Based on 42 votes and 15 reviews.
I'm glad AMC extended theater time to this movie. I hope to get to see it a 4th time. INTENSE is an understatement. It's not the grotesqeness of the film, that has turned some away it's the different creative style , performances by all & the heart wrenching pleading , in desperation. to hold on to her beauty that leads to her downfall that brings me back & the soundtrack is the icing on the cake. Described as a horror film, I considerate more a psychological thriller. I see it up for several award nominations
Very strange movie but interesting. Story ok. Demi moore should have an oscar for her tremendous performance.
Not a fan of the gory ending. But it makes sense just like the rest of the story. Great film that applies to today’s society. Women over 40 are old. 18-30 year olds are in demand. They want pretty girls with skinny bodies.
For the 1 star commentors who didn't get this movie possibly because ? 1. the movie deals with obsession, youth & beauty in this case. 2. you will puncture yourself as many times as needed to achieve your "fix". 3. The two women(wich is the same person) come to resent each other; see the movie why. 4. the transformation (in exagerated form) reveals how your rejected, though the same person. 5. But, because of selfishness, if you will, one of the women doesn't follow the mandatorey rules - it's downhill from there. The movie actually has deep themes that apply in todays world with outstanding performances by all, especially Ms. Moore.. Unfortunatley, the over-the-top visuals are what people are negatively focusing on. But that's the point. Amidst the tension & horror are sprinkled in a few moments of humor. Soundtrack , directing etc. I see some award nominations. I will be seeing it again.
If you are a horror fan you will notice that several movies from the past are within the plot, I found it to be funny knowing there were bits and pieces of several movies scattered throughout the film, laughing at times when similar scenes reminded me of things that were similar like Carrie, the Blob, etc.
Worst movie I have seen in along time...cant imagine this was givin any kind of award...if u waist your time go home after an hour
The Substance movie should be removed from the public. The level of discust is beyond healthy viewing. Those who have rated this movie for 13+ should go for a mental health evaluation themselves.
Excellent assessment below; Soundtrack & style were similar to "Requiem for A Dream" . However this was more INTENSELY disturbing & ? I did find myself ,at times , holding my breath & getting tense. At the same time I understand the "1 stars". Be careful what you wish for !!!
5 stars !! The Substance is unique, intense story of human transformation in modern Los Angeles. Like a cross between David Cronenberg and Michael Crichton, with the prosthetics of Alien. A very interesting, powerful story for the first half. Very well made, it has a lot going for it: Set designs like Stanley Kubrick, Academy level performance by Demi Moore, sound, editing, quirky characters. It switches back and forth between the sleazy Hollywood show business world, and a hallucinatory tread out of the studios into dark passages. It illustrated how women are so pressured to stay beautiful and youthful to the point where we’ll do anything no matter how dangerous. The substance represents Botox, fillers, BBLs, countless injections, ozempic, all these substances that we’re pumping our bodies with in order to be what the world perceives as beautiful. Its f**kin insane movie.
Starts out stylishly and thoughtfully. Descends into a mess of no plot movement, no character development and finally a grand finale of the most despicable gore, grotesqueness and vomit inducing filth. I walked out I would expect this from two male teenagers like Beavis and Butthead.