The Substance, directed by Coralie Fargeat, is an unforgettable exploration of perfection, identity, and detachment. It is a movie that grips you from the first frame and refuses to let go, blending stunning visuals with a deeply thought-provoking story.
In The Substance, Elisabeth Sparkle, a once-celebrated fitness TV icon, finds herself slipping into obscurity as her career fades. In a desperate bid to reclaim her lost fame, she undergoes an extreme procedure to create a younger, more flawless version of herself—Sue. As the film unfolds, Elisabeth grapples with the horrifying consequences of her decision, diving deep into the unsettling intersection of beauty, identity, and self-destruction. With a mix of grotesque body horror and satire, the narrative builds toward a shocking and thought-provoking finale, forcing viewers to confront the dark realities of fame, aging, and the quest for perfection
One of the most striking aspects of the film is how it plays with space and distance. The visuals make you feel like you’re looking at something both very close and far away, like peering through a microscope. This dimensional depth reflects the protagonist’s emotional state, as if she’s living in a world she doesn’t fully belong to. This theme of detachment is reinforced by the film’s close-up shots—sometimes so extreme they feel like they’re shot through a fish-eye lens. These moments make the viewer feel uncomfortably close, yet unable to intervene, amplifying the sense of helplessness.
The film’s central idea—creating a “better” version of oneself to share a life with—is handled with incredible care. This isn’t your typical body-swap story. Instead, it’s about coexistence with a perfect double, taking turns living the life you thought you wanted. The movie cleverly keeps much of this dynamic off-screen, showing just enough to hint at the conflicts and compromises. Some viewers may wish to see more of this coexistence, but the decision to focus tightly on the main storyline helps keep the tension high and the themes sharp.
Technically, the film is a marvel. Smooth camera movements and skillful editing make every scene flow seamlessly into the next. The pacing is exceptional, with events accelerating at just the right moments to keep you fully engaged. By the time the credits roll, you realize you haven’t been able to take your eyes off the screen.
Visually, The Substance pays homage to Stanley Kubrick, particularly A Clockwork Orange and The Shining. The use of orange in the futuristic furniture and lighting recalls Kubrick’s dystopian style, while the studio’s carpet subtly mirrors the Overlook Hotel. The climax, with blood flooding a hallway, is a clear nod to Kubrick, yet it feels fresh and meaningful in its own right.
The opening scene of The Substance worth a special mention, it is a stunning showcase of visual storytelling, and quite possibly one of the most captivating openings in recent memory. Using the Hollywood Walk of Fame star, the film brilliantly captures the transient nature of fame. What begins as a gleaming symbol of adoration slowly transforms into something forgotten and neglected, reflecting the inevitable decay of public validation. This scene, executed with simple yet powerful imagery, sets the tone for the film’s deep dive into themes of identity, obsolescence, and the fleeting pursuit of recognition. As the film progresses, this opening beautifully circles back to the final moments, tying everything together in a way that feels both inevitable and deeply insightful. It’s a masterstroke of cinematic design, leaving you with a quiet but profound understanding of the film’s message.
But beyond its technical brilliance, The Substance is emotionally gripping. It pulls you into the protagonist’s journey, making you feel her confusion, desire, and ultimate despair. It’s a movie that doesn’t just entertain—it makes you think deeply about how far we’re willing to go for perfection, and whether the cost is ever worth it.
Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ (9/10)