Performances in sci fi and horror often get the short end of the stick when it comes Oscar noms, such as Amy Adams in Arrival and Toni Collette in Hereditary, but the Academy is changing. One can only hope this change is reflected here.
Yes. Things are changing. I wouldn't think the Academy would nominate something like Poor Things, yet it won 4 times, including lead actress. So I have my fingers crossed for The Substance.
For me the best year of 2024 so far. If Demi Moore doesn't get Oscar nominated for best actress for this... We must burn bridges, brake windows and start a revolution!
The Demi Moore scenes in the bathroom looking at her body and doing her make-up were absolutely heartbreaking. An absolutely insane film, yet the message was so profound and clear. 👏👏
Oscar for Demi! Honestly, this was such a great performance. All the emotions and turmoil she goes through just in that mirror scene (half the movie was mirror scenes lol) was heartbreaking.
I'll never watch The Oscars again if this doesn't get a single nomination. I'll never forgive them. I could watch the French cuisine portion on repeat.
I personally would give it a best picture nomination director screenplay Demi Moore gets in fucking win best makeup and film editing absolutely the best film of the year this is a horror film that horror film aficionados have been looking for and it does not let you down at all it goes from from a million to a billion times a trillion just when you think they can't top it tops itself even more at the end loved every single minute of this movie and yes it would be a tragedy if it doesn't get anything an absolutely sin if it's not nominated for anything
Austin Butler losing Best Actor for Elvis was the final nail on the coffin for me. That being said, Moore definetly should compete for the trophy. But I'm done with all the award ceremonies.
This movie was incredible. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen a movie and was sad knowing I can never get that first viewing ever again. Knowing it was best screenplay isn’t even surprising. It’s so smartly written and takes so many risks it’s incredible.
Exactly! It was more like absurd funny than disturbing. I think the part where she firsts takes the shot it was disturbing but the end was just kind of comedic ridiculous. Amazing movie though and I definitely agree with you with the mirror scene.
We need to band together and purchase ad space for Demi and the substance in the Hollywood reporter she was my fave actress of the 90s and I knew one day she would have her moment this is her moment
I think we all should go on the streets and vouch for Demi Moore to get the Oscar nomination for best actress I want to shout it on the top of the mountain tops I thoroughly enjoyed this film to its highest degree
The best of the year for me. Watched it with my mom last night in Germany in a packed little theater. No one left their seat for 140 minutes. Never had a movie shake me to the core in recent years. The mirror scene destroyed my mother in the cinema and we had a great conversation afterwards, about what her life is like as a very beautiful woman even now in her 50s. This „genre-Body-Horror-movie“ meant so much to her. What a masterpiece
I don’t think you understand the metaphor if you thought she took it too far at the end, because the spilling of the blood resembles how we as women publicly have to bleed (metaphorically) and we will still never be accepted as an aging women by the patriarchy. There is some stuff that I want to dive into but then I’ll give away too much, but for me she is one of the only filmmakers who truly portrayed what it is like to be a woman within our society.
The scene where Dennis Quaid is eating shrimp got my tummy lurching … and that is inside the first 15 mins 😅. I loved it. Fargeat has another classic here. I saw it here in Pasadena. First showing on Wednesday of this past week. Theater was pretty full
I saw it last night, was excited and prepared and I STILL had to sit in my car in the parking lot for 5 minutes after I finished watching it. It was shocking, disgusting & beautiful. SUCH a great & crazy film!
I am a horror super whore fan of body horror and this is the movie that dials it up to a billion loved every single minute of it sat in the car with a buddy of mine who is both saw the movie and he's not a guy who likes to talk about the movies after he sees it but this got him going so much we sat in the car he had his lights on the whole time that messed up his car and couldn't get the car started it was worth the talk love it that much
This movie has very strong word of mouth, everybody is raving about this film. Best lead actress Best supporting actress Best supporting actor Best screenplay Best makeup Best cinematography
I’d add costume design to the list. The wardrobe reflects the characters and the attention to detail is impeccable, especially with regard to the suits worn by Dennis Quaid.
It deserves nominations for actress, script, makeup and visual effects. Could be on the “shortlists” for best picture, supporting actress, editing, production design and cinematography.
The opening of your video is me exactly, I knew to an extent what I was walking into and still wasn’t prepared for how far it went. I think I loved it but am still processing as I just got home from seeing it!
I would vouch for Demi Moore Demi Moore is more than deserving of an Oscar nomination by far her best performance most deserving of a nomination do not forget about her come award season time to me this is going to get a screenplay nomination should you get a editing nomination and it should not only get nomination but a Oscar for best makeup but Demi Moore and the film itself should get also nominated Bravo absolutely stunning amazing Almost Perfect film loved every minute of this film
This was so wild I was hysterically laughing, like literally in tears, at the last 10mins but nobody in my screening was laughing and I felt bad but I genuinely could not stop. I just couldn’t believe what I was seeing
The “getting ready” scene in the mirror you referenced at 11:01 was the most uncomfortable part of the movie for me, maybe one of the most uncomfortable scenes in any movie I’ve ever watched. Demi’s performance was incredible and felt so real.
We saw it a few nights ago in a packed theater, and that is definitely the way to see it. The gasps and giggles from the audience were contagious, and I think the gore would have much harder to take watching it alone in our living room. Honestly, for me, the ending, as over-the-top as it was, made the entire film easier to digest because it was SO insane that it somehow lightened the dark tone of some of the earlier scenes of body horror gore. Only 2 people left my theater before the end, so almost everyone was on board. Demi Moore is next-level incredible and brave in this. I think Cronenberg would be proud.
Saw it last night made feel sick so glad I didn't eat before seeing and might be my favourite film of the year. I will gain new respect for the Oscars if they nominate this movie.
Modern audiences have become so boring. While there is certainly an audience for these types of movies, a lot of people seeing this think this is some subtle grounded film making ala A24. It's nice to see a movie that goes batshit crazy and that with famous people.
Went into this with no idea it was a body horror. It's so much more than than. Incredible drama. A+ film craft. Makeup and prosthetics were BEYOND. And if the academy wasn't so lousy about horror, Demi would be nominated in supporting actress and win.
Very rad that you gave it a 9. I had no choice but to give it a 10. I'm always on the lookout for movies that can be described as "bonkers" or the term I enjoy using, "Metal as f**k." I already loved it from the off, and the last section is exactly the kind of horror that I find myself so disturbed by that all I can do is laugh with joy that such a thing exists. I haven't had an experience like that since Barbarian two years ago. This kind of blend of heightened/elevated horror and full on craziness is what I live for.
she is supposed to be turning 50. Although Demi actually is 61 I believe, Elizabeth Sparkle gets told a few times that at 50 she is GONE. Reminds me of Sally O'Malley
I wish you got to see it in a packed theater because it made the experience even more of a blast. People clapped, people walked out, and people even cried
Even though they are very different movies, the fact that a movie as crazy and silly as EEAAO can win Best Picture, lead actress and supporting actor/actress gives me a lot of hope for The Substance doing well at the next Academy Awards.
The last 20 minutes of this film is tantamount to a punk band destroying their instruments and their equipment at the end of a gig. I really felt the lack of restraint in the last 20 minutes was to the entire film's detriment - it was like Fargeat was determined to make sure that no one takes this film seriously, which is a shame because as you noted there are a lot of great, provocative ideas in the screenplay. I thought Moore gave a career-topping performance. For those of us who remember the impact she had putting her pregnant body on display in the early '90s on the cover of Vanity Fair - and if you weren't there, you have no idea how impactful it was - to see her assessing the reflection of her nude, mature body in this film was so powerful, it brought to the fore that there was always an intelligence and daring in her persona and film work. I thought she was as good as Goldblum in The Fly. It's just unfortunate that Fargeat couldn't have demonstrated some restraint once the narrative had come full circle and there was a lot of empathy for Moore's character, Elisabeth. I think once you're obviously referencing The Shining, The Thing and Carrie all at once with a sledgehammer, it's time to reign it in. The film has a lot of originality, for sure, but in doing all that as well as leaning hard on Aronofsky's Requiem for a Dream throughout, I don't know how original I think it all is. Up to a point, it was on par with a Cronenberg masterpiece and then that was all demolished. It was disappointing for me. I think it went from being a must see cult film for the ages to a cinematic curio. Fargeat should've respected her own ideas a bit more. I'm surprised Working Title didn't advocate for some restraint, given how well it played up to the two hour mark. Oh well.
I saw a lot of Black Swan, as well. Aronofsky was a very heavy influence; it's undeniable. It's like a patch quilt of the director's personal favorite subversive, low-budget, cinematic goalposts.
3:30 ... it’s not two different versions of her. It’s just like when you drink at the pub at night and then wake up the next morning before work - it’s still you. She’s simply being an irresponsible version of herself, like you might be after drinking too much - but it’s just one consciousness switching between two bodies. In her mind, though, she blames “the other version” instead of taking responsibility. They keep repeating, “There is no other one; it’s just you.” When she accidentaly split her consciousness into two by switching to terminating body thats another thing, but it will eventually collapse into one again when other body die.
Really optimistic that this will get some noms, Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley definitely deserve Best Actress/Supporting Actress recognition but if nothing else I can see it getting editing, sound design, or makeup/hairstyling (if it catches on with critics and general audiences enough)
There are people out there who hate (hate!) this movie. Not just the “horror” but feel the message is overdone and repetitive. So I suspect it won’t do as well in the Oscars as it deserves.
Not since Toni Collette's Oscar snub for Hereditary are movie fans potentially primed for another heart break. Demi more than deserves to be in the Oscar conversation as no doubt this film will be seen by the Academy. One hopes they find courage and admit that this bold and searing performance is one for the ages.
Saw this movie yesterday and I still can't let go of the effect it had on me. One of the best horrors I've seen in years. I hope Demi will get her first Oscar nod for this. This is truly her moment!
Horror movie fans are eating really well this year, that's for sure. Movie was amazing, I've never felt nauseous during any movie but this one at times. Please don't eat before or during this movie!
Love this film!! So glad I saw it at tiff and that Coralie Fargeat and Demi Moore were there for an awesome q&a! I totally agree that this film should win Best Hair and Makeup at the Oscars. I doubt it will get more than that sadly but an Original Screenplay nom would be encouraging to see. I let out a few screams and expletives watching this and someone asked me after in the audience if I was ok 🤣
Honestly, I didn’t think the last 30 minutes was gory at all. Like it was just spraying everywhere. It was almost like comical. If anything the first scene when she injects herself is probably the most disturbing and the chicken wing 😂 but ending I didn’t really find “gory” especially where you had to walk away
I ❤️d this movie sooooo much! While it should be nominated for every Oscar it’s eligible for, I do think it will WIN hair&makeup, and I think it will be nominated in Lead Actress and Original Screenplay.
I hope you've seen Demi in "Mr. Brooks" with Kevin Costner and William Hurt. That's a good one. If "Seven" couldn't get a makeup nomination, I don't think this one will either. I mean, could they show ANY clips of it during the network broadcast?
Same. Completely out of character for the type of films I watch. I went into this knowing almost nothing about it and I seriously enjoyed it. Great commentary on body image and our preservation of our youth. Really fun watch.
This film has stuck with me more than any other since The Zone of Interest. I hope it can creep into some unexpected technical nominations (Make Up, Cinematography, Editing).
I hope that Demi Moore is beloved enough to get into The Oscars. The Substance is like getting you're brain deep fried. It's so funny, moving, and shocking. I cannot believe that ending got made.
This movie is brilliant because the metaphors write themselves in so many ways. The director and actors put a lot of her personal experiences into it too
Just recently watched The Substance and i gotta say this is the wildest movie i've ever seen in my whole life. It has to get recognitions in awards season this year.
so good. the third act is a bit too messy for my taste and would’ve benefited from cutting it at an earlier scene, but the whole ride is so worth it and has so many layers
Like your analysis very much. I share your view on the blood scene pushing it too much…like when you go to a fireworks spectacle and they blow more and more pieces at the end….
So for my birthday my best friend took me to see The Substance. We both love unusual films & thought it would be the kind of film we appreciate. I heard good things through reviews at festivals. We went to see it last night. And the first thing he said to me when leaving the cinema “thank god I knew it was a body horror film.” 😂😂 honestly I think a few people in the cinema were completely unprepared for this movie. I knew what it was going in & still couldn’t believe my eyes at times. Insane stuff but what a commitment to your craft by everyone involved!!! 👏
I wish I could’ve seen it. I love The Picture Of Dorian Gray which this is based on partly so K wanted to really see it. But in Australia it is R 18+ which means I can’t see it as I am 17 and it is illegal to see this type of film at the cinema which is so annoying because it is apparently fine to see films like this online on streaming. But besides that, I still really want to see it and with your review being mostly positive it makes me super excited to watch it when it comes out on streaming.
Excellant book..picture of Dorian gray ...I think Oscar Wilde was off the charts too...this film gives much insight to something that is drowning all around who even hesitate in taking a whiff or taste of what society calls .."the way it is"!!
I agree with this review. Despite the last 20 minutes of the film descending into chaos (lol), I thought the film was absolutely brilliant. Bedsides a wonderful script and performances, the cinematography, the production design, the score, the sound (!!!) and of course the makeup are all outstanding. One of the best films of the year and not one I will forget anytime soon.
I watch this movie after your review. I think it's pretty good. I am not that big fan of first half find it very boring but as the story lead to second half like i was like damn. I kind of predicted that there will be face off between sue and Elizabeth but they executed it in the great way and they also did great job at showing Elizabeth's inner conflict. Ending was great too. Demi was phenomenal, i think sue actress was okay at most part of movie but did great in climax scene. 7.8/ 10 for me.
Demi has a good chance of not only being nominated but also winning. The Oscar’s actually reward original filmmaking now. Just look at Everything Everywhere All At Once
I remember going to see Saltburn when it first came out in theaters.... before all the spoilers leaked online. I feel like this movie probably makes Saltburn seem tame, but nevertheless I was not prepared for all that it was. I thought it was gonna be a cute LGBTQ film. But I think sometimes that's the best experience, when you don't really know what a film is going to be or where it will take you until you're already in it. This is why I hate the way everything gets leaked online now with memes and spoilers, people go into the movie already knowing the details and then aren't impressed with it. Because they don't get the same experience as those who go in blind and are able to appreciate it more.
I don't even watch trailers they show before the movie, I literally scroll through my phone while they are on to avoid seeing anything that will spoil those movies for me.
This was a foolishly indulgent heavy-handed little film apparently made by a fan of the classics who learned how to make a slick frankenstein pastiche. It unravel and loses all credibility in the last 20 minutes . I think Demi Moore deserves better. If you think seeing an elderly woman beating up is "daring and original" then this is for you. I liked the palm tree shots.
I think the movie, overall, is great! Moore, Qualley, and Quaid are all phenomenal, and the acting and writing and direction are as sharp as a tack! But, for me, the movie started losing me in the third act (where it gets super disgusting), and I just thought it went way too excessive and way too gory. In fact, some people did walk out when I saw it today. I understand what Fargeat was going for-I’d say it’s almost Frankenstein-like-but I think it just got excessive to the point of becoming a bit silly. Personally, I was not expecting the level of grossness, and it didn’t work for me completely, but I do admire its boldness and design (especially the makeup) and I really hope that all three actors get some Oscar nominations. And for the makeup and visual effects, score, sound design, and editing too. My score is 8/10
Well, up to a point, the extreme body stuff is earned, it's part of the plot and not too hard to take. The last 20 minutes is so ridiculous, it doesn't really even register as gore. I would say if you sat through Luca Guadagnino's Suspiria, you could pretty much sit through this. Mostly.
If you can get recent Hairstyling/Make-up Oscars for The Whale, The Iron Lady, Vice, Ma Rainey, Suicide Squad, Bombshell-I see no reason why The Substance, which surpasses the films just listed, shouldn’t be given the Oscar automatically for what they achieved. Demi Moore needs a ‘To Leslie’ type of Oscar campaign. She has goodwill (and the Bruce Willis factor) to get her there. Watching her performance-she’s almost like a silent screen wonder.
Demi Moore is coming to avenge Toni Collette for not getting an Oscar.
Same thought. I was so pissed that Toni Collete didn't get nominated for an Oscar .
@@crystalshaw8744 SHE SHOULD HAVE WON
Performances in sci fi and horror often get the short end of the stick when it comes Oscar noms, such as Amy Adams in Arrival and Toni Collette in Hereditary, but the Academy is changing. One can only hope this change is reflected here.
You make great points here. All three women deserve their flowers for those harrowing roles.
Yes. Things are changing. I wouldn't think the Academy would nominate something like Poor Things, yet it won 4 times, including lead actress. So I have my fingers crossed for The Substance.
I'm still bitter over that Toni Collette snub
For me the best year of 2024 so far. If Demi Moore doesn't get Oscar nominated for best actress for this... We must burn bridges, brake windows and start a revolution!
i don't know of any other years happening this year
@@poolpisser9000 LOL! *best MOVIE of 2024 😝
she definitely deserves but i wouldn’t get my hopes up… the gore in this movie is very extreme
@@brunosalada7790 if they nominated Linda Blair in The Exorcist... Let's have hopes 😔
Bitch yes I’m gagged to find you here in this comment section fellow Oliveira
This movie needs Oscar noms for:
Sound design
Editing
Demi Moore
Margaret Qualley
Dennis Quaid
Makeup
Screenplay.
11/10
Also score
screenplay would be so cool omg
This would be a huge Longshot, but imagine if Dennis Quaid gets a nom for this movie and a razzie nom for reagan in the same year
Score and screenplay, Demi and Margaret and Denis, and directing. Also sound, editing, and score
sincerely also picture, director, costume and production designs.
The Demi Moore scenes in the bathroom looking at her body and doing her make-up were absolutely heartbreaking. An absolutely insane film, yet the message was so profound and clear. 👏👏
I really hope Demi Moore is the front runner for lead actress.
Oscar for Demi! Honestly, this was such a great performance. All the emotions and turmoil she goes through just in that mirror scene (half the movie was mirror scenes lol) was heartbreaking.
Its a masterpiece. Totally bonkers and crazy and i loved it
I hope we have Oscar noms to Demi, Quaid and Margaret
I'll never watch The Oscars again if this doesn't get a single nomination. I'll never forgive them. I could watch the French cuisine portion on repeat.
If this doesn't get nominated at all, I would really lack motivation to watch.
I personally would give it a best picture nomination director screenplay Demi Moore gets in fucking win best makeup and film editing absolutely the best film of the year this is a horror film that horror film aficionados have been looking for and it does not let you down at all it goes from from a million to a billion times a trillion just when you think they can't top it tops itself even more at the end loved every single minute of this movie and yes it would be a tragedy if it doesn't get anything an absolutely sin if it's not nominated for anything
Austin Butler losing Best Actor for Elvis was the final nail on the coffin for me. That being said, Moore definetly should compete for the trophy. But I'm done with all the award ceremonies.
Definitely gonna get Screenplay noms, hopefully Got best actress nom for Demi
This movie was incredible. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen a movie and was sad knowing I can never get that first viewing ever again. Knowing it was best screenplay isn’t even surprising. It’s so smartly written and takes so many risks it’s incredible.
Don't worry. It's better on rewatch.
@@chronostoad3291 but we got to experience it in a theater and it made it so much better
When demi moore becomes the front runner for best actress in a leading role, 😊
As if the academy and their heads so far up their asses would ever allow this to be nominated for anything other than sound or make up.
that 3rd act, eh? whole audience in theater i was in were chuckling like crazy.
Also that date prep scene - that was pure oscar gold
Exactly! It was more like absurd funny than disturbing. I think the part where she firsts takes the shot it was disturbing but the end was just kind of comedic ridiculous. Amazing movie though and I definitely agree with you with the mirror scene.
We need to band together and purchase ad space for Demi and the substance in the Hollywood reporter she was my fave actress of the 90s and I knew one day she would have her moment this is her moment
I think we all should go on the streets and vouch for Demi Moore to get the Oscar nomination for best actress I want to shout it on the top of the mountain tops I thoroughly enjoyed this film to its highest degree
The best of the year for me. Watched it with my mom last night in Germany in a packed little theater. No one left their seat for 140 minutes. Never had a movie shake me to the core in recent years. The mirror scene destroyed my mother in the cinema and we had a great conversation afterwards, about what her life is like as a very beautiful woman even now in her 50s. This „genre-Body-Horror-movie“ meant so much to her. What a masterpiece
In Amsterdam all of the three screenings I went to were PACKED. Absolutely loved it.
Good turn out in London tonight as well (Sunday).
Could we see a world where Demi Moore can get in 😳😳😳😳
I don’t think you understand the metaphor if you thought she took it too far at the end, because the spilling of the blood resembles how we as women publicly have to bleed (metaphorically) and we will still never be accepted as an aging women by the patriarchy. There is some stuff that I want to dive into but then I’ll give away too much, but for me she is one of the only filmmakers who truly portrayed what it is like to be a woman within our society.
Again,well said nina.!!!!!
I was surprised by how family friendly this movie is. Something all generations can enjoy!
The scene where Dennis Quaid is eating shrimp got my tummy lurching … and that is inside the first 15 mins 😅. I loved it. Fargeat has another classic here.
I saw it here in Pasadena. First showing on Wednesday of this past week. Theater was pretty full
In an interview Demi and Margaret said Dennis eating the shrimp grossed them out the most 😂
I saw it last night, was excited and prepared and I STILL had to sit in my car in the parking lot for 5 minutes after I finished watching it. It was shocking, disgusting & beautiful. SUCH a great & crazy film!
I am a horror super whore fan of body horror and this is the movie that dials it up to a billion loved every single minute of it sat in the car with a buddy of mine who is both saw the movie and he's not a guy who likes to talk about the movies after he sees it but this got him going so much we sat in the car he had his lights on the whole time that messed up his car and couldn't get the car started it was worth the talk love it that much
I had to go get a drink after the movie and process it 😅 I loved it though
This movie has very strong word of mouth, everybody is raving about this film.
Best lead actress
Best supporting actress
Best supporting actor
Best screenplay
Best makeup
Best cinematography
Plus editing and sound design
I’d add costume design to the list. The wardrobe reflects the characters and the attention to detail is impeccable, especially with regard to the suits worn by Dennis Quaid.
@@filmlibrarianand production design also
Visual effects too
It deserves nominations for actress, script, makeup and visual effects. Could be on the “shortlists” for best picture, supporting actress, editing, production design and cinematography.
No love for the Sound Design and Foley? It should definitely be considered for that category, as well.
@@Mokume7yeah the sound and score was also excellent
The opening of your video is me exactly, I knew to an extent what I was walking into and still wasn’t prepared for how far it went. I think I loved it but am still processing as I just got home from seeing it!
This is a movie
- Brian Towe
Things I want to see on the poster
I would vouch for Demi Moore Demi Moore is more than deserving of an Oscar nomination by far her best performance most deserving of a nomination do not forget about her come award season time to me this is going to get a screenplay nomination should you get a editing nomination and it should not only get nomination but a Oscar for best makeup but Demi Moore and the film itself should get also nominated Bravo absolutely stunning amazing Almost Perfect film loved every minute of this film
This was so wild I was hysterically laughing, like literally in tears, at the last 10mins but nobody in my screening was laughing and I felt bad but I genuinely could not stop. I just couldn’t believe what I was seeing
This movie was INSANE, and I loved it! I strongly recommend people go to the cinema to see this, it was an amazing experience.
The “getting ready” scene in the mirror you referenced at 11:01 was the most uncomfortable part of the movie for me, maybe one of the most uncomfortable scenes in any movie I’ve ever watched. Demi’s performance was incredible and felt so real.
We saw it a few nights ago in a packed theater, and that is definitely the way to see it. The gasps and giggles from the audience were contagious, and I think the gore would have much harder to take watching it alone in our living room. Honestly, for me, the ending, as over-the-top as it was, made the entire film easier to digest because it was SO insane that it somehow lightened the dark tone of some of the earlier scenes of body horror gore. Only 2 people left my theater before the end, so almost everyone was on board. Demi Moore is next-level incredible and brave in this. I think Cronenberg would be proud.
Saw it last night made feel sick so glad I didn't eat before seeing and might be my favourite film of the year. I will gain new respect for the Oscars if they nominate this movie.
Modern audiences have become so boring. While there is certainly an audience for these types of movies, a lot of people seeing this think this is some subtle grounded film making ala A24. It's nice to see a movie that goes batshit crazy and that with famous people.
Went into this with no idea it was a body horror. It's so much more than than. Incredible drama. A+ film craft. Makeup and prosthetics were BEYOND. And if the academy wasn't so lousy about horror, Demi would be nominated in supporting actress and win.
I really hope Demi campaigns hard for that Oscar nomination because she deserves it
Very rad that you gave it a 9. I had no choice but to give it a 10. I'm always on the lookout for movies that can be described as "bonkers" or the term I enjoy using, "Metal as f**k." I already loved it from the off, and the last section is exactly the kind of horror that I find myself so disturbed by that all I can do is laugh with joy that such a thing exists. I haven't had an experience like that since Barbarian two years ago. This kind of blend of heightened/elevated horror and full on craziness is what I live for.
she is supposed to be turning 50. Although Demi actually is 61 I believe, Elizabeth Sparkle gets told a few times that at 50 she is GONE. Reminds me of Sally O'Malley
I wish you got to see it in a packed theater because it made the experience even more of a blast. People clapped, people walked out, and people even cried
And the oscar goes to.. Demi Moore
This movie is INTENSE
Even though they are very different movies, the fact that a movie as crazy and silly as EEAAO can win Best Picture, lead actress and supporting actor/actress gives me a lot of hope for The Substance doing well at the next Academy Awards.
The last 20 minutes of this film is tantamount to a punk band destroying their instruments and their equipment at the end of a gig. I really felt the lack of restraint in the last 20 minutes was to the entire film's detriment - it was like Fargeat was determined to make sure that no one takes this film seriously, which is a shame because as you noted there are a lot of great, provocative ideas in the screenplay.
I thought Moore gave a career-topping performance. For those of us who remember the impact she had putting her pregnant body on display in the early '90s on the cover of Vanity Fair - and if you weren't there, you have no idea how impactful it was - to see her assessing the reflection of her nude, mature body in this film was so powerful, it brought to the fore that there was always an intelligence and daring in her persona and film work. I thought she was as good as Goldblum in The Fly. It's just unfortunate that Fargeat couldn't have demonstrated some restraint once the narrative had come full circle and there was a lot of empathy for Moore's character, Elisabeth. I think once you're obviously referencing The Shining, The Thing and Carrie all at once with a sledgehammer, it's time to reign it in. The film has a lot of originality, for sure, but in doing all that as well as leaning hard on Aronofsky's Requiem for a Dream throughout, I don't know how original I think it all is. Up to a point, it was on par with a Cronenberg masterpiece and then that was all demolished. It was disappointing for me. I think it went from being a must see cult film for the ages to a cinematic curio. Fargeat should've respected her own ideas a bit more. I'm surprised Working Title didn't advocate for some restraint, given how well it played up to the two hour mark. Oh well.
I saw a lot of Black Swan, as well. Aronofsky was a very heavy influence; it's undeniable. It's like a patch quilt of the director's personal favorite subversive, low-budget, cinematic goalposts.
3:30 ... it’s not two different versions of her. It’s just like when you drink at the pub at night and then wake up the next morning before work - it’s still you. She’s simply being an irresponsible version of herself, like you might be after drinking too much - but it’s just one consciousness switching between two bodies. In her mind, though, she blames “the other version” instead of taking responsibility. They keep repeating, “There is no other one; it’s just you.”
When she accidentaly split her consciousness into two by switching to terminating body thats another thing, but it will eventually collapse into one again when other body die.
but she clearly doesn't remember anything the other one has done?
Dude, I was the person who only knew it was a Demi Moore film and I did walk out before the last 30 minutes
Demi was fearless in this role.
I don't care for the Oscar's but Demi Moore deserves serious recognition for this.
As someone who LOVES Revenge, I am so confused how Coralie Fargeat could’ve possibly used MORE blood in the climax.
That’s got to be a Carrie homage
Really optimistic that this will get some noms, Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley definitely deserve Best Actress/Supporting Actress recognition but if nothing else I can see it getting editing, sound design, or makeup/hairstyling (if it catches on with critics and general audiences enough)
There are people out there who hate (hate!) this movie. Not just the “horror” but feel the message is overdone and repetitive. So I suspect it won’t do as well in the Oscars as it deserves.
Two high school girls were complaining it was the worst movie. Fuck em
All Movies are Genre Movies whether the genre is Documentery, Drama, Musical, Comedy ALL MOVIES ARE GENRE MOVIES!!
I can’t imagine the academy voters having the stomach to get through it, which is a shame cause Demi Moores performance was fantastic!
This film is absolutely amazing. Its horror cinematic art at its very finest. Bring on the Oscars...
Not since Toni Collette's Oscar snub for Hereditary are movie fans potentially primed for another heart break.
Demi more than deserves to be in the Oscar conversation as no doubt this film will be seen by the Academy. One hopes they find courage and admit that this bold and searing performance is one for the ages.
Saw this movie yesterday and I still can't let go of the effect it had on me. One of the best horrors I've seen in years. I hope Demi will get her first Oscar nod for this. This is truly her moment!
Horror movie fans are eating really well this year, that's for sure. Movie was amazing, I've never felt nauseous during any movie but this one at times. Please don't eat before or during this movie!
Love this film!! So glad I saw it at tiff and that Coralie Fargeat and Demi Moore were there for an awesome q&a! I totally agree that this film should win Best Hair and Makeup at the Oscars. I doubt it will get more than that sadly but an Original Screenplay nom would be encouraging to see. I let out a few screams and expletives watching this and someone asked me after in the audience if I was ok 🤣
Honestly, I didn’t think the last 30 minutes was gory at all. Like it was just spraying everywhere. It was almost like comical. If anything the first scene when she injects herself is probably the most disturbing and the chicken wing 😂 but ending I didn’t really find “gory” especially where you had to walk away
Loved it. Favorite film of the year
I want to see it. Demi Moore is one of my favorite actors. She is very talented.
I went into this film knowing very little about it and not knowing who was in it. I enjoyed it and I was on the edge of my seat towards the end.
This is random but you speak in quite a controlled way that is nice for ESL students to understand ! Thanks for this review !
I saw it, thanks to your review. The Substance is unforgettable.
Who sits in the front of the theater by choice?! lol
I ❤️d this movie sooooo much!
While it should be nominated for every Oscar it’s eligible for, I do think it will WIN hair&makeup, and I think it will be nominated in Lead Actress and Original Screenplay.
I hope you've seen Demi in "Mr. Brooks" with Kevin Costner and William Hurt. That's a good one.
If "Seven" couldn't get a makeup nomination, I don't think this one will either. I mean, could they show ANY clips of it during the network broadcast?
Also, I will say I actually felt better about my physical appearance and hitting my mid 30s after seeing this which I was surprised about.
I normally don’t like this type of movie, and I loved it. Thanks for the review.
Same. Completely out of character for the type of films I watch. I went into this knowing almost nothing about it and I seriously enjoyed it. Great commentary on body image and our preservation of our youth. Really fun watch.
Fantastic review, I saw it 2 days ago and agree completely with everything you said!!
FYI The director’s name is pronounced Cor-ah-lee Far-zha.
Thank you..someone who knows how to correctly pronounce this incredible writer- director's name....
Yours is the best review I’ve seen about the substance. I’ve actually used literally some of the same words you did trying to describe it for friends!
This film has stuck with me more than any other since The Zone of Interest. I hope it can creep into some unexpected technical nominations (Make Up, Cinematography, Editing).
She's fifty dude, they say so in the film. Demi Moore, though, is in her early sixties
I hope that Demi Moore is beloved enough to get into The Oscars. The Substance is like getting you're brain deep fried. It's so funny, moving, and shocking. I cannot believe that ending got made.
This movie is brilliant because the metaphors write themselves in so many ways. The director and actors put a lot of her personal experiences into it too
Just recently watched The Substance and i gotta say this is the wildest movie i've ever seen in my whole life. It has to get recognitions in awards season this year.
BEST MOVIE OF THE YEAR
so good. the third act is a bit too messy for my taste and would’ve benefited from cutting it at an earlier scene, but the whole ride is so worth it and has so many layers
she was great in Capote vs The Swans as well! loved the substance
Like your analysis very much. I share your view on the blood scene pushing it too much…like when you go to a fireworks spectacle and they blow more and more pieces at the end….
So for my birthday my best friend took me to see The Substance. We both love unusual films & thought it would be the kind of film we appreciate. I heard good things through reviews at festivals.
We went to see it last night. And the first thing he said to me when leaving the cinema “thank god I knew it was a body horror film.”
😂😂 honestly I think a few people in the cinema were completely unprepared for this movie. I knew what it was going in & still couldn’t believe my eyes at times. Insane stuff but what a commitment to your craft by everyone involved!!! 👏
I wish I could’ve seen it. I love The Picture Of Dorian Gray which this is based on partly so K wanted to really see it. But in Australia it is R 18+ which means I can’t see it as I am 17 and it is illegal to see this type of film at the cinema which is so annoying because it is apparently fine to see films like this online on streaming. But besides that, I still really want to see it and with your review being mostly positive it makes me super excited to watch it when it comes out on streaming.
Excellant book..picture of Dorian gray ...I think Oscar Wilde was off the charts too...this film gives much insight to something that is drowning all around who even hesitate in taking a whiff or taste of what society calls .."the way it is"!!
In the movie this all started on her 50th birthday.
This is probably THE year where women in films are taking risk. From Amy Adams to Demi Moore are leading the charge for women in film of 2024
I felt sick too! So did my husband. 😂 I loved all the Kubrick references, as well.
I agree with this review. Despite the last 20 minutes of the film descending into chaos (lol), I thought the film was absolutely brilliant. Bedsides a wonderful script and performances, the cinematography, the production design, the score, the sound (!!!) and of course the makeup are all outstanding. One of the best films of the year and not one I will forget anytime soon.
I watch this movie after your review. I think it's pretty good. I am not that big fan of first half find it very boring but as the story lead to second half like i was like damn. I kind of predicted that there will be face off between sue and Elizabeth but they executed it in the great way and they also did great job at showing Elizabeth's inner conflict. Ending was great too. Demi was phenomenal, i think sue actress was okay at most part of movie but did great in climax scene. 7.8/ 10 for me.
it was insane and gross. and i loved it
Demi has a good chance of not only being nominated but also winning. The Oscar’s actually reward original filmmaking now. Just look at Everything Everywhere All At Once
this film cures body dysmorphia, absolutely incredible
Not really. I still want a Bbl
I remember going to see Saltburn when it first came out in theaters.... before all the spoilers leaked online. I feel like this movie probably makes Saltburn seem tame, but nevertheless I was not prepared for all that it was. I thought it was gonna be a cute LGBTQ film.
But I think sometimes that's the best experience, when you don't really know what a film is going to be or where it will take you until you're already in it. This is why I hate the way everything gets leaked online now with memes and spoilers, people go into the movie already knowing the details and then aren't impressed with it. Because they don't get the same experience as those who go in blind and are able to appreciate it more.
I don't even watch trailers they show before the movie, I literally scroll through my phone while they are on to avoid seeing anything that will spoil those movies for me.
The film this most resembles, for me, is Requiem for a Dream. Lots of homage and thematically similar. Great experience watching this.
THIS is the review I've been waiting for!!!
I'm sold! buying my tickets right now🍿
This was a foolishly indulgent heavy-handed little film apparently made by a fan of the classics who learned how to make a slick frankenstein pastiche. It unravel and loses all credibility in the last 20 minutes . I think Demi Moore deserves better. If you think seeing an elderly woman beating up is "daring and original" then this is for you. I liked the palm tree shots.
I think your take is the most similar to mine. I can see going just for the experience, but it kinda lacked, well, substance (!)
I think the movie, overall, is great! Moore, Qualley, and Quaid are all phenomenal, and the acting and writing and direction are as sharp as a tack! But, for me, the movie started losing me in the third act (where it gets super disgusting), and I just thought it went way too excessive and way too gory. In fact, some people did walk out when I saw it today. I understand what Fargeat was going for-I’d say it’s almost Frankenstein-like-but I think it just got excessive to the point of becoming a bit silly. Personally, I was not expecting the level of grossness, and it didn’t work for me completely, but I do admire its boldness and design (especially the makeup) and I really hope that all three actors get some Oscar nominations. And for the makeup and visual effects, score, sound design, and editing too. My score is 8/10
Emma’s eyebrows: “Sounds like hoot, can’t wait to see it! I mean, why wasn’t I cast as the young Demi?! I’m not over-the-hill! Fear me! But love me!”
I really want to see it in the theater, but I have a weak stomach and HATE really gory stuff.
Don't eat anything before seeing it
It's not as bad as people are saying. However, it depends on what types of things gross you out. It's really the last 10 minutes 😮
Well, up to a point, the extreme body stuff is earned, it's part of the plot and not too hard to take. The last 20 minutes is so ridiculous, it doesn't really even register as gore. I would say if you sat through Luca Guadagnino's Suspiria, you could pretty much sit through this. Mostly.
@@bliss66 True
Thank you brian brow about the subtance review ♥❤♥
Margaret Qualley is more violent in this movie than she was in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, where she played a member of the Manson Family.
What clips could they use for this that they can show in an Oscar telecast, especially for make-up?
If you can get recent Hairstyling/Make-up Oscars for The Whale, The Iron Lady, Vice, Ma Rainey, Suicide Squad, Bombshell-I see no reason why The Substance, which surpasses the films just listed, shouldn’t be given the Oscar automatically for what they achieved.
Demi Moore needs a ‘To Leslie’ type of Oscar campaign. She has goodwill (and the Bruce Willis factor) to get her there. Watching her performance-she’s almost like a silent screen wonder.