11/34
during the credits
Tale
A fading celebrity takes a black market drug: a cell-replicating substance that temporarily creates a younger, better version of themselves. There’s nothing scarier than being human, and these films explore in depth the inhumane ways our bodies can betray us. So, from the creepy to the daring, here are five body horror movies you may have missed. Ray Liotta was cast in the film in February 2022, but died in May of that year before he could film his scenes. Dennis Quaid replaced him, but Liotta is still mentioned in the director’s thank you notes. The toilet mirror reappears unscathed after being repeatedly smashed during the fight sequence.
who was covered in blood
Elisabeth Sparkle: There was some mild abuse of the substance. Special thanks in the credits go to the many extras in the theater scene. According to the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) website, the version of The Substance released in cinemas in the United Kingdom was uncut (a total of 141 minutes and 7 seconds long), but the version released for home media was cut by about three seconds (a total of 141 and 4 seconds long). The BBFC did not specify the cuts. Featured in The 7PM Project: Episode dated September 20, 2024 (2024). Pump It Up written by Michael Hall, Leonardo Stella played by Earl Gregory, produced by Julien Deguines.
Harvey (Dennis Quaid) decides he needs a younger star
The Substance: A shocking, vile, terrifying satirical look at celebrity culture, misogyny and the cult of youth. Elisabeth Sparkle (Demi Moore) was once a huge Hollywood star, but she’s 50 and hosts a home workout TV show, albeit a bit dated, and a terrible producer. After being involved in a car accident, Elisabeth receives information about a new unofficial procedure called “Substance” that can create a younger self from your body in the privacy of your apartment. Now there are two, but in some ways they’re still one, and they must switch places every seven days. Sue (Margaret Qualley) has natural charm and girlish beauty, she gets Elisabeth’s old job in an open casting. Still, she must leave the studio every two weeks to be able to bring Elisabeth back to life.
This breach of the Faustian pact has consequences
Sue is now a star, but the temptation is to extend her week… No spoilers, more will be revealed in the trailer on this page. The suspension of disbelief regarding the substance used and the processes involved is easily achieved. The film’s faults (yes, it has some) lie in it being perhaps 10 minutes too long and in the completely over-the-top Grand Guignol final sequence, but even this has its saving grace in that it pays homage to many horror films and sci-fi movies. Really great makeup and prosthetics are used well, you’ll be convinced that Sue evolved from Elizabeth and that the other physical changes have taken place. Great acting from Moore, Qualley and Quaid along with visual metaphorical allusions to the action and close-ups to deadly effect.
Co-produced, written and directed by Coralie Fargeat
This is not a film for the squeamish or faint of heart, but it is a great body horror/black comedy/satire. 8/10.. Check out our list of exciting new films from this year’s film festivals, including Venice, TIFF, the New York Film Festival and more.
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