We NEED to Talk About THE SUBSTANCE | Movie Review

[@SavannahMandem]

Am I the only one who saw it as a take on addiction? While most talk is about beauty and aging, the addiction angle stood out. Her "youth" is like a drug - she feels epic when she's on the drug - but it's slowly destroying her. And when I say addiction, I'm not just talking about substances-being a workaholic or anything else can have the same effect. Heck, being fitness-obsessed can be harmful. Focus too much on A, and B will suffer. It's about living life holisitically.

[@filmpositive6601]

Honestly, that totally fits in with the rest of film's messaging. Youth and beauty are basically drugs to some individuals. And both halves were not living in balance, or holistically, like you said. Great point!

[@sealife13]

Same

[@tatum4309]

I’ve been saying that but nobody agrees with me

[@gnosis555]

She’s a complete addict for validation and attention she will destroy herself for it 100% agree

[@stevenyoungkin7333]

That's a very good take and a nice essay CAN be written about that. What I love about this movie (and, so far, out of the 53 movies seen at theater this year, this is my #1 pick) is that it has many themes and concepts that can be discussed and analyzed. That's the sign of an artistic film, one that goes beyond surface-level entertainment and wants to be something more. And, I truly hope Demi Moore is not forgotten by the Academy. She DOES give a career-best performance and lays it all out on the line, not just physically but emotionally as well. It is raw and honest and helps take the film to a new level. It reminds me of Jeff Goldblum in "The Fly" (another body horror thriller that was disturbing but also immensely powerful) and, as a reminder, he was nominated for Best Actor. Hopefully, the same thing will happen here.

[@filmpositive6601]

I disagree about the ending going too far. I understand how the ridiculousness of the finale could have felt too over-the-top to you. However, I found the absurdity to be a great closer for the film, given how many insane visuals were building up to that point. To me, in a movie about severe extremes, this "final form" was necessary to show the end product of the main character's negative self-image and self-sabotage. The cycle of abuse reached its logical conclusion at the same time that we get the cathartic release of seeing it thrown back in the faces (literally) of some who, in a way, helped creat this "monster". I feel this last act coalesced all the film's themes and messaging into one glorious gooey crescendo!

[@Llewellyn2844]

Criticizing the third act for being "excessive" is absurd. The whole point of a body horror film is that it's SUPPOSED to go way over the top at the end. For example, see the classic anime film AKIRA (1988), which begins as a cyberpunk action movie and ends as a delirious body horror nightmare.

[@jeremyterkelsen2518]

Have you seen the movie yet? I’m in to body horror but the end of this movie is just ridiculously bad. The writing and the plot just go out the window.

[@Llewellyn2844]

@@jeremyterkelsen2518 As many have noted, this is a divisive film. Some will love it and others will hate it. You're clearly one of the haters.

[@Starr_Apathy]

​@@jeremyterkelsen2518It really isn't at all.

[@jeremyterkelsen2518]

@@Llewellyn2844 It sounds like you’re saying I hate it for no reason at all, which isn’t true. Just because a movie has been labeled as “divisive” doesn’t mean it can’t be criticized in good faith.

[@jeremyterkelsen2518]

@@Starr_Apathy Well that’s just your opinion man, I disagree

[@El_oh7199]

The close needle injections were the least squirm inducing moments. I think Fargeat was challenging the audience to look at the ugliest and malformed transformations with the same focus as the earlier shots that linger on Sue's body parts.

[@kodyvannah7858]

I love the third act! I totally agree with you it felt a little unhinged from the rest but I think that even further pushes it. No one could escape from what she created and they all had to bathe in the consequences of that until something changed in the main character again. That was her worst nightmare that she created.

[@kodyvannah7858]

Edit: idk why I was spacing the word spectacle😂

[@fieuline2536]

Loved this movie. It made me think a lot about “hustle culture” and reminded me of movies like Black Swan and Whiplash, where the character has to destroy something essential about themselves to achieve their ambitions. If I could separate all my unlovely parts - the parts that don’t want to get out of bed, that is awkward to strangers, that eats a carton of ice cream - would I be kind to it? I think there’s often deep unkindness towards oneself at the bottom of self-help culture. What’s especially interesting is how that self-loathing isn’t something Elisabeth would have necessarily if she were surviving alone on an island. Her self-loathing is an internalization of other people’s view of her. I’ve heard “Hell is other people” a lot as a truism, but this is the first movie that made me FEEL that. I disagree about the ending just because it was fun to watch. The descent into madness was CATHARTIC and cool. I didn’t really need it to make sense. Thank you for your review! It was lovely getting to hear someone else’s thoughts on this movie.

[@lifewriter7455]

The SUBSTANCE is INSANELY good. Go WATCH IT! 🖤😎👍

[@DCToonTime]

I get the parody aspect and the social commentary. A little too cartoony in parts. The practical effects were outstanding. But it’s over the top quality took away from the human struggle being portrayed here. For me if they backed off a bit more of the over the top aspect, it would have given the human story underneath the gross to come through. It needed more balance.

[@SteampunkCentral]

Sounds like Jacob's Ladder.

[@michaelespeland]

The third act kinda ruined it for me as well. It ventured into the absurd, and not in a good way

[@sladecl3537]

Like what when she went on stage in her disfigured form of the the 2 girls?

[@michaelespeland]

@@sladecl3537 Yeah

[@ShameckWalczynski]

One of the best films this year but definitely not for everyone 😑

[@ImpressionBlend]

Agreed, but also it's more fun that way

[@bigcob85]

I would compare it to Requirem for a dream. Great movie. Instant classic

[@ImpressionBlend]

Agreed, I definitely got some "Requiem for a Dream" from this as well

[@sarahbateman8217]

I'm not gonna lie, I thought it was just so-so before that third act--then I was hooked.

[@LelaForrest-w3f]

I love Demi Moore's movies. I really enjoyed this movie.

[@rainblaze.]

I thought it was a study of female narcissisim and of how far women go in their need to be desired and their indevers in the persuit there - of ,... Which like the ending of this film can be extream

[@LelaForrest-w3f]

And I love body horror.

[@griseldadominguez8734]

I love this movie, precisely because of those last 30 minutes because it had the guts to go there

[@philipjoseph5099]

What a waste of concept.

[@alexandrosalexandropoulos4836]

You convinced us NOT to warch this! 🙏

[@ImpressionBlend]

How come?

[@alexandrosalexandropoulos4836]

@@ImpressionBlend Sounds SO gross! I don't doubt that it's a good movie, I trust your reviews but I guess from what you describe it's very disturbing and not for all of us!

[@AlexC-dr1vk]

This movie is arguably one of the best horror movies ive seen. Easily top 10 for me

[@ImpressionBlend]

Nice! Glad you loved it! What are some of your other favorites?

[@enigmatics69]

At minimum, the best horror move of the 2020s

[@philipjoseph5099]

Well, you haven't seen much horror then

[@Shionshowa]

@@hmicky-mickey?

[@dylangintherofficial]

@@philipjoseph5099ive seen almost any horror film you can mention. Lol. Every day i watch at least 2-3 new horror films Every day From every generation of filmmaker This film absolutely hits top 10 horror films of the past decade Point blank period lol i dont give a shit what u think personally From a technical standpoint Its one of the best of the past decade point blank period

[@d_c_C]

I haven’t been this jaw dropped by a movie - horror or otherwise - in a very long time. This wasn’t just cinema; this was an experience !

[@ellie.nature]

Me too! 100%! 🙈😅

[@sladecl3537]

This was like a Darren Aronofsky film, reminds me so much of Mother!, Black swan and Requiem for a Dream. This was a much better movie though LOL 😊

[@spring802007]

People in cinema hall were stunned in silence during horror scenes lol !

[@molasorrosalom4846]

I had to look away when it came to the teeth and fingernails.

[@quandrixtwincaster5738]

Being a huge fan of Peter Jackson's 1992 film "Braindead" (or "Dead Alive"), the last act of the movie was pure gold to me. It got as crazy as it needed to. The entire movie felt like something Junji Ito would have made. Fantastic movie, but hard to recommend to just anyone.

[@ImpressionBlend]

Agreed. It’s definitely not for everyone.

[@sabrinatiffany45]

I’m obsessed with that movie !!!!!! I thought I was the only one who liked that one 😂

[@tonybennett4159]

I thought that the gore fest with a rotary mower worked in Braindead because Jackson had his tongue in his cheek from the beginning of the movie, so there was a natural progression in the gross-out element that was leavened by the humour. There is no room for the similar blood bath at the end of The Substance, it is completely out of synch and just doesn't work, and neither does the Thing type amalgamation monster either, where I think the director lacked discipline which even in a movie like this needs to be respected for it to achieve its fullest impact. Could have done with trimming too, horror movies are at their best when short and sharp.

[@chenenid2011]

omg I said the exact same thing walking out the theatre. the walking blob of face is so Junji Ito!!!

[@MaeghaSundhesh]

This is the first review that talked about more than just 'beauty standards'. I think it is more interesting that Sue was still looking for Harvey's approval all along. This is a far better reflection of not just the industry, but of Elizabeth/Sue's values; she was part of the problem too. This was missed by a lot of critics, which makes the movie deeper yet entertaining. The end scene for me was very reminiscent of Sunset Boulevard.

[@MrJade2345]

YES!!! It felt so much like the iconic “Mr Demille I’m ready for my closeup” line. I’m glad someone else felt the same way. A star fading after one last grand performance.

[@Serryl]

I agree. At first I was disappointed in Sue and her desperate need to return to that same hallway and win Harvey's approval. Then I realized it was core to Elizabeth that she'd rather brutalize herself than give it up.

[@GG-kn2se]

It’s not a deeper meaning, it’s just the one you prefer. The ‘harm of self’ is a theme the director has highlighted over and over.

[@scino55]

Note that Elisabeth doesn't start a new Oscar-winning career when she becomes young again, no, she goes and gets her OLD job back. She doesn't want to be accomplished again, she wants to be DESIRABLE and DESIRED again. That's the only thing that gives her any sense of fulfillment.

[@stevenyoungkin7333]

@@GG-kn2se, great literature/cinema, can have alternate meanings to different people. Even if the author/filmmaker intended one thing, the audience might take an entirely different meaning from based on their background and experiences. This is an example of it. For some, it might be about beauty, others it could be about drugs, some--not loving yourself. Those are all valid interpretations and the fact that those and other meanings can be read to it shows how well made and well told this film is.

[@masudashizue777]

Horror is one thing. Quaid eating shrimp is another.

[@ImpressionBlend]

Truly!

[@amberlopez7477]

😂

[@lw6138]

Tru dat.

[@kirdot2011]

this movie is worth watching just to feel something at the cinema.

[@pokeybloke7237]

Great comment and Damn right. 👏 Most movie releases these days are pretty thin and generic. Gimme something different every time! 😎👍

[@legendre007]

_The Substance_ is not philosophically empty 🤔 but instead full of . . . substance. 😮

[@ImpressionBlend]

You could say the title speaks for itself...

[@chocolatewolfe]

The characters are completely empty, great performances but what do we learn about anyone in this film?

[@jackwilliamson1929]

That dragon robe is the real star of this film.

[@JackieMartin1974]

Oh yeah.. the shrimp eating scene... his discolored teeth... almost close up shot of him. Loved it.

[@ImpressionBlend]

This comment did not end the way I thought it was going to end...

[@garrymugen486]

@@ImpressionBlend lol

[@Elwin-w3v]

You can also interpret the relationship between younger and older version as mother and daughter relationship dynamics.

[@Locarb]

We certainly do need to talk about The Substance, Marianna. What in the hell was that? all I know is, I loved it! Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley were phenomenal.

[@GenXVictoria]

When you are over 50, you’ll understand in a completely different context. The ending was purposely written the way it was… because it’s drawing us-the audience-into the mix. We’re not a voyeur, we’re part of the problem. In the end, the grotesque became the beautiful despite onlookers ogling. The film audience (through excellent camera work) is part of the problem. You’re right. Either you love it or hate it. But is detesting part of it a reflection of self-hatred? Only the participant can decide. I think this is going to create important conversations and what we saw was the visual representation of how violent we can be to ourselves, inside ourselves. Quaid’s acting showed: Men are allowed to be as gross as they want. They get a pass. They’re allowed to age. Sue shows she is soulless, as are many young people who don’t understand that aging is a privilege. Yet she is Elisabeth. Or is she? In the end, yes. The ugly and the soulless mix with the beauty and self-acceptance… the human condition. Fascinating film!

[@frankman2]

I agree. Many young people won't get that angle as viscerally as some of us over 50.

[@simonf8902]

She never seems to pay for the Substance.

[@michaelespeland]

Oh she pays alright

[@simonf8902]

@@michaelespeland true. True.

[@frankman2]

thank you. everybody calling it a black market drug. but I guess it's shorter than explaining the whole thing.

[@saly4762]

So I watched it and the last 20 minutes are disgusting and disturbing some people left the theater. I had to close my eyes alot tbh coz damn 😮

[@amberlopez7477]

😂

[@sladecl3537]

Really? Did they? I saw it theatres as well but I was up near the front so couldn't see anyone leaving the theatre

[@jeromemoore2097]

'there is more to life than physical beauty and youth'..Spot on..

[@konyoutube9]

I don’t often watch movie reviews but I had to get my head round the substance 😅 this was a very well thought out analysis and you echoed a lot of my own feelings about the movie. an unforgettable one for sure 😂 i wasn’t sure how people would feel about this movie after the third act bc the rest of the movie was so strong, i sorta accepted we’d just gone into slightly campy parody-of-itself territory but i’m kind of okay with it as the big finale. anyways this vid gets a sub from me!

[@SiStockbridge]

I loved every second including the 3rd act. The Substance gets a 10/10 from me, but I might be a bit bias as i'm a big fan of this kind of stuff

[@Trump_Doesnt_Wipe]

Yep...another typical day in L.A.

[@jennypeck1186]

I watched it this morning….probably would’ve been better for a late night or late afternoon watch. I absolutely LOVE body horror but 30 minutes after I woke up….I had to put my coffee down & I do NOT get squeamish but it got me! The make up effects were incredible but the sound editing….whew that took it to the next level! Both actresses were PHENOMENAL!! Seeing Demi Moore in a movie like this was the cherry on top of this bloody disgusting sundae! She was amazing. In a movie dealing w themes like this kudos to her for going full frontal at 61 looking better than most half her age!! Dennis Quaid was so disgusting & did a great job as well!! Im really looking forward to more from this director. Revenge was a good movie too

[@lordcrayzar]

What an ending!

[@hotlikewasabi25]

I loved it, even if it was gross in parts. Don't eat before or during this movie for sure. Demi Moore was amazing, whole cast really. Might be my movie of the year.

[@AJLovesMC12]

Haha, I had a burger, but I could not bring myself to eat it during the movie.🥴 Honestly tho, this movie kept me fed the whole time!🤪😂👏🏽

[@b.badger_1991]

I do find the “I can’t believe this was directed by a woman” critiques strange considering this film is clearly satirising the male gaze.

[@ImpressionBlend]

Who said they're can't believe this was directed by a woman?

[@b.badger_1991]

@@ImpressionBlend I have seen a few critiques saying that. To be clear, you did not say that - but I feel you did echo the same sentiment at around 3:45 into the review. I suppose my position is that in order to make a successful satire, you have to do what you’re satirising. I’m glad you enjoyed the film though, I thought it was fucking outrageous and adored every minute of it - I’m saying it now, this is my favourite film of 2024.

[@ImpressionBlend]

Interesting! I haven't heard that critique personally, and that certainly wasn't what I was implying. I'm glad you loved it!

[@QUANTUMJOKER]

In my review for next week's paper, I describe The Substance as 'almost like if David Cronenberg directed a feminist Gremlins' (given the film's heavy focus on rules and side-effects). I LOVED The Substance, and it is indeed in my top five of the year so far. :D I thought the ending may have gone too far, but I still enjoyed it, and it felt like an Elephant Man-plus-Carrie-esque crescendo of Harvey's objectifying industry reaping what it sowed in the most grotesque way possible. The camera does show off Margaret Qualley's body at every opportunity, but to me this framing carried a sort of Frankensteinian irony. Sue is incredibly sexy, but her sexiness is the result of a macabre drug and procedure, and even before she steals so much time from Elisabeth and mutates her in the process, Sue effectively betrays Elisabeth by playing into the youth-obsessed culture that left Elisabeth in the dirt.

[@marcusistic]

Does the movie play into the fact that Demi Moore has already had extensive "work" done in real life.....?

[@ImpressionBlend]

I mean... they don't address it, but it makes sense within the story - she resorts to a black market "better self" drug after all

[@marcusistic]

@@ImpressionBlend Ah right okay. It looks like an interesting watch anyway..... x

[@frankman2]

@@ImpressionBlend Everybody is calling it "black market" drug but I didn't see her having to make any financial transaction. It's just a mystery source.

[@ImpressionBlend]

@@frankman2 because that's what the official synopsis says

[@frankman2]

@@ImpressionBlend Oh. Ok. Still I would call it a mysterious source. Thanks for answering.

[@lucianogalvez5865]

First time I ever hear a critic (or in this case, a woman herself) pointing out that even though societal pressure exists (and I totally take this film's message), it is a personal choice to either bend over backwards in order to adhere to them, and to build one's life and value based on them... or just not. Blaming all on the patriarchy or society is dodging one's own accountability and autonomy for our own choices. Demi Moore's character brings this balance brilliantly to the screen. Great review!

[@TCENTARUS]

The Patriarchy Does not Exist. Just another way For Modern Women to Blame all their problems on Men. Total Bullcrap.

[@scarba]

The fact that it’s a French woman that created the movie is relevant because French women age naturally and reject the Hollywood fakery

[@rossh688]

Loved the first 2/3 of the movie, but then, it became pretty dumb.

[@LegPuppy]

My fav film of the past few years. Utterly unapologetic! Panos Cosmatos couldn't have directed it any better!

[@NBP722]

I really don’t like body horror, but I’m super curious about the final 30 minutes of the film 😅

[@stabbyjosh7931]

I liked your description of the film as Dorian Grey via Cronenberg, with a splash of death becomes her. But you are missing a important part. That is all true, but its also told through a series of homage to the great moments of body horror. There were many scenes in the movie, taken straight from other movies like "the Fly", "society", "The Shining", "Video Drone". Heck, there was a obvious call back to the real Joseph Merrick. And while the homage to the classics is fantastic. Some scenes will seem more disconnected than others. And that mosaic effect, is just the par for the course.

[@sonicgoo1121]

I'm usually not a big fan of references, as it's a cheap way of seeming smart. But in this case I get the feeling the references were deployed very deliberately. The fly as a warning of what's to come. The Shining carpet pointing to the maddening world of Hollywood. And, to avoid spoilers, THAT reference at the end.

[@morganvon5664]

Totally agree with you. The last 20 minutes are so over the top that I stopped caring. The film needed a different ending.

[@mishacwill]

My brother and I said it was like the first half and second half were made by two different people... someone who was split in two 😂

[@frankman2]

I believe the movie gave signals that the last part was surreal and not to be taken logically. I actually felt relief from the tension when I noticed that.

[@user-pm2bh9ol8w]

End of the film goes running with the idea of Elizabeth not knowing when to stop. It's like a literal visual metaphor for the idea of the film

[@TheAnadrome]

Thanks Marianna. Excellent review as always. You know I went to see The Substance last night with a couple of friends. And as I was waiting for them I realized that there used to be a split between Hollywood and Indie productions. But at some point the large projects seemed dominated by endless superheroes and increasingly lackluster fantasy films and predictably postmodern indie films. Some foreign films filled the gap. Then after streaming arrived the only things left standing were superheroes.... and horror! But now it seems that more and more horror films are also low to mid-budget experimental films. And this is quite curious. It fits the definition of what Virginia Wilson (The Secret Lives of Puppets) called the subzeitgeist. Film Noir was a post WW2 subzeitgeist. Exploitation in the 70s was one as well. And actually in the 70s many strange experimental films and extremely edgy foreign films were consumed by popular audiences. Think Eraserhead, Salo, El Topo, Valerie and Her Week of Wonders, Let's Scare Jessica to Death, WR: Mysteries of the Organism, THX 1138, Pink Flamingos, Sweet Movie, The Man Who Fell to Earth, God Told Me To, etc. etc.) Meanwhile back in 2024 I told my Georgian philosopher friend and his American girlfriend that essentially horror has become the most legitimate place for public showings of edgy and experimental films. And after sitting through The Substance they both understood exactly what I was saying. And I thought of all of the films from the last ten years that could be considered experimental or extremely edgy. Think: The Babadook, The Witch, The Lighthouse, Hereditary, Midsommar, Beau Is Afraid, Longlegs, Infinity Pool, Men, Titane, Raw, Suspiria 2018, Pearl, X, Stopmotion, Climax, Skinamarink, and I could go on and on. And let's not forget the tone of some of the more standard horror films. I'm not talking of the quality of the films here as much as I am pointing to a mode of communication not allowed in mainstream and even other kinds of Indie fare. This is the basement of our fears in this most unstable era we now live in. Strangely these highly disturbing films are a sign of the flickering candles of imaginative and intellectual hope burning down below the observable mainstream threshold. Marianna thanks for being one of my best guides through the subterranean cellars in the subzeitgeist.

[@deathstar9620]

I was bored for like 2 hours, they played the same scenes over and over. Interesting story but it could have been 30 minutes long and still had the same effect.

[@MasonDixie]

A brilliant audiovisual masterpiece. Pure cinema at its finest. My favorite movie of the year.

[@CrankyB1tsch]

i don't understand why when a movie is about a female character(s) is suddenly a "feminist" movie. can't it just be a cool movie?

[@GareBare90]

This. THIS! I can't wait to see this! 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@bruh_hahaha]

Thoughtful and well-reviewed as usual. 🍿

[@cptclown2110]

Excellent review. All anyone talks about is the movie being a critique of modern beauty standards. I'm far more interested hearing that the message is deeper than that

[@palinode]

The last act went way over the top, but by the time it reached the Carrie-esque ending, I was completely on board again. It was like Sunset Boulevard meets Existenz.

[@ninaalfa797]

I was completely captivated from the moment the two selves started fighting. The blood scene was over the top good , I LOVED this movie

[@nileshollowthorn]

I absolutely adore this movie and I think I’ve been waiting for a film to go as far as the ending to this one did. It was so insane and jaw-dropping and weird that I couldn’t help but applaud and cheer at the end. I thought it was hilarious and the film wouldn’t be complete without it. More of this please!

[@yusefendure]

The over-the-top sexualization exposed the absurdity of sexism. In no way were Sue's scenes a draw for me. What Coralie Fargeat did was groundbreaking because she showed Elisabeth and Sue's addiction to the manufactured illusion of beauty and the violence that it wreaked on them and everyone else.

[@ignacio633]

Omg! I thought I was the only one thinking the 3rd act was way too much. To me it almost ruined the entire movie experience. Don’t get me wrong the first and second act is so good but that third act felt out of place. It’s like they were making a totally different movie. Thanks for the review. 👌👌

[@starphase1623]

I'm looking forward to seeing this. Sounds very good. I was so disappointed with Hereditary as it was NOT SCARY AT ALL. It WAS JUST STUPID. Dumbest movie ever. I laughed when the Daughter lost her head . That movie was waste of time. 😁

[@redpill9624]

As a nurse, I found the medical scenes crazy! How could “the substance” be given as an “at home” kit when it involves a full thickness tear to the spine? Elisabeth had no idea how to perform medical procedures, including the basics of how to draw up medication from a vial. Sue leaves the body lying in one position on the bathroom floor for 7 days with a gaping wound, stitching up the wound with 1 inch gaps-using what looks like a shoelace for sutures. There is intravenous feeding required which is presumably done through a peripheral vein as no central line is apparent-all done on the highly unsterile bathroom floor by a layperson, same as the spinal taps. It would have made more sense if the switches were done at an elite clinic. Also, how is the nurse at the ER, himself a second person, who gets her involved with “the substance”, allowed to keep his job with a 50% absence record?

[@lw6138]

In the 80's and early 90s, Demi was a willing participant in her own objectification. Demi was considered ethereally beautiful for much longer than 15 minutes. She also had a visible obsession with staying young. Demi became a joke due to her resistance to aging gracefully. The significance of her being in this role can't be overstated. I also want to point out that the blood in the end covering all of those people to me is an indictment that EVERYONE has their part in the guilt.

[@xsomeNOOBx]

Saw it last night and was really rapt by everything up until the 3rd act which had me laughing it was so absurd (actually enjoyable) but the tonal shift and lack of building with the themes of the movie really did lower the overall experience of it. I would love to see a version of the movie where they stick to the tone of the first two acts and amp things up just a bit.

[@fabrizioriva1281]

You are very smart and likeable. Anyway, if you make videos just in odd weeks, I think I know why

[@rosamariabest6069]

I thought it had Death Becomes Her vibes as well. It even has the instructions of taking care of your body. I also thought of the Batman The Animated Series episode "feet of clay". The more skin cream Clayface used, the more his body became a gooey mass.

[@LivinNexus]

✨My wife and I saw this last night! We had a blast!! It was only us and five other people in the theater, but we all clapped at the end! 🥹

[@ImpressionBlend]

Aww that's a bit sad there weren't more people, but I'm glad all of you loved it!

[@LivinNexus]

@@ImpressionBlend Agreed lol 🤣 Hopefully the word to mouth goes around and the movie gets some well-deserved attention. Like it or not, you can't deny that it's quite an unforgettable ride! 🤯

[@solidsnake58]

I have a toxic senior mother and an older sister and the scene where Demi Moore watching Margaret Qualley on TV and making jealous bitter comments hit close to home. This film is dealing with a lot of different themes.

[@yetidetective]

I normally like to take edibles and go to a horror movie, so I can get as scared as possible. There is always a point near the beginning of the film where both the drugs and the film are beginning to escalate in intensity where I have a sort of giddy little anxiety that says, "what if this one is finally too much for me and I lose my sanity forever?" and this one legit almost did it. I loved this movie. The dread was exquisite. I had a 15 minute walk home from the theater, and I was having a panic attack the entire way.

[@frankman2]

There are a few nods to Kubrick movies. So the third act was for me like the ending of 2001: The brief "psychedelic lights" scene, the classic 2001 score on stage. The moment she goes in the studio for the last time you already know that the movie is now in another dimension and it's not supposed to make any "logical" sense. Just enjoy the trip.

[@D1no-Bravo]

I loved it. The younger me often had fun at the expense of older me. Not saving for retirement, smoking etc

[@penbunk]

agree, the third act was totally disconnected from the rest of the movie, they should have ended it with Sue just crumbling apart in front of everyone to give her a proper closure and not to go for the B movie gory finale

[@amberlopez7477]

The movie is disgustingly sad. I felt bad for Demi Moores character. I thought of Madonna, when watching the film. Would she go back in time and decide not disfigure herself, if she could? Even Dennis Quaud had too many face jobs.

[@concentricvoid]

I just saw The Substance yesterday, and I loved it. I liked the final act of the film, but I'm also a big fan of Brian Yuzna's Society movie. I'm mostly a horror oriented fan, and the next film I'm looking forward to is Terrifier 3. Thank you for your great review! I appreciate your insights.

[@decimustv4257]

The last act of the movie almost completely ruined the film for me. There is a lot to admire up to that point, but then the director loses her discipline and disrespects the very story she setup. Personally, I don't really care all that much about whether the movie is over the top or grotesque in terms of its effects; what matters to me is does the event serve the story? If it does, then do what you have to.The final act should was a lesson in how to destroy a good movie. Let me remind people of a few things who have seen it as to why I am so mad with the director. Remember when Demi's character could barely walk after her knee became inflamed and arthritic? She couldn't even bend her knee without yelling in pain. Then, a bit later, despite her being in even worse physical condition, she starts running about her flat like Usain Bolt in fear of Sue! In some scenes, you can even see Demi's knee and it has inexplicably gone back to normal! Then there's the utterly ridiculous scene in which Demi, Elizabeth Sparkle, in her terribly grotesque form is allowed to enter the studio and walk onto the stage and nobody notices her? Plus, the audience reaction was completely unrealistic. Also, why would Sparkle go out into the public like that when she couldn't even face a date (and at that point she still looked reasonably good)?

[@AJLovesMC12]

That movie was wild! I loved Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley delivered spectacular performances.🤩🙌🏽🔥

[@Howard6461]

George Constanta eating in Seinfeld episodes 😂😂😂

[@CristinaDavalos1127]

You're the first review that nailed my specific thoughts about this movie. I loved it and was mesmerized until the last 30 minutes. I felt it could have ended earlier and still been disturbing enough to make its point without crossing that gratuitous line that turned it into a B level caricature of it self.😢

[@xavierlee99]

I actually laughed toward the end of this movie!!! I find it interesting at the start but then it was just ridiculous in a way.... I wish it was better. I give it 5/10... This is Comedy/Horror to me.

[@drdavid1963]

I think you're spot on, Marianna. Had to wait to see the film before watching this video. It is absolutely riveting, mainly for the execution of the premise (as you say, with its visual style and sound design) and you can see the relationship between Elizabeth and Sue will be the focus of the film as it develops But that third act, as you say, as much as it channels Carrie, Society, Elephant Man, Braindead and a bit of Dead Ringers and The Thing as it will satisfy gorefest horror fans, it sort of dimishes everything we've seen before as if the themes it has raised should not be taken seriously and we should luxuriate in an absurd comedic bloodbath which, in itself, is, of course, a critique on the grotesquerie of consumerism itself but not a very intelligent one. And, as you say, it outstays its welcome. For me, it was the easiest, most predictable way to end the film and it's a shame but, for the singular vision and style of the filmmaker it's an ambitious, memorable and entertaining enterprise.

[@rarevidz100]

so thrilling.. I need movies like this, so unpredictable

[@SheilaBraithwaite]

Totally revolting…all the justifications for beauty, ageism, sexism are there, but so gross. The exercise segments were fine, the acting done well, but it could have been an hour shorter.

[@hunghan2952]

One of the best deep dive of the movie. I especially like how it points out that Elisabeth has no meaningful relationship to anyone and how the movie trying to tell people that there is more to life than being young and relevant.

[@justinthemovienerd3845]

I like simple stories. What I don't like is when a filmmaker treats audiences like they're dumb.

[@bobthebuilder9553]

As I saw it, there was no escaping the outcome the moment she put the needle in her vein. If they are one, then one must die.

[@Bipdark]

I can't wait to watch this movie! I'm a huge fan of Revenge and I'm waiting for this one for years, since the first day a new movie was announced. I'm french living in France and here the movie will be release in November. I'm gonna have to avoid all the spoilers. I will come back here to comment when I will watch it, to tell you if I agree about the ending or not. Anyway, I'm glad that you liked it! It will be a pleasure as always to watch your top movie of the year.

[@evaarena2462]

The final act is over the top because the standards are over the top. The film is violent and in your face because the gaze is violent and in our faces.

[@Bloodywasted]

Unhinged, stylistic and references so many classic horror films, Society, Re-animator, The Fly, Irreversible… without milking them! Quite clever really, how the film taps into our nostalgia! Loved it, and was almost a perfect film, apart from the last 20 mins kinda messed it up! But still one of my favourites of the year. Great review, enjoyed it. 🖤

[@mutungiedmund2355]

I lost my appetite 😕 😒 for food and drinks with this movie 😢😢

[@IainLucey1972]

Not disgusting at all, everyone has just forgotten how a fab adults only horror movie can be!

[@purepelican8972]

I enjoyed this movie. There were many themes that critique society and it generated a lot of discussion in my household. Smile. Pretty girls should smile.

[@mirophew7164]

I really like this review the other reviews are so bias and just copied each others words so weird, it’s like they watch one review and decided to copy it and everyone else’s did the same your review is literally unique

[@thebrentrobinsonshow2882]

I might have to check this out. Demi Moore is very talented.

[@CJ-YANT]

The most fun I've had at the cinema in ages. An absolute riot. I hope the director doesn't take so long before her next film. She's 2 for 2 with me. Sold out screenings, no walkouts as far as I could see.

[@ImpressionBlend]

Honestly, if long breaks is what it takes for her to keep delivering great horror - it's worth the wait.

[@opinion56]

Looks like alot of seats open in my theaters for saturday night and I dont like that because I want a crowd. I dont want to see this movie with my group alone

[@ryanrobotham7696]

... Did I just see an eye grow multiple pupils? Brrrr...

[@AhBeeDoi]

The last act definitely went beyond the distance, but I don't have a problem with it.

[@spaceodds1985]

Could not agree more. The patriarchy demeaning women is so in your face that its what between the lines that needs to be addressed and you have addressed some of these themes very well. I also agree that the third act goes too broad, but having said that it even goes on to long IMO. That final five minutes I could do without.

[@unchartedrocks1]

I hated Revenge so hopefully this film is better

[@mikepowell7938]

This movie 🍿🎥 is crazy af but good

[@stephaniemoore9122]

Ppl said disgusting about Bones & All which was phenomenal so I’m going to like this thx