Hollywood loves a comeback story and with Demi Moore, they have a doozy on their hands.
A mainstay of 1980’s cinema, Moore was a member of the famed “Brat Pack” and starred in such films as ST. ELMO’S FIRE, ABOUT LAST NIGHT, GHOST and A FEW GOOD MEN before fading from fame’s spotlight as she began to age.
Always bristling at the derisive term that she was just a “Popcorn Actress”, Moore took a swing at a “Body Horror” film that would showcase her acting talents as well as comment on Hollywood’s obsession with youth and beauty.
And with THE SUBSTANCE, Moore has scored with a tempered, nuanced performance that is very deserving of every and any award that she is mentioned for - and that includes the Oscar.
Starring as Elisabeth Sparkles - a fading Hollywood celebrity - Moore decides to take “The Substance” to regain youth. What happens next is a clear commentary on the internal struggle that many have regarding their relationship with an aging body and a desire to remain young.
Writer/Director Coralie Fargeat - in her first American film - is unflinching in her view of this and, deftly (if heavy-handily) uses “Body Horror” to drive home her point.
And…drive it home she does…as Fargeat puts a Capital B and H in Body Horror, with the 2nd half of this film giving the audience clear reminders of Dave Croneberg films (like THE FLY) and, especially, John Carpenter’s THE THING.
But…she takes it many, many steps further, so don’t watch this film while eating dinner.
Margaret Qualley is the equal to Moore as the young Sue who takes Moore’s place on the fitness TV show she had starred in while Dennis Quaid eats shrimp - and the scenery - as the Producer of the show with little to no morals.
A surprisingly entertaining and thought provoking Body Horror film that is unflinching in it’s body horror (the ending will have you say “what did I just watch”), this film will reward the strong stomached with a stellar central performance and a topic that is one to chew on.
Letter Grade: A- (I’m as suprised as you are)
8 stars (out of 10) and you can take that to the Bank (ofMarquis)
Comments