Oh my goodness yeah I actually got teary eyed in that moment, and also very panicked I actually haven’t felt that from a movie before they really got that feeling spot on.
I found it really interesting that a lot of Demi’s story took place in a bathroom. It resonated with me bc that’s usually the room where woman “beautify” themselves…apply skincare, makeup, style hair,etc. and to me that bathroom was the environmental manifestation of her being trapped in a perpetual state of “beautification”
Harvey eating the crawfish is a metaphor for how Hollywood chews and spits out women in the industry leaving them as nothing but a shell of their former self.
Oh come on. He was just eating shrimps. That's it. No metaphor here. Women in the industry got fame, money and job they love. Shrimps ain't got nothing of that. They got eaten
Sue was essentially a clone of Elizabeth. When Sue is first spawned, both ladies are mentally the exact same person, same memories & everything. But as time goes on, their personalities begin to massively diverge. Sue gets a massive ego boost, as where the original Elizabeth becomes more insecure & depressed. Ultimately resulting in an inevitable conflict between them.
I saw them as the exact same person with the same memories. The only reason it affects Elizabeth differently is because she can only remember what happened but can't experience it with her real body. Almost like waking up from a dream, only with perfect recall. In the end, she wants to choose her old body but has become too physically and mentally weak to fight back.
Sue is basically drugs. Same person, altered state. It didn't certainly didn't help since Elisabeth hated herself from the get-go. Her 7 days as herself were like the days after a coke binge, just miserable and drained
It works metaphorically but at face value the story doesn’t make sense for Demi character to continue the substance. She does not experience what Sue is doing and gaining. She’s technically at sleep during Sue’s life and doesn’t remember anything from her success. It could have been written better. A best screenplay at Cannes festival is too much….
i rewatched it and the ego thing may trip people up. this is the director's statement, it is one consciousness, the film reminds you of this. it is one consciousness with two egos. and because she hates herself, this is a recipe for disaster. both egos distance each other ("I can't go back into her") but the phone rep says there is no other, there is no her, or she. She hates herself in both egos, both versions of her start fighting, and ultimately this leads to her destruction
I was really shaken when I left the cinema, much more than I thought I would be but after the disgusting imagery faded in my mind I was left with such sadness about lookism and ageism in society and how Elisabeth was such a perfectly fine vibrant person before being destroyed by beauty standards and that really stuck with me way more than any of the crazy things that happen in the movie. Also when she can't bring herself to leave the house to go on the date and then seeing his really sweet messages was heartbreaking.
I felt the same way. I couldn't help but think that if she had worried less about her looks and career that were in the past and tried to move forward by giving Fred a chance that it could have changed her life for the better without the substance. I suppose one could take a message from it that if there are special people in our lives who accept us, then society's judgement means a lot less. And also that if we accept ourselves then that can open up new paths, while self-hatred closes them. The movie has a broad message about women's value in society, aging, and beauty, but the connection it has with each viewer is going to be different for everyone. For someone my age, not young anymore but not yet old, it feels like an acknowledgment of pain and a warning. This is both the real fear and comfort the story brings once it's over.
@@superheroslash But Fred's whole reason for being attracted to her was that she had always been to him "the most beautiful girl in the world" so even with him she would have had to worry about her current 50-year old woman beauty slipping away.
@@joancrawford5781 I do think that the problem is her own self-hatred, so being with a guy who liked her and thought she looked beautiful wouldn't necessarily make her insecurities just go away. However, my personal interpretation of Fred saying that she's "still the most beautiful girl in the world" isn't that he was focused on her good looks (at 50, or otherwise) but rather that he admired her regardless of them. That whatever she looks like, that's good enough for him because he likes her. He doesn't care that she's getting old and wouldn't simply go for a younger, prettier girl even though he can - he wants to get to know her for who she is. Unfortunately, this way of viewing her isn't something that would have reached her or changed her mind.
Agree , the scene where she was rubbing the makeup off and smacking herself was so so sad to watch. it brought me to tears , she looked beautiful yet she could not have hated herself more , I think a lot of women can identify with this scene , we all have been there one way or the other though maybe not as extreme .
Derivative and cheap. It so obviously wanted Kubrick shots but couldn’t earn that level of engagement with the film when there’s so many flaws in logic.. then it uses that iconic track known from 2001 soundtrack… yuck. I saw Carrie a mile away too.
12:00 for a large portion of the film I thought it was supposed to be the 80‘s or early 90‘s. Especially because of the fitness show which in modern times would be very outdated. But over time it became clear that the film‘s time is supposed to be ambiguous. Like you said it felt almost like an alternate timeline/universe. Modern and retro in one.
Nurse here!! When the IVs were being inserted all I could think about was how there wasn't any flash and how it kept being put in the most painful place (the wrist) hahaha!! I also thought demi's body was gonna go septic from the nonsterile spinal taps!
Haha dental hygienist here and I can’t believe they messed up the dental horror, the roots shown are not what roots look like on the lateral incisor, or canine, I still loved the scene though, when Harvey was like “smile for us! Pretty girls always smile!” It was so accurate
Im a PA and honestly my biggest question was about the dude who gave Demi the flash drive, like you are your most perfect form of yourself for 7 days and you spend that time at... work? LOL
@erinnadia0409 As someone who works with non-human teeth (i.e. veterinary), I was wondering if humans were this anomalous creature with multi-rooted incisors. Thanks for clearing it up 😅
Guys you shouldn't try to find any realism or logical sense in this movie. It is as it is - bizarre, grotesque and absurd. And that's what makes it good
Hands down the best movie I’ve seen (not just body horror) in a LONG time. The music, FX, pacing, dialogue, everything. Brilliant filmmaking. And the ending is the perfect kind of unhinged. 100/10. 🔥
I think the stark contrast between the inside of her apartment where it looked kind of unattractive as opposed to the outside might be a visual allegory for the theme of the movie.
I found this channel a few months ago. I must say you two gentlemen are amazing movie reviewers. The extensive movie knowledge is off the charts. I enjoy the cheeky humor and back and forth between you two. Im not gay or even a member of the LGBTQ+ community, the lense in which you all say you view the films thru. Thing is I just think you two do an amazing job reviewing films from an everyones point of view if that makes sense. Sorry, im just rambling now. So glad I found this channel and hope nothing but the best for the both of you! Thanks!!
The matter-of-factness with which you all describe the many absurdities has me ROLLING. I will probably watch this review at various times in future to improve my mood 😂
I just saw this movie and I’m confused about the point of the substance. I thought Demi Moore would be able to live through and experience the same things as her “better self” but that’s not the case at all. They are two different people. They don’t even share the same memories, because it’s clear that Elisabeth and Sue don’t have any idea of what the other is doing while the other one is unconscious. So what does Demi Moore’s character gain from this? This makes the substance completely pointless.
Left the cinema tonight after watching this bonkers yet poignant body horror and IMMEDIATELY came to find this video to listen to, as I drove home. Great review. I, too, wonder if that scene on the stage at the end was a dream?
The point you brought up about the possibility of shared memories or thoughts I felt like was hinted at by the nightmares each of them would have before awaking from the week asleep.
As someone who has gone through a glow up, being a late bloomer, and lost a significant amount of weight, you experience life as two different people. The person in the past who got treated poorly vs the person you are currently who gets better treatment. It is some times a mental trip how different people will treat you because of your appearance. Sue and Elizabeth were the same person (remember you are one..) but because of their vastly different experiences in the world they are becoming different people. That older person you were can become an enemy if you are not careful and ungrateful for that body that got you were you are now. But you can always have a fear of going back to that body and old treatment.
Wait is he really a Reagan Republican in real life?! Because barf if true. I can’t think of any president that did more permanent damage to our country and the working class… if the afterlife is real I hope he’s extremely uncomfortable.
I have never been THAT impressed with any role DQ has played (at least that I can remember). I wonder what "rating" (0.5 to 5) Nick and Joseph would give him as an actor (avg performance over his career)... 😅😮🎉
I was thinking if she isn't in control of her other self and doesn't share her memories then what is the point? If it's not actually you experiencing the sensations of being this younger person that everyone treats better then how is it worth it? But then I was thinking maybe the film is trying to make an analogy to parents and their children and how sometimes a parent might try to live vicariously through their kid. Especially during the scene when Demi is getting all mad and saying "you wouldn't be here if it wasn't for me" reminded me of something a bitter aging mother might say about an ungrateful daughter. Then when the younger self saw the mess she made and is like "I've had enough of this" really reminded me of a toxic parent/child relationship where the child might send their parent to an old folks home.
@@GG-kn2se I meant the Demi/elizabeth side didn’t have any benefit when she was ‘awake’. Elizabeth would binge eat and resented sue whereas while sue was getting a great job, fame, and eventually sucked Elizabeth dry of spinal fluid.
Exactly. I got the impression that except for those first moments, she is totally unconscious when Sue is awake. She is not in her head experiencing Sue's life nor does she have any control it.
i took my friend to see this tonight and as soon as we saw the 3 months later demi, we both turned to each other and said the witches! i loved this so much! it was so wild .
I really enjoyed it, went in naive... and it was outstanding! A few of the male actors were a bit cringe, but the ladies were pretty incredible... especially Demi Moore! I will definitely be seeing this again!! 😮🎉
Nurse here. I had a chuckle at the whole procedure of creating and maintaining the “younger/older self” one being the way they didn’t load the IV lines with the liquid before starting the feeding process. Thats a big risk for air embolism.
I thought about all of this too, as well as how she’s so handy. I’m a regular Jane and I can’t build shit. I find a hard time believing that someone of her social status had those handy skills 😅 She was an apt nurse, a construction lady, and dancer, a skilled cook/chef, fitness guru… a woman of many talents. Pass them lady! 👏🏼
As someone who does surgery, the sutures were killing me 💀 In the wrong part of the skin, not enough layers, spaced too far apart, and so so so tight. But at least the needle was curved 🤷♀️
This is one of those films where I insist to my non-horror loving friends that they MUST see it, and to go in completely blind (I also did this to them with Human Centipede lol). I’m not a huge fan of body horror, but I thoroughly enjoyed this film. The directing style was fantastic. Great editing. Like u listed, so many influences were noticeable. I picked up on Kubrick immediately. That Shining inspired rug and hallway. The pacing kinda reminded me of the film Climax. The grossly awful “birth” upon birth upon birth reminded me of the film Men. The more grotesque Demi became the more I kept laughing to myself at the thought of my friends’ faces after I convince them to see it. When the film ended I was the only one who yelled out “That was GREAT!” in a theater full of disgusted people, which made me laugh even more. After a long successful career, I somehow believe that this film will be Demi’s defining moment. She was superb. The scene where she stood the guy up and ultimately rubbed off all her makeup was a stand-out. Dennis Quaid also gave a great performance, very 5th Element/Hunger Games. The more I’m thinking about it, the more I’m appreciating this film. That final scene on the Hollywood star was perfection. Shoutout to the special effects/prosthetics team 👏👏👏 Off to google who played the young doctor 👀 and where to get that dragon robe 😍 Love u guys. Great review as always. ❤ Update: I just saw this for a second time and I can’t remember if anyone mentioned this yet: but the blue dress at the end was referencing Cinderella and “turning back” at midnight/the New Year’s Eve show. I didn’t notice that the first time. I also found this great article that lists all the older horror film Easter eggs in it, although there were a few more. Here: screenrant.com/the-substance-movie-easter-eggs-references/
Saw it yesterday and put off watching yall review it. i knew yall would have a time with this one! so grotesque and absurd but it works and understands what it is! My audience had a time majority of the people in theater were older couples which shocked me!
I just watched this and I thought Demi Moore was especially great. I think she made me feel the pain of losing her youth. And Dennis Quade was perfectly cast and was having the time of his life being a complete sleaze. The body horror was done very well and on the whole this was really entertaining.
I just watched it for second time and I'm shaken, fun fact, the old guy at coffee shop is the older version of the nurse. When she runs from him the biker who she ran into and is cruel to her is actually Sue's boyfriend who's helmet she threw outside.
I Had Not Been to a Theater since 2009, and My Wife’s Girlfriend had seen this Film a couple of days ago. AND SAID IT WAS A WILD RIDE! I’m a Big Fan of Body Horror! Then reading some of these Comments I said , this is for Me! And we went to see it! Great camera Work, Great Acting, Brilliant Editing, it was completely OVER THE TOP!! Was way more than I EXPECTED!! Iv seen A lot of Body Horror Films dating back to the70s! And this one Took it to A WHOLE NEW LEVEL! GO SEE IT! Now! And Be Sure To Fasten YOUR SEATBELT! Brilliant Simply Brilliant!!!!
Oh Lawd. What tha...did I just watch? 🤮 My eyes! This film was EVERYTHING your review described. Funny, gross, sad, suspenseful with elements of the body horror films and Norma Desmond characteristics as well. The scenes were so vivid. It's truly a film to experience in a theatre with the crowd participation. Demi Moore must have had a ball filming this. Don't you wish she had gone on that date though?
The ending to me felt like the Blob and Carrie all mixed into one......utter madness, I loved this movie soooooo much for a 2 hour plus movie I didn't look at my phone once that was definitely a first.....was the best paced 2 hour plus movie I've ever seen
Hi Gents. I am a nurse from Canada. I can't wait to watch this movie...I have prepared myself with watching so many reviews. You both are the best! Great review. I will take you up on your challenge for nurses to review how well Elizabeth and Sue carry out the nursing skills of IV starts, suturing (Sue suturing Elizabeth's back) and all other medical related skills and will report back!😘
I'm really looking forward to seeing this. We're seeing so much more of this in real life with people looking alike and getting the same surgery. I'm happy to see Demi on screen again and doing this role in particular. Thanks guys 😊
You admitted that you just watched a review for a movie you haven't seen. With spoilers. Deliberately. Willingly. You ruined your future experience of the movie. All fine?
@@TechnicJunglist but you watched the film after watching the review. It doesn't make any sense. You spoiled the experience. Who on earth would watch spoilers before going to the cinema
@DonPetrushka I watched the film at a midnight screening the day before In a small theatre. I don't know why you're coming at me this way for no reason. I'm a cinema junkie. Best of love to you. But as two cinefiles, let's just agree it was good.
@@TechnicJunglist the day before? But you said "I'm looking forward to seeing this" which literally means "I'm going to watch it and I'm excited" 😅 Sorry if I got it wrong. Yes, the movie's great 🤝
I am so keen to see this film. I'm not great with body horror per se, but I can't wait to see Demi Moore's self-referencial depiction of an aging Hollywood starlet. While there are more roles nowadays for older women, it's refreshing to have a film address how women are "dumped" in middle age. Thank you for this review. I needed to know how gruesome it is before I see it. ❤
Nurse here: definitely had to suspend disbelief for the injection scenes. Appreciate that the devices looked medical, but slamming a long ass needle into someone’s back like that 😂 it is a sci-fi campy horror film after all, one must have fun and not take it seriously.
I saw it tonight, and was suprised, shocked, but absolutely LOVED IT!! I really hope people get out and see this unusually fabulous movie with Demi Moore, who absolutely shines in this great role 😊
@@myra-yves just like everything else. But that scene was clearly a dream, not real (if it is even possible to apply the word "real" to anything in the movie)
Great review, I thought Demi's conscious was transferred to Margaret's body every time they switched I mean if the newer version isn't yourself then why would you even consider using the substance but I have to say that this horror movie is definitely one of the best for this year.
Finally got to see this… by far the movie of the year for me. I can’t think of a single thing I would change. Incredible. This is the original filmmaking everyone always complains about being missing, right here.
There was a twilight Zone episode called Aqua Vita…similar idea… Aging newscaster drinks a potion get young…once she runs out she gets way old… it has a semi happy ending. It’s just the same story that chasing youth leads to ruin.
I think at the beginning they share consciousness, but as time passes, they become separate entities that still share one life. They are both different and one and the same. Very philosophical.
The ending scene where she falls apart reminded me of Death Becomes Her. The whole thing feels like Neon Demon meets Cronenberg meets death becomes her.
Loved this movie. I am not a fan of Demi's acting but she was incredible in this. The pulling out of your own teeth never gets old , gives the same gut feeling every time . xo
This one will be going into the top 10 of body horror lists, if I had to guess. One little seen 80s horror film that I suspect influenced it is a movie called Rejuvenatrix. It's about an aging actress who allows a scientists to experiment on her to restore her youth but he turns her into a brain eating monster. It's kind of like a practical fx 80s gore version of Sunset Boulevard.
Very apt description... It was so crazy! Serious yet creepy, hilarious, grotesque, semi- porchographic; guess you can say it has A LOT going for it!! 😅🎉 I'm definitely seeing 👀 it again!
People would like to become more attractive in general. I didn't get the impression that her other self was just her but younger, but more like an attractive daughter. I don't think she even had control over it which could be the director trying to say something about parents who have kids hoping they become a better version of themselves and the conflict that occurs between aging parents and their kids.
Loveeeeeeee your reviews - always ,,, and they get better and better ❣️❣️❣️❣️ - this was like my top 5 from u guys. (-and the Burger Finger reference) 🤣😂🤣😂
I loved this movie. What does that say about me? lol. It really got to me when Elisabeth Sparkle was getting ready for the date and kept changing her makeup because she was so unhappy with her appearance. I felt that. The person in the mirror has failed you in a way. Love your reviews.
This movie was amazing! My fave of 2024 so far. As a woman entering my 40s and beginning a new chapter of relationship with my body and beauty, this movie's subject matter hit the mark at a perfect time for me, and as a horror fan it was a wild ride that I absolutely loved. Moore and Qualley were incredible. And the final reason I love this, Joseph you mentioned the Pump It Up workout, I love at-home workouts and have a LOT and I laughed out loud when that part came on bc I wonder if it was inspired by a workout I actually have, the Pump It Up Ultimate Dance Workout that uses the original version of that same song. I'm not kidding, it's a thing, look it up! It's an aerobics dance workout that is lead by a woman who became recognized for appearing in that song's music video, and the workout even has a hip thrust/booty pop section! Like there's no way that was a coincidence, right?? 😂
There are so many moods in this movie. It’s sad, scary, funny, disturbing and even heartwarming at times. Also I have to add that I am a person who struggles with long run times and this 2hr 20+ minute movie kept me glued to the screen.
This one surprised me (spoiler alert) neither the entity that Demi became , or her alter ego, got revenge or ripped people limb from limb as I expected in the finale. All the pain and hurt was reflected back on the two leads which made it all the more surprising and sad. Even the final iteration just wanted to be loved but fell apart and got washed away. Bloody sad. Personally I would have liked a more violent culmination but the film was a classier affair without it
Gosh for once I should've watched you guys' review BEFORE I saw the movie. I love horror movies, but the real horror was how deep it cut and how real it was symbolism wise. Demi Moore really did that. She played the role so well and yet she's already so beautiful. I don't know how I'll work up an appetite to eat tonight....
I really want to watch this movie. I skipped to your guys’ scores and I’m so excited you scored it so high. I’ll definitely revisit this video when I see this. Idk, when that’ll be, as it is most likely not gonna play near me anytime soon.
The part where she kept going back to the mirror to fix her makeup almost made me cry 🥺
Oh my goodness yeah I actually got teary eyed in that moment, and also very panicked I actually haven’t felt that from a movie before they really got that feeling spot on.
Yep it kind of made me sad like in the Fly 2 when that dog got merged with the machine and tried to drink the milk.
I found it really interesting that a lot of Demi’s story took place in a bathroom. It resonated with me bc that’s usually the room where woman “beautify” themselves…apply skincare, makeup, style hair,etc. and to me that bathroom was the environmental manifestation of her being trapped in a perpetual state of “beautification”
Harvey eating the crawfish is a metaphor for how Hollywood chews and spits out women in the industry leaving them as nothing but a shell of their former self.
And you could also say the same for the music industry. 😬
Oh come on. He was just eating shrimps. That's it. No metaphor here. Women in the industry got fame, money and job they love. Shrimps ain't got nothing of that. They got eaten
@DonPetrushka i wish I had that simplistic mind
@@venustears888 like that of a shrimp? 😁
@DonPetrushka oh so you do have a brain
loved demi's mustard trenchcoat 💛💛💛
“The people who said they didn’t like it weren’t very good looking” That took me all the way out 🤣🤣
@@Brett.Alexandria omg yes 😂😂
I haven't even started the video yet and this made me laugh out loud
😂😂 disrespectful
🤣🤣🤣🤣
😂 he is funny as shit in these reviews
I saw this last night and I LOVED it so much. It truly needs to be seen to be believed. "Grotesque and beautiful" is the only way I could describe it.
As a former nurse, I was baffled by the characters handling of the medical equipment! That set up would require some serious training! 😂
I was curious how a medical professional would feel about them using all those syringes with no sterile gloves
Demi Moore definitely need to get an Oscar nomination for this movie
I work at an independent cinema in Seattle and all of us LOVE watching everyone coming out of this movie lol
Sue was essentially a clone of Elizabeth. When Sue is first spawned, both ladies are mentally the exact same person, same memories & everything. But as time goes on, their personalities begin to massively diverge. Sue gets a massive ego boost, as where the original Elizabeth becomes more insecure & depressed. Ultimately resulting in an inevitable conflict between them.
I saw them as the exact same person with the same memories. The only reason it affects Elizabeth differently is because she can only remember what happened but can't experience it with her real body. Almost like waking up from a dream, only with perfect recall. In the end, she wants to choose her old body but has become too physically and mentally weak to fight back.
Sue is basically drugs. Same person, altered state. It didn't certainly didn't help since Elisabeth hated herself from the get-go. Her 7 days as herself were like the days after a coke binge, just miserable and drained
It works metaphorically but at face value the story doesn’t make sense for Demi character to continue the substance. She does not experience what Sue is doing and gaining. She’s technically at sleep during Sue’s life and doesn’t remember anything from her success. It could have been written better.
A best screenplay at Cannes festival is too much….
I have a twin, essentially a real-life clone, and that is absolutely how that works!
i rewatched it and the ego thing may trip people up. this is the director's statement, it is one consciousness, the film reminds you of this. it is one consciousness with two egos. and because she hates herself, this is a recipe for disaster. both egos distance each other ("I can't go back into her") but the phone rep says there is no other, there is no her, or she. She hates herself in both egos, both versions of her start fighting, and ultimately this leads to her destruction
That scene when Demi was getting ready to go out with Fred was soooo relatable and sad. This movie was fantastic.
I was really shaken when I left the cinema, much more than I thought I would be but after the disgusting imagery faded in my mind I was left with such sadness about lookism and ageism in society and how Elisabeth was such a perfectly fine vibrant person before being destroyed by beauty standards and that really stuck with me way more than any of the crazy things that happen in the movie. Also when she can't bring herself to leave the house to go on the date and then seeing his really sweet messages was heartbreaking.
I felt the same way. I couldn't help but think that if she had worried less about her looks and career that were in the past and tried to move forward by giving Fred a chance that it could have changed her life for the better without the substance. I suppose one could take a message from it that if there are special people in our lives who accept us, then society's judgement means a lot less. And also that if we accept ourselves then that can open up new paths, while self-hatred closes them. The movie has a broad message about women's value in society, aging, and beauty, but the connection it has with each viewer is going to be different for everyone. For someone my age, not young anymore but not yet old, it feels like an acknowledgment of pain and a warning. This is both the real fear and comfort the story brings once it's over.
@@superheroslash But Fred's whole reason for being attracted to her was that she had always been to him "the most beautiful girl in the world" so even with him she would have had to worry about her current 50-year old woman beauty slipping away.
@@joancrawford5781 I do think that the problem is her own self-hatred, so being with a guy who liked her and thought she looked beautiful wouldn't necessarily make her insecurities just go away.
However, my personal interpretation of Fred saying that she's "still the most beautiful girl in the world" isn't that he was focused on her good looks (at 50, or otherwise) but rather that he admired her regardless of them. That whatever she looks like, that's good enough for him because he likes her. He doesn't care that she's getting old and wouldn't simply go for a younger, prettier girl even though he can - he wants to get to know her for who she is.
Unfortunately, this way of viewing her isn't something that would have reached her or changed her mind.
Agree , the scene where she was rubbing the makeup off and smacking herself was so so sad to watch. it brought me to tears , she looked beautiful yet she could not have hated herself more , I think a lot of women can identify with this scene , we all have been there one way or the other though maybe not as extreme .
@@ninaalfa797That scene would land her the Oscar in a fair world.
Putting on your videos as soon as I get out of the theater. Love what you guys always have to say! And Demi’s performance was incredible.
The carpet, red bathroom and the blood splashing at the end of the hallway reminded me of The Shining.
Same here.
Reminded me of Carrie
I think all those details might be the references in a way
Derivative and cheap. It so obviously wanted Kubrick shots but couldn’t earn that level of engagement with the film when there’s so many flaws in logic.. then it uses that iconic track known from 2001 soundtrack… yuck. I saw Carrie a mile away too.
This is just a fight club movie for women and I love it so much
12:00 for a large portion of the film I thought it was supposed to be the 80‘s or early 90‘s. Especially because of the fitness show which in modern times would be very outdated. But over time it became clear that the film‘s time is supposed to be ambiguous. Like you said it felt almost like an alternate timeline/universe. Modern and retro in one.
I thought that too until I saw the cell phone.
@@jool4867 same
The director was telling us this was going to be a fantasy setting from the beginning with the snow on the walk of fame.
Elisasue reminded me of Sloth from the Goonies. “Hey you guuuuuys!” 😂
Nurse here!! When the IVs were being inserted all I could think about was how there wasn't any flash and how it kept being put in the most painful place (the wrist) hahaha!! I also thought demi's body was gonna go septic from the nonsterile spinal taps!
Haha dental hygienist here and I can’t believe they messed up the dental horror, the roots shown are not what roots look like on the lateral incisor, or canine, I still loved the scene though, when Harvey was like “smile for us! Pretty girls always smile!” It was so accurate
Im a PA and honestly my biggest question was about the dude who gave Demi the flash drive, like you are your most perfect form of yourself for 7 days and you spend that time at... work? LOL
@@hoppybird6_ I thought that too, why would you be going to work while while living your most beautiful life 😅
@erinnadia0409 As someone who works with non-human teeth (i.e. veterinary), I was wondering if humans were this anomalous creature with multi-rooted incisors. Thanks for clearing it up 😅
Guys you shouldn't try to find any realism or logical sense in this movie. It is as it is - bizarre, grotesque and absurd. And that's what makes it good
Hands down the best movie I’ve seen (not just body horror) in a LONG time. The music, FX, pacing, dialogue, everything. Brilliant filmmaking. And the ending is the perfect kind of unhinged. 100/10. 🔥
The soundtrack is fxxxing _dope_ bro, the first two tracks are so so great back to back.
I think the stark contrast between the inside of her apartment where it looked kind of unattractive as opposed to the outside might be a visual allegory for the theme of the movie.
I found this channel a few months ago. I must say you two gentlemen are amazing movie reviewers. The extensive movie knowledge is off the charts. I enjoy the cheeky humor and back and forth between you two. Im not gay or even a member of the LGBTQ+ community, the lense in which you all say you view the films thru. Thing is I just think you two do an amazing job reviewing films from an everyones point of view if that makes sense. Sorry, im just rambling now. So glad I found this channel and hope nothing but the best for the both of you! Thanks!!
🙏🏾
The matter-of-factness with which you all describe the many absurdities has me ROLLING. I will probably watch this review at various times in future to improve my mood 😂
I just saw this movie and I’m confused about the point of the substance. I thought Demi Moore would be able to live through and experience the same things as her “better self” but that’s not the case at all. They are two different people. They don’t even share the same memories, because it’s clear that Elisabeth and Sue don’t have any idea of what the other is doing while the other one is unconscious. So what does Demi Moore’s character gain from this? This makes the substance completely pointless.
We getting cute with thumbnails lol
Ahah Joseph's shade about the audience had me dead
same hahaha
Lmao thank you for mentioning the snow! I was taken out for literally 1 second being like ‘nah it definitely doesn’t snow in LA’ lol
The irony of the cheeseburger mess on Elisabeth’s reflecting how she looks like a similar mess at the end on her star 😂
Left the cinema tonight after watching this bonkers yet poignant body horror and IMMEDIATELY came to find this video to listen to, as I drove home. Great review. I, too, wonder if that scene on the stage at the end was a dream?
Or maybe the whole thing was a dream, huh 😁
Lord have mercy. We all need The Substance by the time this review is posted😂
How did you comment this a month ago when it was posted a couple days ago?
@@SPACE-98 It was The Substance...
@@SPACE-98 They get early and special screenings of some movies before it goes public or wide released
The mutant looks like the female version of The Elephant Man.
The point you brought up about the possibility of shared memories or thoughts I felt like was hinted at by the nightmares each of them would have before awaking from the week asleep.
As someone who has gone through a glow up, being a late bloomer, and lost a significant amount of weight, you experience life as two different people. The person in the past who got treated poorly vs the person you are currently who gets better treatment. It is some times a mental trip how different people will treat you because of your appearance. Sue and Elizabeth were the same person (remember you are one..) but because of their vastly different experiences in the world they are becoming different people. That older person you were can become an enemy if you are not careful and ungrateful for that body that got you were you are now. But you can always have a fear of going back to that body and old treatment.
Dennis Quaid just played himself. Creepy, self-centered Reagan-era Republican. Contrarily, Demi as always is amazing.
Wait is he really a Reagan Republican in real life?! Because barf if true. I can’t think of any president that did more permanent damage to our country and the working class… if the afterlife is real I hope he’s extremely uncomfortable.
@@Wraiven22 He just played Reagan in a movie and in an interview he said that Reagan was his favourite President.
🤷🏻♂️
Just saw the Cannes interview for this film. He freezes up when asked about the subject matter and just says he was there for the costumes 😂
@macrograms I agree, he LOOKS incredibly creepy in the film - I suppose no acting was required.
I have never been THAT impressed with any role DQ has played (at least that I can remember). I wonder what "rating" (0.5 to 5) Nick and Joseph would give him as an actor (avg performance over his career)... 😅😮🎉
I was thinking if she isn't in control of her other self and doesn't share her memories then what is the point? If it's not actually you experiencing the sensations of being this younger person that everyone treats better then how is it worth it? But then I was thinking maybe the film is trying to make an analogy to parents and their children and how sometimes a parent might try to live vicariously through their kid. Especially during the scene when Demi is getting all mad and saying "you wouldn't be here if it wasn't for me" reminded me of something a bitter aging mother might say about an ungrateful daughter. Then when the younger self saw the mess she made and is like "I've had enough of this" really reminded me of a toxic parent/child relationship where the child might send their parent to an old folks home.
I agree. I didn’t understand the benefits on Elizabeth’s side.
@@dorievandercreek9863they’re the same person. Elisabeth is Sue.
she didn’t know it was going to be this way, showing people to not chase youth because they may not even like the results
@@GG-kn2se I meant the Demi/elizabeth side didn’t have any benefit when she was ‘awake’. Elizabeth would binge eat and resented sue whereas while sue was getting a great job, fame, and eventually sucked Elizabeth dry of spinal fluid.
Exactly. I got the impression that except for those first moments, she is totally unconscious when Sue is awake. She is not in her head experiencing Sue's life nor does she have any control it.
i took my friend to see this tonight and as soon as we saw the 3 months later demi, we both turned to each other and said the witches! i loved this so much! it was so wild .
😂😂same Demi reminded me of the grand high witch in her 2nd makeup transformation
JOSEPH!! The pic of Nick with the wig on is insane!!😂😂 Yall tickle me!
omg such a long wait for this one but I look forward to it 😁
I loved how disturbing the food horror scenes were. Me being a vegan I was like yes! Isn’t it gross!? lol!
Just watched it last night and it blew me away, even with high expectations. Probably top 3 of the year for me
That's great to see. I have high expectations for this one. I'm glad they paid off for you.
I really enjoyed it, went in naive... and it was outstanding! A few of the male actors were a bit cringe, but the ladies were pretty incredible... especially Demi Moore! I will definitely be seeing this again!! 😮🎉
Nurse here. I had a chuckle at the whole procedure of creating and maintaining the “younger/older self” one being the way they didn’t load the IV lines with the liquid before starting the feeding process. Thats a big risk for air embolism.
Also there was no gravity or pump used lmao the bag was just laying on the floor and efficiently flowed at an even rate
No the most unrealistic part is how she can weld and construct a whole hidden room flawlessly 😂
I thought about all of this too, as well as how she’s so handy. I’m a regular Jane and I can’t build shit. I find a hard time believing that someone of her social status had those handy skills 😅 She was an apt nurse, a construction lady, and dancer, a skilled cook/chef, fitness guru… a woman of many talents. Pass them lady! 👏🏼
As someone who does surgery, the sutures were killing me 💀 In the wrong part of the skin, not enough layers, spaced too far apart, and so so so tight. But at least the needle was curved 🤷♀️
It's funny how y'all keep trying to find any logical sense in this movie 😁
Is that a cheetah print lanyard Nick is sporting as he quaffs his red wine? 🐆🍷👏🏽
At first glance, I thought it was a mega Cuban Link adorning a hoodie. Hip Hop you don't stop😃😃
Cabernet?
This is one of those films where I insist to my non-horror loving friends that they MUST see it, and to go in completely blind (I also did this to them with Human Centipede lol). I’m not a huge fan of body horror, but I thoroughly enjoyed this film. The directing style was fantastic. Great editing. Like u listed, so many influences were noticeable. I picked up on Kubrick immediately. That Shining inspired rug and hallway. The pacing kinda reminded me of the film Climax. The grossly awful “birth” upon birth upon birth reminded me of the film Men. The more grotesque Demi became the more I kept laughing to myself at the thought of my friends’ faces after I convince them to see it. When the film ended I was the only one who yelled out “That was GREAT!” in a theater full of disgusted people, which made me laugh even more. After a long successful career, I somehow believe that this film will be Demi’s defining moment. She was superb. The scene where she stood the guy up and ultimately rubbed off all her makeup was a stand-out. Dennis Quaid also gave a great performance, very 5th Element/Hunger Games. The more I’m thinking about it, the more I’m appreciating this film. That final scene on the Hollywood star was perfection. Shoutout to the special effects/prosthetics team 👏👏👏 Off to google who played the young doctor 👀 and where to get that dragon robe 😍
Love u guys. Great review as always. ❤
Update: I just saw this for a second time and I can’t remember if anyone mentioned this yet: but the blue dress at the end was referencing Cinderella and “turning back” at midnight/the New Year’s Eve show. I didn’t notice that the first time. I also found this great article that lists all the older horror film Easter eggs in it, although there were a few more. Here:
screenrant.com/the-substance-movie-easter-eggs-references/
Think The Shining, Stanley Kubrick, countless references to other films. Amazing, outrageous and infinitely entertaining. Great reviews guys
Nick is giving such a vibe with this look. I love it ❤🔥
When are we going to see you guys in the same room again ? Your reviews rule the world of movies , thank you very much !!!
Saw it yesterday and put off watching yall review it. i knew yall would have a time with this one! so grotesque and absurd but it works and understands what it is! My audience had a time majority of the people in theater were older couples which shocked me!
I just watched this and I thought Demi Moore was especially great. I think she made me feel the pain of losing her youth.
And Dennis Quade was perfectly cast and was having the time of his life being a complete sleaze.
The body horror was done very well and on the whole this was really entertaining.
I just watched it for second time and I'm shaken, fun fact, the old guy at coffee shop is the older version of the nurse. When she runs from him the biker who she ran into and is cruel to her is actually Sue's boyfriend who's helmet she threw outside.
@@Brenzo-j2z oh I knew the old man was..but I didn't think he was also Troy..the biker.
I Had Not Been to a Theater since 2009, and My Wife’s Girlfriend had seen this Film a couple of days ago. AND SAID IT WAS A WILD RIDE! I’m a Big Fan of Body Horror! Then reading some of these Comments I said , this is for Me! And we went to see it! Great camera Work, Great Acting, Brilliant Editing, it was completely OVER THE TOP!! Was way more than I EXPECTED!! Iv seen A lot of Body Horror Films dating back to the70s! And this one Took it to A WHOLE NEW LEVEL! GO SEE IT! Now! And Be Sure To Fasten YOUR SEATBELT! Brilliant Simply Brilliant!!!!
Oh Lawd. What tha...did I just watch? 🤮 My eyes! This film was EVERYTHING your review described. Funny, gross, sad, suspenseful with elements of the body horror films and Norma Desmond characteristics as well. The scenes were so vivid. It's truly a film to experience in a theatre with the crowd participation. Demi Moore must have had a ball filming this. Don't you wish she had gone on that date though?
The ending to me felt like the Blob and Carrie all mixed into one......utter madness, I loved this movie soooooo much for a 2 hour plus movie I didn't look at my phone once that was definitely a first.....was the best paced 2 hour plus movie I've ever seen
I can’t wait to see this. It’s giving comeback for Demi, looks like she’s acting her ass off from the trailer. Gonna come back after i watch Sunday!
The transformation sound like the ones they had where the black woman was becoming a white woman and Lovecraft country on HBO 😂😂
That sounds hilarious
That’s right Joseph, your looks have not faded and neither has Nick’s 🥰 ❤
Seeing it the day after tomorrow, so I'll return for your review. I am so absolutely pumped to see it!
I fid the same thing...
Oh, a CHICKEN drumstick!!! I was picturing a musical drum stick and that was bad enough.
Demi's legs turn into chicken drumsticks one point
Hi Gents. I am a nurse from Canada. I can't wait to watch this movie...I have prepared myself with watching so many reviews. You both are the best! Great review. I will take you up on your challenge for nurses to review how well Elizabeth and Sue carry out the nursing skills of IV starts, suturing (Sue suturing Elizabeth's back) and all other medical related skills and will report back!😘
🙌🏾
I'm really looking forward to seeing this. We're seeing so much more of this in real life with people looking alike and getting the same surgery. I'm happy to see Demi on screen again and doing this role in particular. Thanks guys 😊
You admitted that you just watched a review for a movie you haven't seen. With spoilers. Deliberately. Willingly. You ruined your future experience of the movie. All fine?
@DonPetrushka are you fine? is the real question. I did see the film and it was excellent. Also, you're about a month too late.
@@TechnicJunglist but you watched the film after watching the review. It doesn't make any sense. You spoiled the experience. Who on earth would watch spoilers before going to the cinema
@DonPetrushka I watched the film at a midnight screening the day before In a small theatre. I don't know why you're coming at me this way for no reason. I'm a cinema junkie. Best of love to you. But as two cinefiles, let's just agree it was good.
@@TechnicJunglist the day before? But you said "I'm looking forward to seeing this" which literally means "I'm going to watch it and I'm excited" 😅
Sorry if I got it wrong. Yes, the movie's great 🤝
it's rare to see joseph in this giddy, amused state. it's cute; i like it. 😊
Ohh I can’t wait!!!🎉❤ the trailer looks incredible
I'm sooo loving this review!!
I am so keen to see this film. I'm not great with body horror per se, but I can't wait to see Demi Moore's self-referencial depiction of an aging Hollywood starlet. While there are more roles nowadays for older women, it's refreshing to have a film address how women are "dumped" in middle age. Thank you for this review. I needed to know how gruesome it is before I see it. ❤
The climax’s body horror is kind of hilarious ( think basket case as mentioned at the beginning as a potential reference)
Nurse here: definitely had to suspend disbelief for the injection scenes. Appreciate that the devices looked medical, but slamming a long ass needle into someone’s back like that 😂 it is a sci-fi campy horror film after all, one must have fun and not take it seriously.
really looking forward to this
Give the Sound Editor an Oscar: creepy, gross and eeky! Even the kissing sounded nasty!
Can't wait for the halloweem costumes
Demi Moore could never not be beautiful she looks better than women half her damn age! Man this movie was so good she better win an Oscar fr!!
I'm told pretty hurts. LMAO!
I saw it tonight, and was suprised, shocked, but absolutely LOVED IT!!
I really hope people get out and see this unusually fabulous movie with Demi Moore, who absolutely shines in this great role 😊
Demi ate this role up and the younger version of her!! Some scenes were hard to stomach though a little grotesque 😵💫
the chicken leg thru belly button scene was so bizarre
@@myra-yves just like everything else. But that scene was clearly a dream, not real (if it is even possible to apply the word "real" to anything in the movie)
@@DonPetrushka i can see that, movie progressively gets more and more feverish. i loved it lol
I have been waiting for this review from the two of you for so long oh my God I'm ready! And yes I made this comment before I even pressed play😂
Great review, I thought Demi's conscious was transferred to Margaret's body every time they switched I mean if the newer version isn't yourself then why would you even consider using the substance but I have to say that this horror movie is definitely one of the best for this year.
Finally got to see this… by far the movie of the year for me. I can’t think of a single thing I would change. Incredible. This is the original filmmaking everyone always complains about being missing, right here.
There was a twilight Zone episode called Aqua Vita…similar idea… Aging newscaster drinks a potion get young…once she runs out she gets way old… it has a semi happy ending. It’s just the same story that chasing youth leads to ruin.
Or that one episode when the old couple went to a place to exchange their old bodies with young ones
I think at the beginning they share consciousness, but as time passes, they become separate entities that still share one life. They are both different and one and the same. Very philosophical.
I think it was supposed to be a reference to “non-duality”.
Yes, this movie is surprisingly good. I hope that it earns an award or at least gets nominated.
The ending scene where she falls apart reminded me of Death Becomes Her. The whole thing feels like Neon Demon meets Cronenberg meets death becomes her.
Loved this movie. I am not a fan of Demi's acting but she was incredible in this. The pulling out of your own teeth never gets old , gives the same gut feeling every time . xo
Thought was pretty great. Audience was having a good time
I just adore the 80’s theme song ❤ of this vlog
This one will be going into the top 10 of body horror lists, if I had to guess. One little seen 80s horror film that I suspect influenced it is a movie called Rejuvenatrix. It's about an aging actress who allows a scientists to experiment on her to restore her youth but he turns her into a brain eating monster. It's kind of like a practical fx 80s gore version of Sunset Boulevard.
So basically a modern version of The Picture of Dorian Gray or Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
Alot like Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde for sure.
I thought Revenge was absolutely awesome, love you guys amazing review as always
Can’t wait to watch this film! Great review
Wow sounds amazing, definitely watching this!
This was so wild. I was tickled and horrified 😂
Very apt description... It was so crazy! Serious yet creepy, hilarious, grotesque, semi- porchographic; guess you can say it has A LOT going for it!! 😅🎉 I'm definitely seeing 👀 it again!
Omg when you said only ugly people didn't like it 😂😭🤣😱 and Nick gave a little amused smirk 😏😁
8:56
ugly or not, people would like to become physically younger
People would like to become more attractive in general. I didn't get the impression that her other self was just her but younger, but more like an attractive daughter. I don't think she even had control over it which could be the director trying to say something about parents who have kids hoping they become a better version of themselves and the conflict that occurs between aging parents and their kids.
I am ugly, and I loved it!! 😂🎉
It's like a twisted 21st century re-telling of Snow White (or The Picture of Dorian Gray)
She sure was injecting a ton of air bubbles with that food. Which probably shouldn't go in your veins either 😆
Loveeeeeeee your reviews - always ,,, and they get better and better ❣️❣️❣️❣️
- this was like my top 5 from u guys. (-and the Burger Finger reference) 🤣😂🤣😂
Great review guys :)
I loved this movie. What does that say about me? lol. It really got to me when Elisabeth Sparkle was getting ready for the date and kept changing her makeup because she was so unhappy with her appearance. I felt that. The person in the mirror has failed you in a way. Love your reviews.
This movie was amazing! My fave of 2024 so far. As a woman entering my 40s and beginning a new chapter of relationship with my body and beauty, this movie's subject matter hit the mark at a perfect time for me, and as a horror fan it was a wild ride that I absolutely loved. Moore and Qualley were incredible.
And the final reason I love this, Joseph you mentioned the Pump It Up workout, I love at-home workouts and have a LOT and I laughed out loud when that part came on bc I wonder if it was inspired by a workout I actually have, the Pump It Up Ultimate Dance Workout that uses the original version of that same song. I'm not kidding, it's a thing, look it up! It's an aerobics dance workout that is lead by a woman who became recognized for appearing in that song's music video, and the workout even has a hip thrust/booty pop section! Like there's no way that was a coincidence, right?? 😂
There are so many moods in this movie. It’s sad, scary, funny, disturbing and even heartwarming at times. Also I have to add that I am a person who struggles with long run times and this 2hr 20+ minute movie kept me glued to the screen.
This one surprised me (spoiler alert) neither the entity that Demi became , or her alter ego, got revenge or ripped people limb from limb as I expected in the finale. All the pain and hurt was reflected back on the two leads which made it all the more surprising and sad. Even the final iteration just wanted to be loved but fell apart and got washed away. Bloody sad. Personally I would have liked a more violent culmination but the film was a classier affair without it
Nick looks very pretty in pink, while Joseph is very elegant and classy today.
Gosh for once I should've watched you guys' review BEFORE I saw the movie. I love horror movies, but the real horror was how deep it cut and how real it was symbolism wise. Demi Moore really did that. She played the role so well and yet she's already so beautiful. I don't know how I'll work up an appetite to eat tonight....
I really want to watch this movie. I skipped to your guys’ scores and I’m so excited you scored it so high. I’ll definitely revisit this video when I see this. Idk, when that’ll be, as it is most likely not gonna play near me anytime soon.
Nick looks pretty snap in that outfit! Thanks for the review i was curious about this movie
It was very grotesque yet very good. The last 35 minutes of this film was so disgusting and disturbing.
I just watched this and finished a minute ago , when I mean to tell you MY MOUTH WAS ON THE FLOOR start to finish 🫨🥴
Me too!! I was gasping, laughing, screaming... it was outstanding! I am definitely going to see it again!! 😮😳🎉