[Ed. Note: I said it was 16 years since Neal’s last appearance; turns out it was 15] This 141-minute film starts well, with an interesting premise – a mysterious product can create a second, younger version of yourself, but it demands that both parties follow a rigorous protocol in order to avoid disastrous consequences. The appeal of eternal youth is not new, nor is this type of Faustian bargain and how it inevitably goes wrong. What elevates The Substance in the early going is vibrant cinematography and production design — enlivened by an 80s Flashdance vibe — and strong performances by Demi Moore and a bonkers Dennis Quaid. But things quickly devolve into a hard-to-watch, over-the-top, gross-out horror film. Not for the faint of heart!
Neal Vitale Reviews: The Substance *
January 19, 2025
Comments
We are big fans of Demi Moore. Just finished her autobiography. While it’s hard to feel sorry for the highest paid actress in the world, routinely racking in $20 M per film, she’s had a tough life I wouldn’t wish on anyone. I love the way she takes chances , e.g. Striptease and GI Jane, and this is just one more surprise. She seems drawn to transforming every genre, same as Mel Brooks. All that said, I wish I could unsee the final scenes of Substance. Death Becomes Her told the same story but ended hilarious as hell. I guess the problem is not the film but me — I simply have no appetite for horror. If I did, I’d have to rate this one of the greats. Wonder what genre she will devastate next. Given her retreat to Idaho and family, could this be her swan song?