Cannes sensation merges dark comedy with body horror | Arts & Entertainment

While Hollywood continues to increasingly spiral out of control with derivative, mindless schlock in a dire attempt to appease the masses (and failing so miserably), independent film is as alive and provocative as ever. Not since the ‘70s has independent film felt so substantial and writer/director Coralie Fargeat’s sophomore outing, “The Substance,” is no exception.

Coming smoldering hot off its wildly successful premiere at the 77th Cannes Film Festival, “The Substance” was selected to compete for the coveted Palme d’Or in its main competition section and Fargaret went on to win Best Screenplay—and rightfully so. 

The film follows Demi Moore as Elisabeth Sparkle, an award-winning actress and host of a decades-popular TV aerobics show, who upon turning 50 is swept away to make room for bigger—sexier—young talent. Opportunity comes knocking, however, when Sparkle gains access to a black market drug entitled, ‘The Substance,’ which promises a younger, more beautiful, perfect version of herself. The only hiccup is that she has to birth the doppelganger (played by Margaret Qualley) from a slit in her back and adopt perfect equilibrium by giving equal consciousness to both versions of herself on a weekly basis. Sounds confusing? No worries, the film does a tremendous job explaining the ins and outs of ‘The Substance’ while paving the way for some nightmarish, grotesque body horror that rivals that of David Cronenberg (who coincidentally also had a film compete in this year’s Cannes).

It is one thing for a film to be freakishly outlandish in its disturbing, bodily mutilations but what makes “The Substance” so refreshingly sincere in its presentation is the nuanced, genuinely waggish script which comes across as more of a political satire than grisly horror. Fargaret embraces the absurdity including some not-so-subtle nods at industry professionals—Dennis Quaid playing a detestable producer by the name of ‘Harvey.’ It’s unapologetically ​​coarse in execution and all the better for it.

Subtext aside, the film can be enjoyed through a sheer entertainment lens. Fargaret does a masterful job of balancing the heavy themes with a wildly hypnotic presentation, from the grandiloquent, techno score by Raffertie to the masterful, pitiless cinematography. There are so many wondrous, nerve-wracking instances where the camera is mercilessly showcasing both the beauty and horror of the human body in excruciating detail—such as yellowing teeth crashing down on slimy prawn as saliva sprays upon the camera lens. After all, how can one truly experience beauty without first having to witness horror?

I suppose now is as good a time as any to mention the powerhouse performances. Moore is electrifying as Sparkle, showcasing a vast range and unprecedented vulnerability as an actress of not only her stature but age. In interviews, Moore stated that she was nervous about filming full-frontal nudity at age 61 but credited co-star Qualley, 29, who made her feel comfortable on set: “she was a great partner who I felt very safe with. We obviously were quite close—naked—and we also got a lot of levity in those moments at how absurd those certain situations were.” Qualley, though not given as much substance (pun intended) to work with, delivers arguably her finest performance to date; exuding a promiscuous allure like no other. Quaid, whom I have been an avid fan of for years, is a rip-roaring delight in one of the most hilarious, over-the-top performances I have seen in quite some time. 

As grotesque and squirmish as it is hilarious, “The Substance” is a mean, nasty, biting satire with a whole lot of blood. A testament to the power of independent cinema and one of the most original, daring films of the year. I don’t think another film can top the blood-soaked mayhem of the third act—although “Terrifer 3” most certainly stands a chance. If you’re tired of the rehashed droll that pollutes streaming services nowadays, I strongly recommend venturing out to the cineplex and experiencing “The Substance” for yourself. 8 teeth grinding squints out of 10.  

The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of The Torch.