"The Substance," the new film by French director Coralie Fargeat, presents itself as a scathing satire about aging in Hollywood wrapped in the codes of body horror. With a standout performance by Demi Moore as Elisabeth Sparkle, the film immerses us in a story that explores themes such as the obsession with youth, sexism in the entertainment industry, and the duality of being.
Fargeat, director of "Revenge" (2017), demonstrates her mastery of the genre with a narrative that keeps viewers captivated. Moore delivers what many consider the best performance of her career, worthy of the 2024 Golden Globe. Margaret Qualley brings depth to the role of Sue, Elisabeth's younger version, while Dennis Quaid convincingly plays Harvey, an agent who represents the darker side of the entertainment industry.
The Narrative Between Mirror and Metamorphosis
The film begins with a powerful visual metaphor: Elisabeth Sparkle's deteriorated star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. This image sets the tone for a narrative that oscillates between social criticism and psychological horror of a former Hollywood star relegated to hosting exercise shows, who discovers a mysterious substance that allows her to create a younger version of herself (played by Margaret Qualley)
The film addresses various feminist themes, from the male gaze to the social value assigned to female youth. The concept of "respecting the balance" becomes a metaphor for how women negotiate their place in a society that constantly dictates norms about their bodies and appearance.
Watch The Substance Online
Soundtrack
- Pump It Up - Earl Gregory
- Aerotronic - Romanger
- Fade Away - Pyrit
- Lost Soul - Holy Fuck, Lucia Tacchetti
- At Last - Etta James
- The Nightmare and Dawn - Bernard Herrmann
- Wall Street - Youssef Chebbi, Valentin Feron
- The Punishment Song - Youssef Chebbi, Valentin Feron
- Manouba - Youssef Chebbi, Valentin Feron
- Ending Blast - Youssef Chebbi, Valentin Feron
You can listen to the soundtrack here
