The Substance (2024): What Audiences and Critics Are Saying

The Substance has sparked a wide array of opinions from critics and moviegoers alike, with its audacious mix of body horror, satire, and a sharp critique of the entertainment industry. Directed by Coralie Fargeat and starring Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley, the film is quickly becoming a polarizing but unforgettable cinematic experience. With a range of views from absolute adoration to strong reservations, the movie has certainly left its mark. In this post, we’ll dive into the critical and community opinions on The Substance, showcasing how this provocative film is resonating with its audience.

Critics Praise Fargeat’s Bold Direction

On Rotten Tomatoes, The Substance has garnered overwhelmingly positive reviews from critics. Many have commended Coralie Fargeat for her fearless approach to storytelling and body horror. Scott Nye of Battleship Pretension gave the film a “Fresh” score, expressing his admiration for its willingness to push boundaries:

“I loved it precisely for its abundance and lack of abandon, its determination to carry things – even the small, minute-to-minute things – far further than they ever needed to go.”

This sentiment was echoed by Cambridge Day’s Tom Meek, who was riveted from beginning to end, praising the film’s ability to outdo itself with each shocking moment. He gave the film an impressive 3/4 rating, saying:

“The Substance rivets from frame one to the credit roll and does well to one-up each jaw-drop that came before.”

Other critics have highlighted Demi Moore’s transformative performance, calling it one of her career-defining roles. Tom Gliatto from People Magazine said:

“[Moore’s] performance is an escalating howl of panic and desperation that’s also acidly sarcastic and ludicrously funny.”

A Cinematic Experience That Leaves Audiences Awestruck

Audiences are not immune to The Substance’s shocking visuals and deep thematic core. Viewer feedback has ranged from sheer amazement to a level of discomfort that stays with them long after the film ends. On Metacritic, The Substance received a high user score of 7.7, indicating general favorability among those who watched it. One user on Rotten Tomatoes, “cutie7,” summed up the experience well:

“Believe the hype—The Substance is even better than they say. From the opening scene, this film grabs you with its stunning cinematography and powerhouse performances by Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley.”

Meanwhile, “Panchogul” from Rotten Tomatoes hailed the movie as the best of the year:

“La mejor película de todo el año con una soberbia puesta en escena y actuaciones de primer nivel de la mano de Demi Moore y Margaret Qualley.”

The film’s ability to provoke reflection on self-worth, beauty, and society’s obsession with youth resonated with many viewers. “FeastMode,” who rated the movie 10/10, described their experience:

“As soon as the credits rolled, everyone in the theater started talking to each other, saying things like ‘wow,’ ‘omg,’ ‘wth,’ while laughing in shock. These are random people I don’t know. We continued to discuss it afterward.”

The Body Horror That’s Not for Everyone

While many praise The Substance for its grotesque and thought-provoking body horror, some audience members have found it to be too much. Jake Wilson of The Age (Australia) appreciated the audacity of the film’s satire but noted:

“‘Death to subtlety’ appears to be the motto of Coralie Fargeat, the French writer-director of The Substance, an audaciously morbid satire on Hollywood, the beauty industry, and the dream of eternal youth.”

For some, the extreme body horror elements—reminiscent of David Cronenberg’s films—were difficult to handle. Viewer “jordverburg” wrote:

“The first part is awesome. The last sequence wasn’t necessary at all. What was the purpose? To create a shock-effect or trigger disgust? The movie lost my attention at that point completely.”

Despite this, many argue that the gore and unsettling nature of the film serve a deeper purpose, highlighting the destructive pursuit of perfection. Mike McGranaghan of Aisle Seat gave it 4/4, stating:

“A masterpiece. The Substance should do for Demi Moore what Pulp Fiction did for John Travolta.”

Social Commentary Hits Home for Some Viewers

While The Substance is primarily a body horror film, its biting critique of societal expectations and the entertainment industry hits home for many viewers. “Thelma Adams” from AARP Movies for Grownups praised the film’s social commentary:

“With this cross between David Cronenberg body horror and Sunset Boulevard, Moore inserts herself into the Oscar conversation, giving a performance that is both literally naked and operatically dark.”

In line with this, “Sugarfreee” on IMDb noted that the film is a spiritual successor to Cronenberg’s body horror:

“The Substance calls into question whether the ‘new, better ‘you’’ is really ‘you’… It’s clever, it’s gross, it’s pointed, and it’s a fun watch.”

Many critics and viewers appreciated the movie’s portrayal of societal pressures and its bold exploration of aging and self-worth. “ravaluna,” a Rotten Tomatoes user, commented:

“The iterations of the main character are remarkably embodied by a surely Oscar-nominee to be Demi Moore and Sarah Qualley… The movie also explores themes of perfection, aging, and self-image with brutal honesty.”

The Verdict: A Polarizing but Unforgettable Film

While The Substance may not be for everyone due to its intense body horror and grotesque transformations, it has been praised for its fearless storytelling, brilliant performances, and sharp social commentary. From its visual spectacle to the layered themes of self-destruction and societal pressures, this film has become a defining entry in the 2024 horror genre. Whether you are a fan of bold cinema or enjoy films that leave you reflecting long after they end, The Substance is a must-watch for those looking for something different.

If you want to learn more about The Substance, check out our detailed movie page here, and explore more movie reviews, discussions, and insights on What’s After the Movie. Dive deeper into the world of cinema and see what other films are making waves!