The Substance

2024
Directors: Coralie Fargeat
Starring: Demi Moore, Margaret Qualley, Dennis Quaid,  and more.

Have you ever dreamt of a better version of yourself? You. Only better in every way. Seriously. You’ve got to try this new product. It’s called The Substance. It changed my life. It generates another you. A new, younger, more beautiful, more perfect, you. And there’s only one rule: You share time. One week for you. One week for the new you. Seven days each. A perfect balance. Easy. Right? If you respect the balance… what could possibly go wrong?

That’s the concept at the heart of The Substance, and trust me, this film takes the premise and runs with it in the most unsettling, hypnotic ways possible. It’s not just a movie; it’s an experience, a surreal plunge into body and psychological horror that leaves you questioning reality—and maybe even your own reflection.

I can safely say the film is like nothing else I’ve seen. Everything about this film—from the casting to the visual and sound design—creates an atmosphere that’s both chilling and strangely beautiful. Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley are perfectly cast, embodying their roles with a vulnerability and commitment that’s almost painfully raw. Together, they turn this fever dream into something unforgettable.

The basic setup is tantalizingly simple: an advanced product called “The Substance” generates a flawless clone of yourself—a younger, more attractive, seemingly “better” you. You share time with this alternate self, each taking turns with a week on, a week off. But of course, nothing is ever that easy. What starts as a seemingly perfect arrangement spirals into a nightmare of identity, obsession, and the horror of perfection.

If you’re looking for jump scares, this isn’t the movie for you. This is deeper than that, drawing you into a psychological labyrinth that will hit close to home if your middle-aged. It’s body horror, yes, but it’s also a razor-sharp exploration of self-worth, aging, and the search for elusive perfection. The pacing and careful buildup allow you to get lost in the reflective moments, where the film’s true horror lies.

Watching it was both disturbing and wildly fun. There’s a darkly comedic undercurrent that makes it possible to admire its artistry without taking it too seriously. If you go in with that mindset, you’re in for a wild ride. And when I say it leaves an impact, I mean it—I’ve seen thousands of movies, and few have left me feeling as floored as this one. After the credits rolled, there was a buzz in the theater as strangers started talking to each other, a communal reaction I’ve rarely seen.

To those who are squeamish, easily triggered, or looking for a casual date movie: this may not be for you. But if you crave a movie that dares to push boundaries, that doesn’t cater to the usual PG-13 comfort zones, then The Substance is a must-watch. This film goes there, and for those who are desensitized to mainstream horror, it’s a breath of fresh, thrillingly unsettling air.

Technically, everything is flawless—the sound design alone is unforgettable, taking you so close to the characters that every little detail feels visceral. The director’s choices make sure you don’t just watch this film; you feel it in your bones. And Demi Moore? Quite possibly her best performance yet.

By the halfway mark, I was bracing myself for a possible letdown, thinking it might fall into the “style over substance” trap. But The Substance didn’t disappoint. The final act delivers, with a conclusion that’s as satisfying as it is haunting. It’s nearly 2 1/2 hours long and it flies. It’s rated R and for me, it pushes every edge of that rating. Not for the faint of heart. At all. You’ve been warned.

Isabella Jordan