Hello friends, good vibes to all.
Throughout these days I had not wanted to read any review about this film that have been made here so as not to condition myself knowing the kind of film it is and everything that has been said and commented. I think that arriving, sitting down and starting to watch it without knowing absolutely nothing about it was the best decision since we are facing something that is very impressive and of such magnitude that at times I laughed at the barbarities and discomfort that appeared on screen instead of feeling some kind of disgust or repulsion. I'll tell those of you who haven't seen it yet: if you're a person who is easily upset by a little blood and gore, this film is definitely not for you. But for me? - It's some of the best horror I've seen in years.
Who hasn't dreamed of not growing old and preserving their precious youth? - Well, that's what this story is about. Elisabeth Sparkle (Demi Moore) is an acclaimed actress and public figure whose time in front of a camera has apparently come to an end, according to the canons of television beauty; she is no longer the young woman that producers want. She is the typical person who needs constant validation which has led her to have a certain dependence on attention, seeing that all this is getting out of hand she decides to take drastic decisions. Into her hands comes “The Substance”, a product that claims to be able to achieve and get “the best version” through cell division, that is, there will be physically two Elisabeth.
But not everything is so easy. As there are two, which are essentially one, they will have to share time, one week for each, without exception, all in order to maintain a balance. It is a manual with instructions, it seems simple but there are always side effects or contraindications. Each one living their week realizes what the other one lacks or has too much of, so it is possible that these weeks are a slight chaos full of excesses, which in the end will bring all the disaster and abomination that we will see. It should be clear that this film, beyond the horror, is a harsh criticism of the industry and its beauty standards and the fact that women are mere products for television.
The plot is a journey into depravity because it paints the abrupt descent of Elisabeth in her desire to not want to lose attention and to seek constant validation in order to feel at least minimally better about herself. This leads her to commit the crazy things she does and it is thanks to this that Sue (Margaret Qualley), the “better” version of Elisabeth, is born. The funny thing is that in theory they are the same person but we will see how each one will seek to please, cover or solve their huge complexes without thinking about the other; the selfishness and dependence between them is such (it sounds contradictory but it is so), that they will act without thinking about the collateral damage mentioned above.
Visually it is extraordinary, colors, styles, shots, sequences; there are scenes that make you move out of your chair, everything is very grotesque and disgusting. There is one in particular of Dennis Quaid eating shrimp which is an ode to disgust, obviously you can understand why and that is a reflection of his personality. The violence and gore is the main course, you will see things you have probably never seen in a film, things that will make you uncomfortable, terror and body horror at its best. David Cronenberg's Crimes of the Future is in diapers next to this film. And there are also some violent touches towards the end of the film that are very top; sincerely it is a film that has it all if you are a lover and fan of the genre.
Demi Moore was impressive, one of the best performances she has given in her career. Playing a personality like Elisabeth's is complex and if we add to that the traumas and terror she goes through throughout the plot, there is little bad to say. A woman with a very damaged self-esteem and extremely dependent on attention. On the other side Margaret is no slouch. The role of being the beautiful woman is easy for her but when she has to make the change and has to put on the suit where she has to suffer and pay for what she does, she also delivers some memorable scenes. A film sustained by these two women in its entirety. Good role of Dennis Quaid, I'm sure he is an accurate reflection of those television executives.
A film that is being talked about a lot and quite rightly, it definitely does not leave you indifferent, you either find it brutal or you hate it, there is no middle ground I think. Personally I found it brilliant, both the message it wants to convey and the way in which the director Coralie Fargeat achieves it. 8.5/10. It is a full-fledged horror with all its elements well marked and well represented. Recommended to all those who really like these movies and to those who don't, well, give it a try, it's worth it. I leave the trailer here.
¡Un abrazo a todos, nos vemos en la próxima!
Well my people that's all for today, I hope you liked it.
¡A hug to everyone, see you next time!
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¡Hola! ¿Podrías revisar el último párrafo? Parece ser que está mal la traducción, está en español cuando debería estar en inglés.
Es verdad, error al pegarlo cuando hice la traducción. Muchas gracias por avisarme. Ya está solucionado.
Saludos!!
Dude en leer tu reseña por el mismo tema que describes al inicio jajaja. Ya me han hablado de este film y estoy ansiosa por verla. Luego pasaré de nuevo para comentarte mejores jajaj saludos.
Es mejor no saber mucho para que te sorprendas, o no, cuando estés viéndola. En lo personal cuando hay muchas expectativas prefiero saber lo menos posible.
Saludos!
Es el tipo de películas que adoro.
Hoy leí que la postularon para ser posible aspirante a los Globos de Oro en categoría de comedia o musical, ya que es donde podría tener mas posibilidades, también Demi Moore la postularan en esa categoría, hay que esperar si la terminan nominando.
Esa escena del personaje que interpreta Quaid comiendo camarones es repugnante.
Margaret esta fantástica también en su rol.
Exacto, ambos personajes son egoístas, dependientes de la atención, la fama, el ser admiradas.
Me divertí mucho con esta peli. De las mejores de este año . Estoy esperando otras que también se presentaron en Cannes, mi festival favorito.
Tenía tiempo que no disfrutaba tanto una película como esta. Leí eso de los Golden Globes, buena decisión si están buscando llevarse alguna estatuilla, mismo caso que con The Bear.
Te juro que estaba terminando de comer cuando ví la escena de Quaid, un genio. Y creo que Demi Moore la sacó del estadio, la actuación es impecable, ojalá la nominen.
Esperaba que la película fuera top, pero no tanto.
Oh Substance!😅
I am yet to see this movie. I love a good gory horror movie. So I will be see this soon when I find the right time. From your review, seems you enjoyed watching and director Coralie Fargeat has won your heart. I had to skim through your review to avoid any spoilers, but you'll definitely hear from me about this movie. I promise. Amazing review.
Definitivamente una película que hay que recomendar, ya la vi y me gustó mucho, aunque la parte final que parece una película de terror mala de los 80´s creo que fue innecesaria. Tiene mensajes o temas muy intensos para conversar mucho, y se seguirá hablando de ella durante mucho tiempo.
La actuación de Demi Moore es buenísima, digna de verla galardonada y la de Margaret igualmente.