Rating: 4/5

“The Substance” is not for the faint of heart. Director Coralie Fargeat delivers a provocative narrative that delves into the complexities of identity, aging and the relentless pursuit of youth. Fargeat’s stylish and twisted exploration of youth, vanity and ambition is equal parts dazzling and disturbing, delivered with a tinge of existential dread.

The film follows Elisabeth Sparkle—played by Demi Moore—a former Hollywood icon whose fall from grace is as dramatic as her aerobics leotards. Dumped from her TV show on her 50th birthday, Elisabeth’s desperation for relevance leads her to a mysterious miracle substance. Enter Margaret Qualley as Sue, Elisabeth’s younger, shinier clone who takes over her life, her identity and maybe even her soul. It’s “Freaky Friday” with way more existential angst.

Moore and Qualley are electric together. Moore’s Elisabeth is all brittle smiles and seething resentment, while Qualley’s Sue embodies the disarming charm of youth—until she doesn’t. Watching them play off each other is like witnessing a silent boxing match, with every glance and gesture packing an emotional punch.

Visually, “The Substance” is a kaleidoscope of 80s glam and eerie surrealism. Neon lights, glossy aerobics studios, and haunting dream sequences blur the line between fantasy and nightmare. It’s so hypnotic, you might forget to breathe—until a particularly gruesome scene snaps you back to reality.

But what really sets “The Substance” apart is its razor-sharp satire. Beneath all the glitz and gore, it’s a biting critique of society’s obsession with youth and beauty. Elisabeth’s journey is as tragic as it is darkly funny—because let’s face it, who hasn’t felt the existential terror of a bad selfie?

Sure, the plot gets a little wild in the third act, but isn’t that part of the fun? “The Substance” is unapologetically weird, thrillingly bold and brimming with style. It’s the kind of movie that leaves you thinking, “What did I just watch?”—but in the best possible way.