Cannes 2024 – The substance: an immersive and intense cinematographic experience
“” O my God, what a film! »» Such were my first thoughts leaving the projection of The substancethe masterpiece of Coralie Fargeat. Presented in competition at the 77th Cannes Film Festival, this Franco-American fantastic film lasting 2:20, with Demi Moore, Margaret Qualley, Dennis Quaid and Hugo Diego Garcia, is much more than a simple cinematographic work: it is an immersive, overwhelming and unforgettable experience.
Elisabeth Sparkle, interpreted by Demi Moore, is a former large film star forgotten and converted into a aerobic guru. On the day of her 50th anniversary, she is brutally returned from her program by her boss, embodied by Dennis Quaid, on the pretext that she has become too old. Devastated, Elisabeth returns home where she receives an intriguing offer: a mysterious laboratory offers her a miracle “substance” which would allow her to become a younger, more beautiful and more perfect version of herself.
However, there are strict conditions of use. Elisabeth must alternate between her two versions – the young Sue (interpreted by Margaret Qualley) and her true form – exactly every seven days. In addition, the two versions must know and never forget that they are one and the same person. The strict respect for these conditions is crucial, otherwise the consequences could be disastrous. Attempted by the opportunity to find her youth, Elisabeth accepts. Quickly, a destructive jealousy settled between the two versions of Elisabeth, raising deep questions about self -acceptance and the fear of aging. Does this mean that people who refuse their own old age and do everything to stay young end up not loving each other and accelerating themselves? We could ask ourselves the question. This rivalry between the two versions of Elisabeth inevitably leads to disaster, plunging Elisabeth into a visceral and bloody nightmare.
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The substance poignantly explores the fear of old age and the cult of youth. The character of Elisabeth, interpreted by Demi Moore, embodies this fierce fight against the signs of time. The film highlights the societal pressures imposed on women to remain eternally young and attractive. Coralie Fargeat uses this theme to create a harsh and visually impactful criticism of this modern obsession.
The injection of the miraculous substance and the transformation that follows are not only elements of body horror, but also powerful metaphors of vanity and the quest for perfection. The pain and bodily transformations suffered by Elisabeth/SUE symbolize the often invisible sacrifices that women make to correspond to the beauty standards imposed by society. This exploration is made even more impactful by the courageous and intense performance of Demi Moore, who agrees to expose himself, in the figurative and clean sense, for this role.
The film also attacks the madness of cosmetic surgery and anti-aging treatments. By staging Elisabeth and SueThe substance Critique those who use and abuse various botox, acids and surgeries, up to sometimes hideous. This frantic race to keep a young appearance is shown in a ruthless light, revealing the physical and psychological consequences of these practices.
Coralie Fargeat demonstrates an impeccable mastery of the realization. Each scene is built with surgical precision to maximize the visual and emotional impact. The special effects, makeup, and especially the sound work create total immersion. The director knows exactly where she wants to take her audience. She masters each plan, each decor and each action, creating an environment where the tension rises tirelessly. This narrative progression, relentless and impeccably executed, maintains the audience on the razor’s wire, in a state of constant suspense. Not a single moment of respite is offered to the spectator. Each scene brings us closer to the point of no return, where reality mixes with madness. The apotheosis of the film is a deluge of blood and gore, a direct tribute to Carrie to the Devil’s Ball (1976) by Brian de Palma, where the limits of horror are pushed to the extreme. But beyond this hemoglobin, it is the narrative and visual mastery of Fargeat that impresses. Each element of this conclusion is calculated with meticulousness, each drop of blood has a goal, each cry and each blow are choreographed with remarkable precision.
The performances of the actors are up to this masterful achievement. Demi Moore shines in the complex role of Elisabeth. His interpretation is both vulnerable and powerful, offering an emotional depth that makes his character incredibly real. Demi Moore, who agreed to get out of his comfort zone for this role, delivers a performance that underlines his talent and his courage as an actress.
Margaret Qualley, as Sue, brings vibrant and attractive energy to the screen. His interpretation of Elisabeth’s younger and more perfect version is both charming and disturbing, perfectly capturing the duality of her character. She has youth, but also Elisabeth’s experience, she knows that time runs and wants to make the most of it as long as she is beautiful and sexy.
Dennis Quaid, in the role of the ruthless boss, adds a layer of threat and tension to the story, strengthening the oppressive atmosphere of the film.
The substance is not only a horror film, it is also a deep reflection on modern society. He questions our obsession for youth and beauty, and the extremes to which we are ready to go to preserve them. Coralie Fargeat succeeds in marrying visceral horror and social criticism, offering a work which is both entertaining and stimulating intellectual.
The film pushes the limits of the genre, offering graphic horror scenes that are never free but always at the service of narration. Each transformation scene, each moment of tension is carefully orchestrated to maintain the spectator in a state of shock and reflection.
A notable technical aspect of the film is its filming place. Although the plot takes place in Hollywood, The substance was completely shot in France, on the French Riviera. The director has managed to make ahead that the story goes entirely in Hollywood, thanks to meticulous attention to the details of the sets.
The substance is a bold and shiny work that leaves no one indifferent. It is a film that shakes, which questions, and which remains engraved in memory long after viewing.
Coralie Fargeat signs a striking film, combining visceral horror and social criticism, also offering a deep reflection on our society obsessed with youth and perfection and thus fully deserving its place among the greats of genre cinema. The impeccable realization, the exceptional performances of the actors, and the thematic depth make this film an unforgettable cinematic experience.
For me, undoubtedly, it is the film that deserves the golden palm. Will the jury be of the same opinion? What if the fourth Palme d’Or for a director was this one? A new palm for a horror film of a director after Titanium by Julia Ducournau in 2021 ?
Neïla Driss
