47/20
Elisabeth Sparkle: There’s been a slight misuse of the Substance
Line of Events
A fading celebrity takes a black-market drug: a cell-replicating substance that temporarily creates a younger, better version of herself.. Ray Liotta was cast in the film in February 2022, but he died in May that year before he could film his scenes. Dennis Quaid replaced him, but Liotta is still mentioned in the director’s "Thank You Notes" during the credits.. The toilet mirror reappears intact after being repeatedly smashed during the fight sequence..
Featured in The 7PM Project: Episode dated September 20, 2024 (2024)
A special thanks in the credits is given to the many extras in the theater scene, who got covered in blood.. Pump It UpWritten by Michael Hall, Leonardo StellaPerformed by Earl GregoryProduced by Julien Deguines. The Substance: A shocking, disgusting, horrifying satirical take on celebrity culture, misogyny and the cult of youth. Elisabeth Sparkle (Demi Moore), was once a great Hollywood star but she is 50 and presents a home workout TV show, but it is a tad outdated and a horrible producer, Harvey (Dennis Quaid) decides he needs a younger star.
Sue is now a star but there is a temptation to extend her week
After being involved in a car crash, Elisabeth is slipped information about a new unofficial procedure called the Substance, with which a younger self can emerge from your body in the privacy of your apartment. Now there are two but they still are one in some ways and must change places every seven days. Sue (Margaret Qualley) has natural charm and girlish beauty, she gets Elisabeth’s old job in an open casting call. But she still has to absent herself from the studio every other week to let Elisabeth come back to life.
No spoilers here, more is given away in the trailer on this very page
This breach of the Faustian pact has consequences, The suspension of disbelief regarding The Substance used and the attached processes comes easily. The film’s faults (yes it has some) lie in it being maybe 10 minutes too long and the totally over the top grand guignol final sequence but even this has it’s saving graces as it pays homage to many horror and science fiction films. Truly amazing make up and prostheses are put to good use, you will be convinced that Sue emerges from Elisabeth and that the other bodily changes have taken place. Awesome acting from Moore, Qualley and Quaid along with visual metaphorical references to what is taking place and close ups used to deadly effect .This isn’t a film for the squeamish or faint of heart but it is a great Body Horror/Black Comedy /Satire.
Co-produced, Written and Directed by Coralie Fargeat
8/10.. Check out our list of exciting new movies from this year’s film festivals, including Venice, TIFF, the New York Film Festival, and more.