42/31
The toilet mirror reappears intact after being repeatedly smashed during the fight sequence
Scenario
A fading celebrity takes a black-market drug: a cell-replicating substance that temporarily creates a younger, better version of herself.. Ray Liotta was cast in the film in February 2022, but he died in May 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 20 September 2024 (2024)
Elisabeth Sparkle: There’s been a slight misuse of the Substance.. A special thanks in the credits is given to the many extras in the theater scene, who got covered in blood.. Pump It UpWritten by Michael Hall, Leonardo StellaPerformed by Earl GregoryProduced by Julien Deguines.
Every scene of this film wowed me at TIFF
The casting, atmosphere, visual and sound design, music, and, of course, the symbolism of it all.Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley couldn't have been more perfectly cast as leads. Their devotion to the process and trust in their director was clear to me. Their vulnerability pulls this off and leads to a very compelling fever dream.Everyone involved should be really proud of this film.
It's deeper than that
To me, it's a future cult classic.It is body/psychological horror, so don't expect jump scares. I found myself getting lost in reflection during the film (as a 47 year old woman it really spoke to me).But it's also extremely fun to watch!Take it seriously as a true work of art, but don't at the same time, and you'll have a blast.. Check out our list of exciting new movies from this year's film festivals, including Venice, TIFF, the New York Film Festival, and more.
