13/46

The bathroom mirror reappears intact after being smashed multiple times during the fight sequence

Tale

A fading celebrity takes a black market drug: a cell-replicating substance that temporarily creates a younger, better version of themselves. There’s nothing scarier than being human, and these films fully explore the inhuman ways our bodies can betray us. From the scariest to the most audacious, here are five body horror movies you might have missed. Ray Liotta was cast in the film in February 2022, but he passed away in May of that year before he could film his scenes. Dennis Quaid replaced him, but Liotta is still mentioned in the director’s “thank you notes” during the credits.

Featured in The 7PM Project: Episode dated September 20, 2024 (2024)

Elisabeth Sparkle: There was some minor abuse of the substance. A special thank you in the credits goes to the many extras in the theater scene, who got covered in blood. Pump It UpWritten by Michael Hall, Leonardo StellaPlayed by Earl GregoryProduced by Julien Deguines. The SubstanceThe Substance tells the story of Elizabeth Sparkle, a 50-year-old celebrity who is about to be eliminated from the industry. An accident leads her to obtain a substance that can create a new, younger version of herself.

The plot of The Substance is wild, fresh, and unique

However, there is a catch: both versions of Elizabeth – the seasoned star and her younger counterpart – can exist, but only one can be active at a time, alternating on a weekly basis. At its core, The Substance delves into the theme of aging. As someone who often thinks about this aspect of life, I find it to be a fascinating and nuanced exploration. The Substance’s crazy story is enhanced by its striking visuals. Here, the visuals are raw and obscene, and certainly not for the faint of heart.

The performances here are nothing short of splendid

Camera angles transport us from edgy sequences to more intimate ones, all enhanced by a captivating aural experience that draws the viewer deeper into the film’s disturbing world. Demi Moore is the mainstay of The Substance, and she is absolutely perfect in her portrayal. For starters, Demi is a bombshell, and watching the journey she takes in this film, one has to wonder, if a character of Demi’s stature and beauty goes through this, what hope do the rest of us have? Margaret Qualley matches Demi breath for breath, stride for stride. Dennis Quaid’s portrayal of a repulsive and horrible boss is nailed with almost unnerving ease.

Overall, The Substance is a thrilling adventure and a grand introduction to body horror

For all the praise The Substance will garner, from the performances to the makeup and cinematography, the ending is a letdown. Metaphorically, it’s poignant and meaningful, but if we judge the sequences based on the literal events that occur, the walls start to crumble. 8/10. Check out our list of exciting new films from this year’s film festivals, including Venice, TIFF, the New York Film Festival, and more.