The Substance-Movie Review

Review by Rob Hinkal

It’s been two days since I saw The Substance and let me tell you, it has stuck in my brain like few other films this year. This movie goes completely batshit and then goes even further and then even further to a point where you can’t believe what you are seeing and then still finds a way to top itself. It is brash, hilarious, disgusting, campy and, for those that can handle it, gory spectacle to behold.

I could go into plot details but I highly recommend you walk into this one blind. It’s probably going to be a while until you encounter a wide-release that is this insane so I encourage just soaking up every second and basking in its craziness. What I can say is that each performer in the film delivers in their own unique way. Demi Moore, Margaret Qualley and Dennis Quaid are all superb and completely understood the assignment here. Of note also is the incredible makeup design. It was hard not to draw comparisons to the films of Cronenberg while watching this one. I truly hope the Academy doesn’t overlook it come awards season.

This is an undeniably unique, absolutely twisted and refreshing addition to the body horror genre, and one that had me smiling, laughing, and gritting my teeth all while delivering an interesting concept in a highly stylized and engaging format. You can’t help but appreciate just how crazy this one goes.

4 out of 5 stars