Jessica Heygate
Updated on: October 13, 2024 3:32 am GMT
Demi Moore’s new film, *The Substance*, has quickly become one of 2024’s most talked-about releases. It grapples with Hollywood’s intense beauty standards and plunges deep into a shocking narrative filled with body horror that leaves audiences both captivated and conflicted.
A Tale of Beauty and Horror
The movie begins on a seemingly light note, showcasing the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame, where a new star for Moore’s character, Elisabeth Sparkle, is being unveiled. As time passes, the star becomes worn and dirty— a clear metaphor for the relentless pursuit of beauty and youth in an industry that often casts aside its aging icons.
Set against the backdrop of Los Angeles, *The Substance* delves into Sparkle’s desperate attempts to reclaim her youthful image after being dropped from her TV show. This quest leads her to take a dangerous black-market drug that creates a stunning younger version of herself, brilliantly portrayed by Margaret Qualley. Yet, as the plot thickens, things take a gruesome turn, illustrating the extremes to which individuals will go for beauty and relevance.
> “It was a completely unique, out-of-the-box script,” Moore told BBC News. “At the same time, we had no idea how it would end up, which made it even more risky and juicy.”
The Body Horror Experience
While many feminist films address ageism and unrealistic beauty standards in Hollywood, *The Substance* does so with extreme horror elements that make it stand out. Moore’s character fluctuates between her aging form and a younger clone, showcasing the harrowing consequences of her choices. Critics note that the film combines sharp satire with raw horror.
Director Coralie Fargeat described the casting process as a “big challenge.” She emphasized the importance of finding an actress capable of portraying such intense themes. Initially skeptical that Moore would take on the role, Fargeat was ecstatic to discover Moore was drawn to the script, saying, “When the idea of Demi came on the table, I was really sure she wouldn’t want to do it. And when I heard she reacted positively, it was like, ‘Oh my god!’”
The Reactions of Audiences
The film has already sparked mixed reactions. According to various reviews:
– The *Telegraph’s* Tim Robey called it a “humdinger of a satirical horror-thriller,” praising its originality.
– *Rolling Stone*’s Anna Smith highlighted the movie’s ability to challenge viewers’ comfort levels, noting that reactions could include anything from deep thought to physical discomfort.
On the flip side, some critics remain unconvinced. Kevin Maher of *The Times* found *The Substance* “puerile and pointless,” while some audience members walked out during its Cannes premiere, unable to stomach the intensity of the body horror.
*Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley at the Cannes Film Festival, where *The Substance* received a mixed response from audiences.*
Exploring the Themes
Underlying the horror is a poignant examination of society’s skewed perceptions of beauty. Moore, who is now in her 60s, has embraced the film’s rawness, stating it was “liberating” to dive into a role that strips away glamor to reveal vulnerability.
In her dual role, Qualley shares her experience of portraying a character seen as “perfect” while acknowledging the pressures that come with such a portrayal. “I’ve never felt so defensive of my own body,” she said. Her commitment to authenticity resonates with viewers in a world that often emphasizes superficiality over self-acceptance.
Fargeat has spoken about the film’s broader implications:
> “It’s about what women look like and how everything projected on them from a young age shapes their state of mind. From the self-hatred and feeling that they’re never good enough to the constant pursuit of perfection.”
A Potential Oscar Contender?
With its high-quality screenplay, engaging direction, and standout performances, speculations about *The Substance*’s chances during awards season are already in the air. Many believe Moore deserves recognition for her compelling portrayal, especially given her impressive track record with classics like *Ghost* and *A Few Good Men*.
However, the film’s graphic content could pose a hurdle with more conservative voter sectors, possibly complicating its Oscars aspirations. When asked about potential accolades, Moore expressed hope that the film could prompt genuine discussions surrounding beauty standards and societal expectations. She remarked, “Always when you do something, you hope it resonates and you hope that it has an impact.”
Progress and Challenges in Beauty Standards
*The Substance* also sheds light on the evolving conversation about beauty standards in Hollywood. Moore noted, “We’ve definitely made progress,” but acknowledged that there is still work to be done, particularly in diversifying representations of beauty.
> “Do we have steps to take to go further? Most definitely,” she added.
The film opens in both the UK and the US on September 20, 2024, and promises to leave a lasting impression on audiences. With a mix of horror, humor, and sobering commentary, *The Substance* stands as a bold statement on the intricate relationship between beauty, aging, and society.
Moore and Qualley are working hard to challenge unrealistic beauty standards. In their project, viewers will see how far people will go to fit in and feel accepted. Will *The Substance* start a conversation about beauty that includes everyone and feels more real? We’ll just have to wait and see!
