43/44
Elisabeth Sparkle: Minor substance abuse occurred
Tale
A fading star takes a black market drug: a cell-replicating substance that temporarily creates a younger, better version of herself. Ray Liotta was cast in the film in February 2022, but died in May of that year before he could film his scenes. He was replaced by Dennis Quaid, but Liotta is still mentioned in the director’s « Thank You Notes » during the end credits. The bathroom mirror appears intact after being smashed multiple times during a fight scene.
Appeared in The 7PM Project: Episode dated September 20, 2024 (2024)
Special thanks in the end credits to the numerous extras in the theater scene who were covered in blood. Pump It Up Written by Michael Hall, Leonardo Stella Performed by Earl Gregory Produced by Julien Deguines. The Substance: A shocking, disgusting, 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 Elisabeth Sparkle (Demi Moore) was once a huge Hollywood star, but she’s 50 and has a home workout show that’s a bit outdated, and a terrible producer, Harvey (Dennis Quaid), decides she needs a younger star.
Sue is now a star, but there is a temptation to extend her week
After a car accident, Elisabeth is given information about a new, unofficial procedure called Substance, where a younger self can emerge from your body in the comfort of your apartment. Now there are two of them, but in a way they’re still one, and they have to change places every seven days. Sue (Margaret Qualley) has natural charm and girlish beauty, and gets Elisabeth’s old job at an open casting call. But she still has to leave the studio every two weeks to let Elisabeth come back to life.
No spoilers, more is explained in the trailer on this same page
This breaking of the Faustian pact has consequences, suspension of disbelief about the Substance used and the processes involved comes easily. The film’s flaws (yes, it has a few) lie in being perhaps 10 minutes too long and a completely over the top grand guignol final sequence, but even that has its merits, as it pays homage to many horror and sci-fi films. Really amazing make up and prosthetics are well used, you will be convinced that Sue is emerging from Elisabeth and that other body changes have taken place. Amazing acting by Moore, Qualley and Quaid along with visual metaphorical references to what is happening and close ups used to deadly effect.
Co-produced, written and directed by Coralie Fargeat
This is not a film for the faint of heart or faint of heart, but it is a great body horror/dark comedy/satire. 8/10. Check out our list of exciting new films from this year’s film festivals, including Venice, TIFF, New York Film Festival and more.
Leave a Comment