The Substance (2024)

[Leisher]

This one got onto a lot of the "best films of 2024" lists I've seen, and I get it. I agree on the concept, but disagree on the execution.

Demi Moore plays an aging starlet who had enough success to get a star on the Walk of Fame. However, she's hit 50 and is being put out to pasture by her sleazy producer, played disgustingly well, by Dennis Quaid. After an accident, she gets an offer to use a substance that allows her to recapture her youth and beauty, but there's very strict rules that need to be followed. As you probably guess, the rules are not followed. Her younger self is played by Margaret Qualley.

The first 3/4ths of the movie are really intriguing. However, you ever wonder what it looks like when filmmakers don't know how to end a movie? This is exhibit A.

First of all, there's nudity galore. Never a bad thing, but don't get too giddy about what you see because the credits show a lot of body doubles were used. So, who actually gets naked and who doesn't? Who knows.

Second, there are a ton of conversation starting messages about Hollywood, the ignorance and selfishness of youth, the chase for fame and how achieving it doesn't equal happiness, aging, the roles of sexes in Hollywood, how sexes treat one another based on attractiveness, etc.

Third, it's gory as hell. Seriously. Lots of blood and gross things, so if you're squeamish, you might have some trouble. On that note, the cinematography is excellent. Shot selection throughout is top shelf. The camerawork is as good as anything I've ever seen.

As for that ending, it just didn't work for me. It gets pretty ridiculous.

I'd say it's worth seeing. You'll know what direction the plot will go, but the ride is a good one...until that ending.