Before its official release in theaters nationwide, The Substance (Thần dược) has sparked a frenzy across social media, capturing the attention of audiences and igniting discussions among netizens. Utilizing body horror elements, the film has successfully crafted a horrifying feast, set against the backdrop of a superhero horror genre – psychology – serial killers, which is currently declining and unable to attract female viewers.
In 2024, A24 and Neon lead the way in the horror film industry, distancing themselves from other competitors. However, with the masterpiece The Substance recently “premiered,” MUBI is becoming a promising contender, especially against two “giants” in the horror film scene. Directed by Coralie Fargeat, this French filmmaker has only two film projects under her belt, previously having Universal Pictures “pull back” due to the original script not meeting the essential standards, as this is a rare and valuable opportunity. Thus, the streaming platform MUBI has quickly “claimed” this “battlefield” for itself.
The film has grossed nearly $15 million in the domestic market and $39 million internationally, bringing its total global revenue to nearly $53.6 million, an incredibly impressive figure. Compared to its initial budget of $17 million, The Substance is projected to break even and start generating profits, marking a new milestone for the distribution companies. Prior to its screening at the Cannes Film Festival, the film received enthusiastic acclaim from audiences while also winning the Best Director award for Coralie Fargeat.
The initial buzz about The Substance began to swell over the past few weeks, with its hot reception garnering a 10-point rating from critics and a high production quality. As a horror film, it often faces skepticism due to the intense genre that requires a lot of artistic skills; however, The Substance has surpassed the expectations of horror film enthusiasts, with many declaring it the best horror film of 2024.
One of the main aspects that has drawn attention is the intimate scenes introduced early in the promotional process. Here, the real skin of the two leading ladies is showcased right before the audience’s eyes, as the characters seem to drift away as if nothing significant happens. Nevertheless, the highlight here is the feminine allure of Demi Moore and rising star Margaret Qualley, whose hot-bodied shapes are philosophically expressed through each frame, making viewers feel “unable to look away.”
Overcoming the 18+ rating, The Substance has vividly depicted the struggles of older female characters, especially famous individuals. For those who rely on public recognition, being labeled as “past their prime” is a harsh reality no one wishes for. When the name of the character Elizabeth (Demi Moore) can no longer maintain its luster in the public eye, it signifies that she has lost touch with her essence, losing the very source that once nurtured her while still basking in past glory.
With over 40 years in the industry, Demi Moore’s performance is no longer up for debate. The aging character, struggling in a “fighting to follow” environment, evokes both horror and an unsettling feeling due to the film’s narrative style. There is an opinion suggesting that if The Substance had emerged in the early 2000s, it would resonate more with Demi Moore’s career, as she has had to endure a more tumultuous period in her career over the past two decades, and both audiences and fans are no longer enamored with her celebrity endeavors.
The Substance successfully tackles the unrealistic beauty standards imposed by the entertainment industry on women. The haunting visuals and perfect framing, paired with a few ironic moments, serve to underline the fleeting nature of youth and the inevitable decline that follows. The film resonates with the struggles of women as they look back on fleeting moments of their youth, portraying the time as a tangible thing that can be felt, just as they feel the weight of their past glories slipping away. The film concludes with a stark portrayal of the entertainment world, where fame is both a source of life and a potential cause of death through its very nature. A project rich in colors and thrilling horror but not lacking in artistic integrity.
The Substance (Thần dược) is officially set to release on November 1st across theaters nationwide.
