'The Substance' Review

I was able to see The Substance a couple weeks ago and I haven't stopped thinking about it since.

My ratings are below:

Plot 10/10
Acting 10/10
Directing 9/10
Writing 9/10
Cinematography 9/10
Soundtrack 9/10
Effects 10/10
Lighting 8/10
Color 9/10
Emotional Impact 8/10
Overall: 91/100

The film follows an aging actress, played by Demi Moore. She now acts for those classic, leg-warmer workout videos, but finds out from her boss, Dennis Quaid, that she's getting replaced for someone younger, sexier, and more appealing. Moore's character winds up taking what's known as The Substance, which creates an offspring of sorts that is everything she needs to be to keep her job. Her offspring is known as Sue, played by Margaret Qualley. And from that point on, the horrors of a woman aging in Hollywood ensue. The acting is phenomenal on all fronts with Demi Moore becoming a very strong contender for Best Lead Actress this year. Margaret Qualley could easily snag a nomination for Best Supporting Actress as well. Coralie Fargeat creates an incredible film as both the writer and director. Her vision and the story she is wanting to tell is so clear and she did not shy away from the big-swing that this film is. The shots in this thing are great and are clearly inspired by classic horror films like The Shining. The effects may be where the film truly shines as it slowly becomes a grotesque and incredibly gory body-horror film. I was warned about the last scene of the film, but still wasn't prepared for what I was about to witness. Just incredible. The message this film brings about aging in the entertainment industry, motherhood, parenting, and just being a woman in general is just incredible. It has a lot to say and sometimes movies with a lot to say can get muddy with how much content it's trying to show; however, The Substance is incredibly thought-out, executed, and put together. A must-see of 2024 and will hopefully get the recognition it deserves come Oscar season!