“Have you ever dreamt of a better version of yourself?” That is the slogan plastered over the promotional content and marketing campaign for the new film from Coralie Fargeant, following her explosive 2017 debut feature ‘Revenge’. Starring A-listers Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley, it is clear to see that the increased budget marks a big step up in Fargeant’s career.
Moore leads as Elisabeth Sparkle, a celebrity who has had an illustrious career that helped define an era through tv and film. She had it all, but as her fiftieth birthday approaches and her popularity diminishes, she holds onto the last clutches of fame by leading online aerobics classes.
After suffering minor injuries in a car crash she receives a proposal from a shady organisation that has the power to transform her back to her glory days, a better version of herself. After injecting the black market drug, she dramatically becomes a whole new person, played by Margaret Qualley.
While the success of the drug strictly relies on controlling its use Sue starts to struggle with its limitations. She begins to abuse its power, setting off a chain of shocking effects.
With its clear satirical messages about cosmetic surgery, Fargeant perfectly paces this gloomy effort, with a chilling score from British composer Raffertie that looms in the background to maximise the gruesome awe, as Moore and Qualley battle for control of the way the drug is used.
It’s a wonderful take on the split-personality drama, featuring odes to similar pieces of fiction like ‘Jekyll and Hyde’ and ‘The Picture of Dorian Gray’. The body-horror and gore show is comparable to iconic works of David Lynch and David Cronenberg – directors that inspire Fargeant’s filmmaking style.
While its final climax becomes just a tad bit ridiculous and over the top, it more than earns its loud ending thanks to some wonderful build-up. The Substance could well become a classic in the split personality genre.
‘The Substance’ releases in UK cinemas on September 20.
