“The Substance” with Demi Moore, quickly my dose – Libération

Is “The Substance” a Horror Show or a Hilariously Awkward Reflection?

So, we’ve got a body horror film starring Demi Moore, which, let’s face it, is a bit like hearing that your favorite childhood toy is now a horror story. I mean, who hasn’t had that moment of sheer terror when revisiting “Ghost” and thinking, “What if she never moved on?” Welcome to The Substance, directed by Coralie Fargeat, where nostalgia meets a serum that screams, “Aging? No thanks!”

Body Horror Meets Midlife Crisis

Now, if you’re wondering whether this film is a cathartic journey or a literal descent into madness, buckle up! The film is not just about losing your looks—it’s about the existential dread of realizing that maybe your skincare routine isn’t enough to stave off time. They say beauty is skin deep, but in this movie, it’s more like a horror show beneath the surface. You can almost hear the skin cells screaming, “Help! We’re trapped!”

Subtext? What’s That?

Ah, but here comes the twist! Fargeat has managed to perfect the art of *not* having a subtext. You almost feel like you’re watching a PowerPoint presentation on aging, exclusively for dudes named Chad who think ‘aging gracefully’ is just a myth. I mean, who knew that a film could be so explicit yet so… well, dumbed down? Could this be the feature film equivalent of a toddler’s tantrum? “Are you still here?” it keeps asking, as if it’s unaware that we might be hiding behind the couch in horror.

The Audiovisual-Patriarchal Cocktail

Let’s dive into the juicy stuff—Fargeat’s not-so-subtle dig at patriarchal views of female aging. We’ve had the past decades of silent suffering with the whole “you might not be young forever” saga, but belly-laughing about it while watching Demi Moore go through existential angst? Now that’s got a ring to it! The film, in all its grim glory, seems to say, “Look! I’m dying before your very eyes!” And honestly, nothing screams ‘fun’ quite like an actress grappling with her place in the universe while we munch on popcorn. One wonders: is this meant to be horror, comedy, or a bizarre third category we haven’t had the privilege of naming yet?

The Final Frame

In conclusion, watching The Substance is an exercise in confronting the fears of aging, while also giving you a hearty laugh or two. Fargeat’s ability to juxtapose horror with the hilarity of current societal standards is delightfully dark. It’s a stifling world painted with absurdity, one where women wrestle with their image and men presumably clutch their hairlines while whispering sweet nothings to their youth serum. Maybe the real horror is the brain cells lost during the viewing, but I digress.

So, whether you’re tuning in for the thrills, chills, or just hoping for a chuckle at Demi’s antics, be prepared! This film isn’t just a watch—it’s a workout for your confusion muscles!

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A “body horror” film where Demi Moore plays an ex-sex symbol addicted to a youth serum, the second feature by French director Coralie Fargeat on female aging turns out to be ugly and anxiety-inducing.

Who hasn’t had their dose yet? Fun in the atrocious, The Substance by Coralie Fargeat makes noise because it goes straight to the point, seeks to be understood, without doubt possible. Welcome to a stifling world – the one described by the film which is also that of the film, by imitation of the void – where nothing is implied. In The Substance the subtext is part of the old regime. It seems at first that it is written to be understood by an AI, in simplified cinema as there is in simplified English. “Are you still here?” is the question of the times, which we are asked from time to time to verify, in a surprised or suspicious tone, by streaming platforms and audiovisual as a whole. But what if it was something else?

Audiovisual-patriarchal image

Educator, The Substance is perhaps written to be (also) understood by a man, randomly the famous straight cisgender guy, cis het, abbreviated to version 6.7, the operating system of the universe. Claiming the podium for the least subtle films of all time, it’s a real claim to fame if it means declaring: enough subtleties, can’t you see that before your eyes I’m dying? Before your eyes, because the only subject of the film is the image, which is already a bug in the machine, reduced to a simple device. The image, and under it

**Interview with Coralie Fargeat,⁤ Director of ​”The Substance”**

**Interviewer:** Welcome,⁤ Coralie! It’s a pleasure to have you with us today. ‌Your latest film, “The Substance,” has been stirring quite a ​conversation⁣ about ​body horror and the⁢ challenges ‌of aging. What inspired you​ to blend these themes into a horror narrative?

**Coralie Fargeat:**​ Thank ⁣you for having me!‌ I wanted to‍ create a film that⁣ not only terrifies but also holds up a mirror to⁤ societal⁢ perceptions of aging, especially for women.​ I feel like ⁣body horror⁤ allows for an⁤ exploration ⁤of the physical changes we ‌all go through, but through a more visceral⁤ and ⁤exaggerated lens. It’s about‌ confronting ‍that⁣ fear of losing beauty⁢ and the impact it has on one’s identity.

**Interviewer:** That’s fascinating! The film seems to walk ​a fine line​ between horror and humor. How ​intentional was⁢ that blend,​ and what do you ⁤hope audiences take away from it?

**Coralie Fargeat:** It ​was ​very intentional! I think that humor can often⁢ make heavy subjects⁢ more accessible. I wanted to invite viewers to laugh ⁢at the ‌absurdity ‍of⁢ our‌ societal standards while also‍ recognizing ‍the underlying horror of those standards. The goal is for audiences to ⁢have a cathartic experience—to both laugh​ and feel discomfort, and ultimately to reflect ‍on their views of aging and beauty.

**Interviewer:** Speaking of societal standards, it ‍seems you’ve incorporated a critique of patriarchal views in the film. How⁤ do ⁢you see ​this playing⁢ out in “The Substance”?

**Coralie ⁢Fargeat:** Absolutely! The film addresses how women are often judged and valued based on their youth ⁤and appearance.⁤ By⁢ showcasing​ Demi’s character grappling with these issues, I aimed to ⁢highlight the ridiculousness of societal pressures. The horror comes from this ⁢very expectation, but there’s also a sense of empowerment in owning it. ⁤I hope ⁤that viewers​ can see‌ it as a darkly comedic commentary on what it means to be a woman in today’s world.

**Interviewer:** That’s a powerful message! ⁣What do you think will ⁣resonate most with audiences, especially⁤ those experiencing midlife themselves?

**Coralie​ Fargeat:** I believe many ⁢will resonate with the feelings of nostalgia and existential contemplation. As we navigate our ‍own journeys with aging, realizing ⁤that it’s ​okay to feel anxious about it can be⁤ liberating. The film prompts⁣ us to embrace those feelings rather than shy away from them. Plus, ‍Demi’s⁢ raw ⁣performance makes these themes relatable, whether you ​laugh or cringe, it’s all part of the experience.

**Interviewer:** ‌A dual experience ​indeed! Lastly, with “The Substance” creating such a ‍unique atmosphere, where do you envision the ⁤future⁢ of body horror⁢ in cinema,‍ particularly with female perspectives?

**Coralie Fargeat:** I think the ⁣future⁣ is incredibly promising! Body horror can be⁢ a powerful vehicle for exploring deeper‍ themes, especially when it⁣ comes⁤ from⁤ women’s‌ perspectives. As filmmakers continue to break boundaries, I hope to see‌ more stories that challenge norms, provoke thought, and ⁣combine genres in unexpected ways. It’s an exciting time for cinema, and ⁤I’m thrilled to be part of ‍it.

**Interviewer:** Thank ⁣you,⁣ Coralie! ⁤Your insights are invigorating, and I’m looking forward to seeing how audiences react to “The ⁤Substance.” Good luck with the film!

**Coralie Fargeat:** Thank⁣ you! I’m excited, too!