With all that being said, The Substance is quite an entertaining, visceral, insane ride. For starters, Moore is perfect as Elisabeth. While not always good (i.e., The Scarlett Letter), Moore has a wider range than the general public acknowledges or realizes. For proof, please watch the underrated Mr. Brooks, in which she owns all her scenes. Here, the actor bares it all, both figuratively and literally, and has never been better. She’s funny, dramatic, sexy, scared, withered, timid, confident, and confused, usually within one simple edit or a sustained shot. It’s a masterclass performance in restraint. Don’t misconstrue that statement: this film is an over-the-top, in-your-face bit of insanity. But Moore knows that in order for the stakes to feel real, she needs to play it straight.
Qualley is just as good. She’s pure id, vamping up the sexualized nature and self-centeredness of Sue very well. Quaid is hamming it up as the misogynistic producer. I am not sure he’s ever had more fun in a role than this. He’s constantly hilarious. Yann Bean is the client support for users of the Substance. His deadpan feeds nicely into the overall comedic vibes.
“Moore has never been better...”
However, the real star of The Substance has to be the numerous practical effects. The 28 stylists, makeup artists, special effects prosthetics wizards, and the like achieved perfection. All (or just about) the effects are practical and look incredible. Sue’s birth is harrowing and grotesque. Teeth falling out proves to be icky. Decrepit fingers, legs, and joints announce their painful presence just by their searing appearance. The effects are astounding on every level.
Just as fantastic, though far more cringe is the sound mixing. Almost every sound element is pumped to 11. Harvey scarfing down lobster (or shrimp or some such) sounds so disgusting it makes all watching wince. Elisabeth’s screams as she realizes what Sue has done is heartbreaking. Every noise serves a true purpose and will be heard in gutwrenching, gooey detail.
The Substance is flawed but only because it is so ambitious. Fargaet takes the entertainment industry down a peg while still being very entertaining. Yes, scenes go on too long, but the comedy, drama, and horror are keenly felt. Moore has never been better, selling every emotion and turn with sincerity. Qualley is terrific and even oddly likable. The camera work is immaculate, and the use of color might be the best in any film this year. The practical effects are astounding and the bonkers ending needs to be seen to be believed.
"…the real star of The Substance has to be the numerous practical effects."
