the greatest catch in Hollywood, and she's initially kind of repelled in spite of his kindness. But then later in her loneliness she reconsiders and sets up the date. Which leads to one of the most poignant scenes in the film, with Elisabeth, haunted by the billboard of Sue, returning over and over to the mirror to redo her makeup, never pleased with the results, until she melts down. She was close to having a chance at some happiness there, but her own struggle with impossible standards leads her to self-sabotage. Again, Fred's not a bad guy, maybe he could make her happy, maybe he is an interesting and good man. She and we will never know, because she can't get beyond herself to even spend time with him. Which seems exactly the right thing for this movie--again, about her, and what women do to themselves, for the gaze of an imagined audience.

[@HauntedHippie]

!!!!!!!

[@RyanMichero]

@@HauntedHippie Haha, once I start typing, there's no stopping me

[@huykieu7775]

Even as a man, I don’t feel offended by this movie because I think the substance is actually more critical of how women perceive their self-worth. Near the end of the movie, you see a little girl wearing a dress similar to Sue with her mother attending the show, highlighting how, even at a young age, girls are either taught or naturally interested in beauty.

[@justinriley]

Absolutely loved this film. Though I came dangerously close to losing my lunch while watching it.

[@matth526]

Gay 48 fella from Australia (doesn’t make up my whole personality but) here and yes you’ve hit the nail on the head. Your refreshing, point on review is fucking awesome! Keep doing what you are doing.

[@ilovesmallville13]

I felt so seen by the movie and I felt your review to my core, I agree with everything you said! One scene of the movie made me tear up, I wasn't expecting that, it was so raw. I watched Revenge by Coralie Fargeat for the first time this year (I don't usually like rape and revenge movies but I gave this one a shot because it's directed by a woman), and I loved it! The body horror is great in that one too, but in The Substance she surpassed herself! I'm so happy she's getting the recognition she deserves ❤️

[@HauntedHippie]

I’m so stoked to check out Revenge now!!

[@123rockfan]

It’s kind of hilarious that Dennis Quaid is in Reagan the same year as this

[@computerblue84]

Watched it like 2.5x already and I’m gonna go see it in the theatre on Monday and I cannot WAIT!! I used to have an extreme aversion to horror media (total chicken over here) and the stuff coming out recently have been just class! I just stacked a bunch of your vids to watch to Kiki in the comment sections with ya…, I can’t get enough discourse /video essays on this film and yours is super awesome! I love how the sound design has basically been the top discussion around this absolute ripper of a film. Definitely seeing a ton of awards for the sound in this movie, this is just absolutely next level insane. The chainsaw egg beater had mad Leatherface vibes. So many callbacks to horror from Carrie to Cronenberg to Troma!Don’t you knooooow- - - It’s time to pump it up w my new love of modern horror!

[@BenMcAulay-j5g]

I'm quite eager to see it. I'm pretty sure, unquestionably, that Demi Moore, thoroughly identifies w/ Elisabeth Sparkle. What also piqued my interest is that it's written and directed by a female. Plus the director & writer Coralie Fargeat was also influenced by John Carpenter -- easily my favorite horror director.

[@katryd9295]

I feel you when you talked about being 25 and not having kids. I felt that hardcore at 24 but didn’t get married until 28. While I’m glad I didn’t get married when I had a lot more growing and developing to do, being 32 with no kids (and I want them, very much) I have to remind myself that not having kids isn’t a marker of my value as a woman and I have so much to offer to myself and the world.

[@chriscze6153]

i really loved hearing you and Emma speak so highly of this movie! as a man, I definitely couldn't relate to it as you or most women can, so even though I didn't love it I still am very happy this got made, it's astounding Demi Moore is making an introspective role like this at this stage in her career (and so well at that), and I think it's worth seeing just so everyone can discuss. Even if you don't love it, watching and supporting this film is just the right thing to do. Loved the raw review Kylie, thanks!

[@prose343]

You explained everything that I was feeling about this movie PERFECTLY. Thank you

[@MEWMEWDENSETSU]

Don't forget that Demi Moore was the voice of Esmeralda in the Hunchback of notre dame.

[@yogimoviemaniac]

It feels like the movie was inpired by Guiellrmo Del Toro's "Cabinet of Cusriosities" epsiode 4, The Outside.

[@GeneralZodsFandomZone]

I am a 39 year old man about to turn 40 I do reviews and I felt the same way. This movie felt to me like aging in general but I saw this with my girlfriend and she said the same thing dude I never stopped to think about the actually difference between men and women just getting older. This especially felt like Hollywood's view of women at a certain age. My girlfriend told me stories about what she has gone through this is a 10 out of 10 and Demi still is beautiful it's a shame society carries these kinds of unrealistic standards. Great review

[@WhatSmada]

YES THIS MOVIE HAD ME IN AWE

[@510SPINESPLITTA8]

I liked how no one in the audience is outraged or shocked that there are naked women onstage in front of young children, but once the Monster births a mutant tit, they all freak out finally.

[@joelwesko1812]

The film is a hyper-stylized absurd masterpiece! I love the critique of the beauty industry! Solid 9/10! Hats off to Fargeat for that rollercoaster!

[@tristanmovies8629]

this is one of your best reviews to date!! i loved hearing how you resonated w the film and your personal anecdotes from working in the entertainment business. the movie was so disturbing that it made me cry out of terror but i can appreciate it now that i’ve recovered 😭😭

[@V2Itself]

This is easily my favorite film of the year. Every aspect from the direction, cinematography, score, and acting is perfect. I cant think of one aspect of this movie that is a weak link. Everything is perfect

[@anthonypanozzo9319]

I live in Las Vegas and on a Tuesday night with a full theatre we had about 4 people walk out and the rest of us were busting up laughing at times. It was just as you described, one second you're choking back vomit right before you are gut laughing. Amazing film and I will never forget going to watch this movie and that hasn't happened to me in many years.

[@jamesmiller7367]

This movie is something special. We don’t get films at this level very often. I think it was perfect timing for this film and this message. I was down away by this one!

[@thomasscott6146]

I hate that Quaid felt like some dudes i met when i was serving business execs are such self-centered assholes at times, and he was THAT guy. I also enjoyed that they made it a point to show that the men were allowed to be ugly and act that way to have frumpy clothes, and receding hairlines and messed up teeth mean while ALL THE WOMEN had to be perfect yet out of center. It also pulled a barbie on me on me and made me self reflect as a masc presenting person how i make the women and fem folks around me feel about their appearance and place in the society we live in.

[@jamesreacts111]

What a beautiful review. Everything you said you nailed. As a gay man there are similarities to women in hierarchy of ageism when considering dating apps and subcultures. This is something I did a recent assignment on in Uni. It is beautifully metaphoric and subjective and as someone who suffers with body dysmoprhia. There is a lot of self-worth that is manifested by the thoughts we consider as acceptable where image and weight are concerned and the irony as you said is social media has influenced standards where most people obsessed with surgery are looking like clones rather than accepting individualism and status quo. Deffo subscribed. Thank you for your honesty. I too was an actor and called out by the casting director and embarrassed in front of everyone for eating a small burger. This is what made me fall out of love with it. The ubsconious treadmill of literally running for approval and self- validation that eventually turns into the obsessed mirrored between the characters in the film: the monster. Thank you for your passion and honesty

[@righteousrawb7225]

Bookmark: 14:32

[@audreymeadows2448]

Thank you so much. I saw this last night and, as someone who enjoys horror but is relatively inexperienced with experiencing it "first" hand, this review abosolutely helped me process and contextualize. Also, it is kind of crazy to me how this film and Barbie are so linked in my mind. Maybe I need to see more women led film 😅

[@Iquey]

One thing I REALLY appreciated about the people directing this movie and editing the trailer, is that they DIDN'T GIVE EVERYTHING AWAY IN THE TRAILER! 😂

[@stephaniehickey4103]

I would definitely recommend exploring David Cronenberg. His interest in body horror came from seeing his mother dealing with cancer when he was very young. His style is more detached and cerebral but I’m always emotional after watching his films. Definitely start with the Fly because it influenced this movie and then the Brood.

[@robertmarginean164]

I think your boyfriend has a point in this situation. I'm confident that men like the ones portrayed in the movie exist in real life, the thing is that, viewed through the lens of what feminism is trying to achieve in accurately portraying genders, they are not a representative sample of what most men are like, similarly to how women feel misrepresented because most Hollywood actresses look like models and that creates a false idea of what women should look like for instance. Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, and Margot Robbie are real people, but that doesn't mean they're accurately representing the average female. My only criticism for this movie is that it does go for the low hanging fruit in that aspect, because it attacks the absolute worst examples and showcases why they are wrong, whereas if it went a bit deeper, the message would have come across better, for me at least.

[@cjam9457]

When it snowed on the star, the whole theater laughed. Seeing this in theaters, experiencing this with others, is crucial.

[@liamroberts1458]

My Great-Grandma Hilda was 40 when she gave birth to her youngest child: my dad's mum, so the "decline" varies most definitely.

[@karnagekandyYT]

This best is your best review yet! I loved every single moment of this movie. The use of the macro lens was probably the most effective camera work I’ve seen in a long time along side the fish eye. A close friend of mine used to suffer from an eating disorder and this hit home. Best movie this year easy. Won best screenplay at Cannes. Reviewing this was a big pleasure.

[@cammyg24]

I went in blind, and definitely one of my favorite movies of the year.

[@PJdraws277]

Me lord, I have finally watched it!! my mouth jaw drop like 😱 Even duo I’m a dude but I definitely agree about those dudes are worthless cuz let’s be real here mans are everywhere with their scummy power. Thanks for mentioning reflecting my younger self which I didn’t think about that much. ‼️SPOILERS‼️ I wasn’t expected creature feature in the third act! That makeup is wild.🔥

[@maxdcruz87]

I'm glad I decided to go see this in the theater. This is a great addition to the body horror sub genre.

[@dasbademantelstubchen5073]

We cannot forget "the kick". Whilst being disgusted for the whole runtime, this moment made me laugh so hard

[@maubpp]

Can't wait to see this Wednesday. Been waiting for this one ever since I heard Coralie Fargeat was making another movie. I loved Revenge. Between her and Julia Ducornaut, I'm loving the French female voices in horror! More please! Will come back to this once I've seen it

[@spookey2004]

Kind of a stretch, but this spoke to me in the sense that the feeling of having an “ideal” self tailor made to fit society’s standards and expectations of you that you have to balance with your real self or risk hurting/loosing yourself and becoming something unrecognizable reaaaaally reminded me of what autistic masking can feel like.

[@lexmas4373]

Yeah I, heard a lot of good things about this movie. That also, the director drew inspiration from 1981 Posession movie for this, but yeah, I'm glad you enjoyed it, and I'm sorry you went through that in your early years in the industry. But you seem to be well aware and doing better now. The more I got to know you, the more I saw you as an intelligent,articulate, and very deep person who has pulse on the consciousness of what society and beauty standards and what people and women are going through today. I know you'll channel that in your movies you're gonna be a great director.

[@HauntedHippie]

That means so much, thank you 🫶🏼

[@yoshimasu_k]

An hour-long video about this film would've been totally appropriate AND engaging! And thank you for sharing your own experiences both as a woman and as someone working in the entertainment industry.

[@CampAfterHours]

I cannot describe how much I love this movie. The moment I got done watching the movie I called my friend and told them about the movie and gave it a perfect score on Letterbox. I love the portray of man/hollywood in this movie. The body horror is perfect. I can’t find the words to describe how much I love this movie. People need to watch this. Easily, my favorite horror movie of the year and easily in my favorite movies of all time.

[@zaq93]

Instantly my favorite horror movie of 2024!

[@quinningram8465]

movie was amazing, just saw it with my girlfriend tonight, and I can't get over how brilliant it was

[@davidkennedy8358]

Excellent review of an excellent movie. A female friend of mine went to see the movie and had to leave because it was making her feel queasy. I found it hard to put into words how much I thought she'd enjoy it if she stuck with it, and what an important (if wonderfully insane) movie it really is, but I think you've put it better than I ever could. I'll be sending her a link to your review. And you have a new subscriber. Great stuff.

[@casualblogger3810]

You know it was a lot better than I thought it was gonna be. The previews didn’t really hook me but I prefer going in blind anyway. The themes felt relatable, wasn’t one sided and as a guy I found it refreshing that the film didn’t close the door on me cause I wasn’t a woman. There’s thoughts and conversations placed here that I been in and witnessed so it definitely kept me invested. Overall it was enjoyable despite having a couple issues but not enough to ruin the experience.

[@PedroTawa]

I randomly took a chance on this film and now it's one of my favorites, it gave me the same emotional experience as barbie, had no idea it was a woman's vision.... Just made me realize how far we have come and how little we have progressed, to not have many women films coming from Hollywood... This movie is Iconic ❤

[@ScenarioschrijverPlays]

Facts! Appreciate your review and thoughts.

[@thebeastandhistemptress]

Excellent reveiw…I can’t stop thinking about this film. There’s so much Devil in the details and can’t wait to watch it again. Female Horror Directors are absolutely smashing it out of the park this year. But this is an instant classic that will be talked about for years.

[@BrenzOTnT]

I can relate, so many men objectify women literally everday. They frame womens self worth societally and a lot of women internalize it. And as a 40 year old I may look young but as a former state qualifying track and cross country runner when I train now there's no way I get close to my former PR's (personal records) no matter how hard I try. When I go to the gym I don't recover like I did when I was younger, it's like you're trying to compete with yourself and time at the same time. I'm trying to be less selfish and try to frame training as just a way to stay healthy for my wife and son so I can live as long as possible instead of this arrogant notion that I can't do the things I once did and competing with my younger self. Great video I'm subbing.

[@mychunkyjordi7585]

I can't have children so don't wait too long as I went through menopause in my 30's after losing a baby but make sure your a team 😊👍💜🐾 I wish you beautiful children 😊👍💜🐾

[@intelligencecycle3523]

My Thoughts on the substance definitely tackles the feminity of women working in the industry and questions the insane standards what is considered beauty how women body are view in today's society. This one felt not only visceral but scathing, uncomfortable as you can feel the jab of the needle. The Awe breathtaking moments including when Elizabeth is out of her apartment down the sidewalk, hearing dogs barking. It's chaotic, unsettling, unpleasant to say the least. When sue goes toward the same sidewalk which being mostly admired felt very telling. Towards the end when we see Elizabeth on stage, the photo picture cover up the monstro elisasue felt so jarring while visually conveying its message to the audience. Demi Moore really knocked this out of the park, Margaret Qualley does a fantastic also. Coraline fargeat looking forward to see her do more projects in the future.

[@carbinite-1380]

If you're seeing this and haven't seen the movie, I implore you to go as blind as possible. My SPOILER thoughts: I think it's so fascinating how many horror techniques were blended together in this movie. The body horror is the most obvious but there are some jump scares and thriller elements sprinkled in. Also, shoutout to the prosthetics and set design. The movie doesn't date itself but I believe that it's a period piece based on the costumes and locations.

[@HauntedHippie]

But then the iPhones..

[@coolshirtkid]

i’ve been SEVERELY underwhelmed by the horror releases of the 2020s so far, but this year has been excellent for the genre! so excited to see this and nosferatu in december!

[@HauntedHippie]

I’m soooo curious if Nosferatu could possibly top the substance but I don’t think so

[@coolshirtkid]

@@HauntedHippie that’s been what i’ve wondered about every horror release i’ve seen so far this year “that was great, but let’s see what nosferatu can do” but if you’re saying that about this film, i need to check it out asap!

[@flaminggmonkeyss]

loved this movie, its shot so beautifully, def one of the best body horror films, all the performances were top tier

[@adreena456]

Just got back from the cinema and wow! My first thought was ‘if Cronenberg directed Death Becomes Her’. An instant classic!

[@RamZar50]

Makes me want to see Coralie Fargeat’s “Revenge” (2017) and Julia Ducournau’s “Raw” (2016).

[@BMax15]

I went into this movie without knowing anything about it and it's easily one of my favorites of the year. Even as a man who can't fully understand the experience of the main characters, I found it relatable, genuine, and incredibly brave