Is Substance the Most Disturbing Film of the Year? Full Review & Breakdown:- In 2024, horror cinema pushed boundaries with films like Longlegs and Alien: Romulus, but one movie has sparked intense debate for its visceral, gut-churning impact: The Substance. Directed by Coralie Fargeat, this body horror masterpiece starring Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley dives deep into society’s obsession with youth and beauty, wrapped in a grotesque, blood-soaked satire. But does it deserve the title of the most disturbing film of the year? In this full review and breakdown, we’ll explore the film’s themes, performances, technical brilliance, and polarizing reception to help you decide if it’s worth the watch—or the nightmares.

Whether you’re a horror enthusiast craving practical effects or a cinephile curious about its feminist commentary, this article offers a comprehensive look at The Substance. From its shocking visuals to its deeper message, we’ll unpack why it’s left audiences stunned, nauseated, and divided. Let’s dive in.

Is Substance the Most Disturbing Film? A Brief Overview

The Substance is a 2024 body horror film written and directed by Coralie Fargeat, known for her 2017 feminist thriller Revenge. The story follows Elisabeth Sparkle (Demi Moore), a fading Hollywood fitness guru fired from her TV show on her 50th birthday for being “too old.” Desperate to reclaim her youth, Elisabeth turns to a mysterious black-market drug called “The Substance,” which promises to create a younger, “perfect” version of herself. Enter Sue (Margaret Qualley), a vibrant doppelgänger who emerges from Elisabeth’s body in a grotesque, sci-fi twist. The catch?

They must alternate consciousness every seven days, sharing one life. What unfolds is a bloody, surreal battle between the two, exposing the toxic pressures of ageism, beauty standards, and self-worth.

The film blends elements of David Cronenberg’s body horror (The Fly), classic Hollywood rivalries (All About Eve), and satirical excess (Death Becomes Her). Its graphic visuals, intense performances, and unapologetic commentary have earned it praise and criticism alike, making it a standout at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, where it won Best Screenplay.

Why The Substance Stands Out in 2024’s Horror Landscape

A Visceral Body Horror Experience

Horror fans know 2024 was a stellar year for the genre, with films like Longlegs delivering psychological dread and I Saw the TV Glow exploring existential terror. Yet, The Substance carves its own niche with its unrelenting body horror. Fargeat doesn’t shy away from grotesque imagery—think oozing spinal fluids, decaying flesh, and organs spilling from unnatural places. The practical effects, reminiscent of 1980s classics like The Thing, elevate the film’s shock factor, making it a stomach-churning spectacle.

• Key Horror Elements:
  • Practical Effects: Prosthetics and makeup create disturbingly realistic transformations.
  • Sound Design: Amplified chewing, squelching, and cracking heighten discomfort.
  • Visual Style: Neon colors and Kubrick-inspired camera angles amplify unease.

Feminist Commentary That Hits Hard

At its core, The Substance is a scathing critique of society’s obsession with youth and beauty, particularly for women in entertainment. Fargeat flips the male gaze, exposing how women internalize societal pressures to remain “desirable.” The film’s exaggerated style—think cartoonish executives like Harvey (Dennis Quaid)—underscores the absurdity of these standards. Critics praise its bold feminist lens, though some argue it leans too heavily on shock over nuance.

Polarizing Reception

The Substance is divisive. Some call it a “feminist masterpiece” for its raw portrayal of aging and self-hatred, while others find it gratuitous or lacking depth. Its 11-minute standing ovation at Cannes and Best Screenplay win contrast with walkouts and accusations of pandering to the male gaze. This polarization fuels its reputation as a must-see—or must-avoid—film.

Full Review & Breakdown: Diving Into The Substance

Plot Summary (No Major Spoilers)

The film opens with a montage of Elisabeth Sparkle’s Hollywood Walk of Fame star, charting her rise and fall—a metaphor for her fading relevance. After being sacked by her sleazy boss, Harvey, Elisabeth discovers “The Substance,” a serum that spawns Sue, her younger clone. The rules are strict: they share one consciousness, alternating every seven days. As Sue’s fame skyrockets, tensions rise, leading to a descent into chaos, gore, and existential horror. The narrative mirrors Jekyll and Hyde but with a modern twist on beauty and identity.

Performances: Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley Shine

• Demi Moore as Elisabeth Sparkle: Moore delivers a career-defining performance, blending vulnerability, rage, and desperation. Her fearless portrayal of a woman grappling with obsolescence is both heartbreaking and terrifying. Critics note her willingness to embrace unflattering prosthetics and raw emotion, making her a standout.
• Margaret Qualley as Sue: Qualley’s Sue is vibrant yet sinister, embodying youth’s arrogance. Her chemistry with Moore creates a haunting dynamic, reflecting two sides of the same psyche.
• Dennis Quaid as Harvey: Quaid’s over-the-top performance as a misogynistic executive is both repulsive and darkly comedic, amplifying the film’s satirical edge.

Technical Brilliance

Fargeat’s direction is a masterclass in style and substance. Cinematographer Benjamin Kracun channels Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining with disorienting angles and bold colors—red walls, stark whites, and neon greens. The editing, by Fargeat, Jérôme Eltabet, and Valentin Feron, uses rapid cuts to mirror Elisabeth’s unraveling psyche. The score, with its pulsating electronic beats, amplifies tension, while practical effects steal the show, making every transformation visceral.

Themes and Symbolism

The Substance tackles heavy themes with a sledgehammer approach:

• Ageism and Misogyny: The film critiques Hollywood’s obsession with youth, showing how women are discarded once they age.
• Self-Hatred: Elisabeth and Sue’s rivalry reflects internalized societal pressures, with each abusing the other’s body to gain control.
• The Male Gaze: Fargeat subverts objectification, using nudity to highlight discomfort rather than titillation.
• Transformation and Identity: The film’s surreal transitions echo fairy tales like Cinderella, but with a dark twist—youth is a prison, not liberation.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Critical Reception: Love It or Hate It?

The Substance has a 90% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics praising its audacity and Moore’s performance. David Ehrlich called it “an instant body horror classic,” while others, like Slate’s reviewer, found it tedious and lacking depth. Audience reactions on X range from awe (“jaw-dropping”) to nausea (“made me sick the next day”). Its Oscar nominations for Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actress (Moore) cement its cultural impact, but its graphic content isn’t for everyone.

Is The Substance the Most Disturbing Film of the Year?

Comparing to 2024’s Horror Contenders

To determine if The Substance earns its disturbing crown, let’s compare it to other 2024 horror films:

The Substance tops the list for its sheer visceral impact. Unlike Longlegs’s slow-burn dread or I Saw the TV Glow’s subtlety, Fargeat’s film combines graphic imagery with emotional resonance, making it both physically and psychologically jarring.

Why It’s So Disturbing

• Graphic Gore: Scenes of flesh ripping, organs spilling, and necrotic decay push boundaries.
• Psychological Horror: The rivalry between Elisabeth and Sue mirrors self-loathing, hitting close to home for many.
• Cultural Relevance: Its critique of beauty standards feels raw in the era of Ozempic and social media filters.

Who Should Watch The Substance?

• Horror Fans: If you love Cronenberg or The Thing, the practical effects and body horror will thrill you.
• Feminist Film Enthusiasts: The film’s commentary on women’s societal pressures is bold, if unsubtle.
• Cinephiles: Moore’s performance and Fargeat’s direction make it a must-see for bold cinema.
• Not for: Those sensitive to gore, nudity, or heavy themes.

FAQ Section: Your Questions About The Substance Answered

What Makes The Substance So Disturbing?

The Substance earns its reputation as a disturbing film through its relentless body horror and psychological depth. The film’s graphic depictions of physical decay—skin splitting, organs spilling, and grotesque transformations—are amplified by practical effects that feel unnervingly real. For example, one scene shows Sue emerging from Elisabeth’s spine in a sequence that rivals Alien’s chestburster for shock value. The sound design, with amplified squelching and cracking, adds to the visceral discomfort.

Psychologically, the film taps into universal fears of aging and obsolescence, particularly for women under societal scrutiny. Elisabeth’s self-loathing and rivalry with Sue mirror real-world pressures, making the horror deeply personal. Posts on X describe viewers feeling “nauseous the next day,” underscoring its lasting impact. If you’re sensitive to gore or themes of self-harm, approach with caution.

Is The Substance a Feminist Film?

Yes, but it’s divisive. Directed by Coralie Fargeat, The Substance critiques the misogyny and ageism women face, particularly in Hollywood. It portrays Elisabeth’s desperation to stay relevant as a reaction to a culture that devalues women over 50, exemplified by Harvey’s cartoonish sexism. The film subverts the male gaze, using nudity to highlight discomfort rather than titillation, as seen in a scene where male crew members obsessively scrutinize Sue’s body on a monitor.

However, critics argue it sometimes panders to the very gaze it critiques, with excessive nudity that feels gratuitous. Fargeat’s intent, as discussed in a Letterboxd interview, was to expose internalized misogyny, but some viewers, like Slate’s reviewer, find its approach heavy-handed. Ultimately, its feminist lens is bold but not universally embraced.

How Does The Substance Compare to Other Body Horror Films?

The Substance stands shoulder-to-shoulder with body horror classics like David Cronenberg’s The Fly and John Carpenter’s The Thing. Its practical effects, such as Elisabeth’s deteriorating body, echo The Fly’s grotesque transformations, while its neon aesthetic and surreal tone nod to Videodrome. Compared to 2024’s Alien: Romulus, which uses CGI-heavy xenomorphs, The Substance leans on prosthetics for a tactile, 1980s-inspired feel. Its final act rivals Akira’s chaotic climax for sheer excess. However, unlike Cronenberg’s nuanced psychological horror, Fargeat’s film prioritizes style and shock, which some critics argue sacrifices depth. For fans of the genre, its blend of gore and social commentary makes it a standout, though its intensity may overwhelm newcomers.

Is The Substance Worth Watching in Theaters?

Absolutely, if you can stomach it. The film’s immersive sound design and vivid visuals—like blood-red walls and neon-lit transformations—are amplified on the big screen. Critics on Rotten Tomatoes emphasize its theatrical impact, with one calling it “the most singular work of 2024.” Seeing it in a cinema enhances the communal experience of gasping (or gagging) with others, as evidenced by Cannes walkouts and ovations. However, its 140-minute runtime and graphic content (e.g., a “garden hose-like blood spray”) may be too much for casual viewers. If you prefer subtle horror or dislike nudity, streaming at home with a pause button might be safer. Check showtimes on Fandango to catch it in theaters.

What Are the Main Criticisms of The Substance?

Critics and audiences have mixed feelings. Some, like Forbes, call it “a genuinely bad horror movie” for its absurd premise and plot holes, such as the unexplained origins of the drug or Elisabeth’s blind trust in it. Others criticize its lack of subtlety, arguing that the feminist message is hammered home too forcefully, diluting its impact. The excessive nudity, particularly in Sue’s dance scenes, has sparked debate about whether it undermines the film’s critique of objectification. On X, some users found the ending “ridiculous” and the gore gratuitous, with one noting it devolved into a “pointless bloodbath.” Despite these critiques, its technical prowess and Moore’s performance keep it compelling for many.

Conclusion:

The Substance is a bold, divisive, and unforgettable addition to 2024’s horror lineup. Its grotesque visuals, stellar performances, and biting commentary on beauty standards make it a contender for the most disturbing film of the year. While its heavy-handed approach and graphic content won’t suit everyone, fans of body horror and feminist cinema will find it a visceral treat. Demi Moore’s fearless performance and Coralie Fargeat’s audacious direction ensure it lingers long after the credits roll.

Have you seen The Substance? Share your thoughts in the comments or on social media—did it shock you, move you, or both? For more film reviews, subscribe to our newsletter or check out related articles on Rotten Tomatoes. Watch it in theaters for the full experience, but brace yourself—it’s a wild, bloody ride.