The Substance
Year: 2024
Rating: R
Length: 141 minutes / 2.35 hours
Social commentary is a fine line to walk for any film. Most times, the message is too heavy handed that it beats the audience over the head with it. The Substance (2024) leans into this and literally beats the characters over the head with the harsh reality of aging—especially for women in show business. While uncomfortable to watch on an enormous movie theater screen, this modern adaptation of “The Picture of Dorian Gray” is almost perfect with only a few plot choices that left a bad aftertaste.
The premise of The Substance is so simple and easily understandable at its core. Take this drug and split into two bodies, one of which is a younger and more attractive version of yourself. The packaging, font, and presentation of the titular substance was top-notch and a definite highlight of the film. Of course, one could argue that the secondary message aside from the unending obsession with appearing younger is that one should always follow the instructions on medications to the letter, lest they suffer the inevitable side effects of prescription drug abuse.
While I didn’t necessarily mind the horror aspects of this film, I did think the third act felt a bit over the top. I definitely understand what they were going for, but it felt like the plot had worked itself into a corner with no way out. Still, for such a strong cast (Demi Moore and Dennis Quaid were perfect in their roles) and an undeniably timeless point to make, I’d put The Substance right up there with Requiem for a Dream (2000) as one of those movies you have to see once, but maybe don’t need that second rewatch.
A smart satire of modern beauty standards, I give The Substance 4.5 stars out of 5.
1/2
