Elisabeth Sparkle: There was a slight abuse of Substance
Chronology
A fading celebrity takes a black-market drug: a cell-replicating substance that temporarily creates a younger, better version of herself. scenes. He was replaced by Dennis Quaid, but Liotta is still mentioned in the director’s "Thank You Notes" during the credits.. The toilet mirror reappears intact after being broken repeatedly during the fight sequence.. Special thanks in the credits to the many extras on the theater stage who were covered in blood..
Featured on The 7PM Project : Episode from September 20, 2024 (2024)
Pump It UpWritten by Michael Hall, Leonardo Stella Starring Earl GregoryProduced by Julien Deguines. The Substance: A shocking, disgusting, terrifying satirical look at celebrity culture, misogyny and youth cults. Elisabeth Sparkle (Demi Moore) was once a big Hollywood star, but she’s 50 and hosts a home exercise TV show, but it’s somewhat outdated and terrible producer Harvey (Dennis Quaid) decides she needs a younger star. After a car accident, Elisabeth is tipped off about a new unofficial procedure called the Substance, which allows a younger self to emerge from your body in the privacy of your apartment. Now they are two, but they are still somehow one, and they have to change places every seven days.
This breach of the Faustian pact has consequences
Sue (Margaret Qualley) has natural charm and girlish beauty, gets Elisabeth’s old job at an open casting call. But he still has to miss the studio every other week so that Elisabeth can come back to life. Sue is now a star, but there is a temptation to extend the week… No spoilers, find out more in the trailer on this page. Suspension of disbelief regarding the substance used and the processes involved comes easily.
and science fiction films
The film’s faults (yes, there are some) are that it’s maybe 10 minutes too long and the grand guignol ending sequence is completely overdone, but even this has its redeeming qualities as it pays homage to a lot of horror. Really amazing make-up and prosthetics are used well, you’ll believe that Sue turns out to be Elisabeth and that other body changes have taken place. Amazing acting from Moore, Qualley and Quaid along with visual metaphorical references to what’s going on and close-ups used to deadly effect. This is not a film for the squeamish or the faint of heart, but it is a great horror/black comedy. / Satire.
Co-produced, written and directed by Coralie Fargeat
8/10.. Check out our list of exciting new films from this year’s film festivals including Venice, TIFF, New York Film Festival and more.