The Substance – Body Horror Film
French filmmaker Coralie Fargeat made a splash with her subversive 2018 rape-revenge thriller, ”Revenge”, establishing herself as a director with a distinctive style and deep substance. Fresh from directing the mind-bending ninth episode of Netflix’s ”The Sandman”, Fargeat now brings her unique vision to the Cannes award-winning satirical body horror, ”The Substance”. In this highly anticipated film, Demi Moore portrays a washed-up TV personality who undergoes a dramatic transformation into Margaret Qualley after taking an experimental serum. Following a tantalizing sneak peek in May, MUBI has unveiled a new teaser for the film, which you can watch below.
This one-minute teaser expertly builds intrigue without giving away any spoilers, showcasing a masterclass in trailer-making. “Have you ever dreamt of a better version of yourself? Younger, more beautiful, more perfect?” Dennis Quaid’s voice seductively queries as we see a mascara-smeared Demi Moore gazing into a mirror. The teaser then offers fleeting, enigmatic shots of Margaret Qualley in 80s workout attire, a sinister serum labeled ‘Activator’, and startling scenes of car crashes, shattered tables, a bloodied Qualley, and Quaid ominously saying, “Pretty girls should always smile!” It’s a cryptic, intense, and provocatively charged preview set against a pulsating bassline reminiscent of ”Challengers” but what does it all signify?
The official synopsis provides more context: “Moore’s character, Elisabeth Sparkle, is a former A-list celebrity past her glory days, abruptly fired from her fitness TV show by the loathsome studio head, Harvey (Dennis Quaid). Desperate, she seizes the opportunity presented by a mysterious new drug, The Substance. One injection later, she is temporarily transformed into the stunning, twentysomething Sue (Qualley). However, there’s a catch: she must alternate between bodies, spending one week as Elisabeth and one week as Sue, with no exceptions. The system is designed to be perfectly balanced. But what could possibly go wrong?”
The premise of *” Substance” delves deep into the societal obsession with youth, beauty, and perfection. Fargeat’s narrative promises to explore the psychological and physical ramifications of such a transformation. What happens when one’s identity is split between two vastly different existences? How does it impact the psyche to oscillate between an older, fading self and a youthful, vibrant one? These questions form the core of the film’s intriguing plot.
Demi Moore, known for her fearless roles and commanding screen presence, takes on the challenging part of Elisabeth Sparkle. Her portrayal of a woman grappling with the loss of fame and the desperate measures she takes to reclaim it promises to be compelling. Margaret Qualley, who has steadily risen to prominence with standout performances in ”Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” and ”Maid”, embodies the allure and vitality of Sue, offering a stark contrast to Moore’s character. The dynamic between Moore and Qualley, essentially playing two halves of the same person, is set to be a fascinating focal point of the film.
Dennis Quaid’s casting as the unscrupulous studio head Harvey adds another layer of complexity. Known for his versatile acting skills, Quaid brings a sinister charm to the role, making Harvey a character viewers will love to hate. His involvement in Elisabeth’s transformation and the moral ambiguities it presents will likely be pivotal to the narrative’s unfolding.
”The Substance” is more than just a body horror film; it is a satirical take on the entertainment industry’s relentless pursuit of youth and perfection. Fargeat’s direction ensures that the film is not only visually stunning but also thematically rich. The film’s setting, with its vibrant 80s workout video aesthetics and the ominous presence of the ‘Activator’ serum, creates a world that is both familiar and disturbingly alien.
As the release date approaches, the anticipation for ”The Substance” continues to build. Fargeat’s previous work has shown her capability to blend intense, visceral storytelling with profound thematic depth, and this film appears to be no exception. The teaser has successfully whetted the audience’s appetite, leaving them eager to uncover the full story.
We’ll find out the answers to all our questions when Coralie Fargeat’s latest provocative venture, ”The Substance”, hits theaters on September 20th. Prepare for a cinematic experience that promises to challenge perceptions, provoke thought, and deliver a thrilling ride.
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