16/41
Elisabeth Sparkle: There’s been a slight misuse of the Substance
Synopsis
A fading celebrity takes a black-market drug: a cell-replicating substance that temporarily creates a younger, better version of herself.. Ray Liotta was cast in the film in February 2022, but he died in May 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..
Could have been great
A special thanks in the credits is given to the many extras in the theater scene, who got covered in blood.. Featured in The 7PM Project: Episode dated 20 September 2024 (2024). Pump It UpWritten by Michael Hall, Leonardo StellaPerformed by Earl GregoryProduced by Julien Deguines. Getting older isn’t a bad thing.
I love the cinematography
The quick shots, close-ups, sounds to build up tension and lively colors are sick. It’s a very slick looking style. Demi Moore, Dennis Quaid and Margaret Qualley are great in The Substance. The story is in some ways really original.
The first part is awesome
It feels a bit Requiem for a dream-y at some points (but worse and a gore version). For example with the close-ups, quick differentiation between the two stories and, of course, the disgusting needle marks. But the movie has enough going for it’s own. Maybe I’ll go see it again and walk out at the last 20 minutes.
What was the purpose?
The last sequence wasn’t necessary at all. To create a shock-effect or trigger disgust? The movie lost my attention at that point completely.. Check out our list of exciting new movies from this year’s film festivals, including Venice, TIFF, the New York Film Festival, and more.