For her second film and for the first time in competition at Cannes, Frenchwoman Coralie Fargeat received the screenplay prize from the jury chaired by Greta Gerwig. A big accolade for this filmmaker, who has been mesmerizing festival-goers with his hallucinatory journey, The Substance. However, we had a right to hope for much better, because this feature film about the orders placed on women’s bodies surprised us.
The story follows Elizabeth Sparkle (Demi Moore), a Hollywood star who constantly returns to her image in an industry that spares nothing for actresses. To free herself from this violence, Elizabeth subscribes to an experience: substance. Through a simple injection, she has the opportunity to see the birth of a better version of herself – younger, more beautiful, stronger – (Margaret Quayle) on the condition that she returns to her old body every seven days.
An inspired staging
this body horror A Feminist That Knows No Limits keeps a clever concept and saves the words to focus on the images – all meticulously crafted and inspired by the director’s cinephile obsession. In The Substance we meet Stanley Kubrick with The Shining, as well as David Cronenberg (The Fly), Brian De Palma (Carrie) and even Paul Verhoeven.
Demi Moore in the movie “Substance”.
If the price of the screenplay is not to be taken lightly, it does not reflect the impressive work of a filmmaker who knew how to create a colorful and decadent world in the service of an inspired staging. First of all, it does not welcome the phenomenal interpretation of its lead actor, Demi Moore.
Demi Moore’s favor is back
A very popular star – especially in the 1990s – the Hollywood icon does not hesitate to spoil his image and cross all limits to satisfy the demands and madness of the director. At once funny, poignant and unavoidably terrifying, she completely reinvents herself on screen – a rare thing for an actor with a career spanning nearly four decades.
Release of The Substance:
We can even dream of a double interpretation prize Margaret Cowell Which in turn impresses with its physicality. But the life of the substance is just beginning. This screenplay prize is just the beginning of a long journey for this film, which risks hitting many festivals on its way to its theatrical release.
Find our podcast dedicated to the film here:
The Substance hits theaters soon.
Source: Allocine
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
