The Substance

“Mix it all together,

And you know that it's the best of both worlds”.

But no matter how you mix it, Hannah Montana's song definitely didn't work out here. Instead, we have a brutal and frightening story about a woman, aging, imposed ideals, and a willingness to do anything to regain lost youth. Anything.

"The Substance" is an amazing combination of satire, horror, and philosophical parable that takes a banal but relatable problem and takes it to the extreme. We still live in a world where appearance determines a person's value. In a world where power is in the hands of men, who most often turn out to be real pigs. And in a world where aging is considered a sin if you are a woman.

This film is about anger, toxic standards, self-loathing, and a fierce desire to be desired and loved. Who hasn't dreamed of becoming the best version of themselves? But are you ready for the consequences? Youth is beautiful in its ease and carelessness. But youth is also senseless and naive, a realization that comes too late. When the chance to regain youth appears, it is so easy to hate the adult version of yourself and pretend that it is not you. The film masterfully conveys how a person can split his "I" for his own benefit and desires, but at the same time, suddenly slaps reality in the face: you are unique, and there will be no other you.

Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley deserve the highest praise for their performances. Both were required to jump above their heads for these difficult roles, and they jumped. The quiet anger and desperation that Demi conveys is a perfect contrast to the greed and naivety of Margaret's character.

The film reminds: respect the balance, love yourself, stay healthy, but...

Would you take the substance?

8.5/10