26/10
Elisabeth Sparkle: There has been some slight misuse of the substance
Synopsis
A fading celebrity takes a black market drug: a substance that replicates cells and temporarily creates a younger, better version of herself. Ray Liotta was cast in the film in February 2022, but died in May of 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.
It could have been great
Special thanks are given in the credits to the numerous extras in the theater scene, who were left covered in blood. Featured in The 7PM Project: Episode dated September 20, 2024 (2024). Pump It Up Written by Michael Hall, Leonardo Stella Performed by Earl Gregory Produced by Julien Deguines. Getting older is not a bad thing.
I love the cinematography
The quick shots, the close-ups, the sounds to create tension, and the vivid colors are all great. It’s a very elegant style. Demi Moore, Dennis Quaid, and Margaret Qualley are great in The Substance. The story is, in some ways, very original.
The first part is amazing
At some points it feels like a Requiem for a Dream (but worse and a gory version). For example, with the close-ups, the quick differentiation between the two stories, and of course the disgusting needle marks. But the movie has enough going for itself. Maybe I’ll watch it again and skip to the last 20 minutes.
What was the purpose?
The last sequence wasn’t necessary at all. To create a shock effect or provoke disgust? The movie lost my attention completely at that point. Check out our list of exciting new films from this year’s film festivals, including Venice, TIFF, the New York Film Festival, and more.
