The Substance is the Cult Classic of 2024 that will be spoken about for many years to come, and a film all Cinephiles need to see in theaters before its too late!
In the world of cinema, few films ever manage to carve out a space in pop culture that feels truly timeless. The Substance (2024) is one of those rare gems that will no doubt be remembered as one of the most interesting and thought-provoking films of 2024, if not the decade. From its compelling blend of film innovation and nostalgia, to breathtaking performances by Demi Moore, Dennis Quaid, and Margaret Qualley, and an artistic approach to addressing the pains and even self-hate stemming from aging, this film is destined to become a cult classic masterpiece. Here’s why.
An Infusion of Old Themes with New Spicy Visuals
One of the most remarkable aspects of The Substance is its ability to infuse old scenes with proven cinematic importance into this new masterpiece. Directed by visionary female filmmaker Coralie Fargeat, the film feels like an ode to the classic psychological thrillers of the '70s and '80s, while still managing to feel incredibly modern.
Although the overarching narrative is not entirely new: it's the story of a woman grappling with the inevitable realities of aging, the societal pressure to remain youthful, and the internal conflict that comes with watching the world around you evolve while you feel yourself begin to fade in time, it manages to be different, entirely unique. Rather than tread the same ground, Fargeat uses clever cinematographic techniques, color palettes, sets, and motifs from older films to regenerate them for today’s audience. Think of it as John Carpenter meets Mulholland Drive, with a good dose of Hitchcock's gritty, psychological intensity. The way Fargeat references and reinterprets these older works feels deliberate, almost as though the film is intentionally tipping the hat while evolving from it's cinematic predecessors. Check out this YouTube short to see examples of these scenes, video linked here: Watch Video Here.
As you can see, these scenes lend incredible power to the film. Making scenes that could have created dull story telling moments but instead keep every scene feeling intense to the point of punching in the face and knocking you our of your chair with their stunning visuals!
Demi Moore’s Phenomenal Performance
If there’s one standout performance in The Substance, it’s that of Demi Moore. It’s been said that every actor has a role in their career that allows them to peel back the layers of their character—and in this film, Moore does exactly that, showcasing a raw vulnerability that is nothing short of mesmerizing. As Elizabeth, the film’s protagonist, Moore plays an older actress struggling to reconcile her fading beauty with her sense of self-worth and identity. It’s a subject Moore knows all too well, having been a Hollywood star for decades, and she uses that experience to bring an incredible depth to her performance.
Moore, who has often been the subject of tabloid scrutiny for aging in the public eye, takes her character’s internal battle and turns it into a poignant exploration of the human condition. In a way, her portrayal feels like a form of catharsis, not just for the character, but for Moore herself. She rips off the "band-aid" of fame and wealth, and brings us the most real depiction of this all too human experience like no one else can perhaps. Acknowledging how difficult it can be to age in a world obsessed with beauty and youth, Demi shows us the real horror people face every day in the mirror as they lose themselves in time. The way she taps into the common, yet deeply personal emotions of insecurity, regret, and fear is nothing short of brilliant.
It’s a performance that feels both deeply human and incredibly brave, because she literally does a reveal all of her real body numerous times in the film which can leave you both impressed and later horrified. For those who have followed Moore’s career, it’s impossible not to appreciate the layers of nuance she brings to this role. Her ability to show vulnerability, pain, and strength all at once makes her performance in The Substance one of the most memorable of her career.
Margaret Qualley: A Star Is Born
While Moore no doubt packs the greatest punch in this films story, the young and beautiful Margaret Qualley steals the spotlight. Playing Sue, adds another dimension to the film with her portrayal of a younger woman launching herself into career orbit from Elizabeth’s crumbling career. Qualley’s performance is mesmerizing in its own right, further cementing her as one of Hollywood’s most exciting young females stars.
Though she had previously made a name for herself in smaller, yet critically acclaimed roles—such as Pussycat in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019) and the leading role in the Netflix series Maid (2021) — The Substance is the film that guarantees Qualley a long and successful career in Hollywood. As Sue, she embodies the strengths, weaknesses, and naiveté of youth with a steamy hot intensity, offering a compelling contrast to Moore’s seasoned and subdued protagonist role. Without revealing too much about the story, or Sue's role in it, their scenes together are intense, unforgettable, and often send real spasms of literal disgust down my spine!
As a side note, I want to share that as a world cinema fan as well, the film is also going to withstand the test of time because while the European markets have been comfortable with topics including nudity and event sex (e.g. think Amelie (2001)) the American market has been against this for a long long time. Even I started thinking this was perhaps for the best at some point, but my boyish dreams have been realized in this film! I think there is a perfect way to balance nudity and sexualization and the film expertly separates scenes that are sexualized with clothing and scenes that have nudity but are not sexual at all! This is perhaps the first film in American film history to find this balance and this ingenious artistic direction alone also stands to receive recognition and praise.
A Genius Rollout Strategy: Limited Theatrical Release
Perhaps one of the most surprising and ingenious aspects of The Substance is its rollout strategy. Rather than go for a traditional wide release, the film was initially distributed through a limited theatrical run. When I first encountered the film, I was living in Reno, Nevada—a city known for its casinos and more limited cultural offerings, and to my surprise the movie was only playing in a single theater in the entire city! It was an unexpected move, but it generated an incredible sense of exclusivity and excitement. The film felt like a secret that you had to discover, and this created a sense of community among those who had seen it. Word of mouth spread quickly, with people eager to discuss the film’s heavy themes, stunning visuals, and fantastic performances.
Moreover, the marketing and branding strategy proved ingenious. Below I have added several of the posters and marketing images that were used both online and even on posters around LA. As you can see, its hard to draw any firm conclusions, leaving you guessing as to what the film is even about. Online, the studio also did a great job of policing any major visual spoilers till several weeks after its release, keeping people curious and unaware of the exact story arc and totally in the dark about the ending.
As a lesson to other film makers like myself, the limited release strategy allowed the film to build an organic word-of-mouth following, one that grew steadily in intensity. It didn’t rely on flashy marketing everywhere on online and around LA. Instead, it let the film speak for itself. And speak it did—but i would say not across social media, but in film blogs, conversation and through dedicated cinephiles, like me. The Substance you should know, should not be ignored and you must see it while it's still in theaters!
Why It Will Become a Cult Classic
All of these elements—the brilliant thematic depth, the innovative filmmaking, the extraordinary performances—combine to make *The Substance* a film that’s destined to be beloved for years to come. It taps into the universal human experience of grappling with one’s own mortality, but it does so with a sensitivity and relevance that will resonate with audiences of all ages. It’s a meditation on aging, yes, but it’s also a celebration of life, the complexities of self-worth, and the beauty of being fully seen for who you are, regardless of how the world around you may change.
The Substance is a film that knows its audience, that understands the emotional undercurrents of the human experience, and that uses both its performances and storytelling to speak directly to the soul. It may have been a surprise in its initial theatrical release, but its growing impact is a testament to its power to endure, not and for years to come.
In short, The Substance is a film that will live on in the hearts of viewers long after its initial release. With its bold thematic depth, stunning performances, and innovative storytelling, it is without a doubt one of the new cult classics of 2024, and if you haven't already seen it in theaters, there are scenes that simply will NOT have nearly the same impact on the small screen in comparison to the powerful larger than life visuals and sounds that may give you nightmares, literally.
As a last note: Dennis Quaid's performance, was perfect. Flawless delivery to an extent that his role in the film can almost seem forgettable. He's effortless portrayal as "the Man" in the film feels almost like it could have been played by many others but i assure you, that is only because he plays his part so well. If you've read this far, thank you kindly!
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