The Substance

There are a lot of different dimensions to the question of what this movie is, is all about, and whether or not it succeeds, either overall or on its own terms. Just for starters, the story asks for a fairly massive amount of suspension of disbelief, and not just as regards the tale's science/horror elements. For instance, how is it even possible that Elizabeth—who is still viable as of the beginning of the story—winds up so isolated and alone that the action could even have plausibility? I mean, even has-beens tend to have hangers-on long after their expiration dates. Also, are the generic settings, elements and trappings of the story meant to convey the kind of stripped down aesthetic of a stage play, or does the lack of a more fleshed-out context simply reflect laxity, if not outright laziness, on the part of the screenwriter? Finally, the overarching message seems to be a muddle; the film wants to have its chocolate mousse cake and eat it too. To wit: is the sexism and emphasis on youth and beauty presented as the catalyst for Elizabeth's actions truly an example of villainy, as the script wants to suggest (if not insist upon)? How is that so, given the objective reality presented in Sue’s side of the story, where standard measures of beauty, youth, vigor and attractiveness all translate into success and positive attainment? The whole tableau seems highly debatable, even as the story appears to be very pointedly in favor of a specific, feminist critique of Hollywood in particular and the world in general. So did the filmmakers create a movie to be puzzled over, or did they fail to clearly convey their message? It’s hard to know. What is for certain is that this flick is arresting in its concepts and visuals—particularly in its lack of squeamishness about showing the viewer all of its gory details. It can be hard to look at and impossible to look away from at the same time. An enigmatic work, for sure, with a qualified PURR, but substantial and absolutely worth viewing, especially if it gets you thinking about all of the various elements this movie has on its mind.