And that’s why you shouldn’t do drugs.

This Substance is driven by an obsessive framing and editing style that’s impossible to look away from, and packed with claustrophobic closeups and a surprisingly fast pace for its runtime that delivered just about all the body horror you could possibly want.  

Preying on the fear of aging, modern beauty standards, and medical gore galore, this film has some absolutely insane makeup/practical effects work. It takes some clear cues from both Carpenter and Kubrick while still feeling incredibly original. Probably not something you wanna watch with your mom with some of its… gratuity, but Demi Moore plays the descent so perfectly and Margaret Qualley really shines as well. 

The moments of comedy worked really naturally, and that pounding synth score rules. They really take the concept to its absolute furthest extent possible, such an irable feat these days. Definitely had a few people walk out at my theater but they missed the wackiest and most surreal ending to a film to come out all year. Anyone else thinking of the Love and Monsters episode of Doctor Who?

2024 Ranked ⛰️: boxd.it/w3cas