nextstep

5/10

It honestly saddens me that so many people seem to think this is a good movie, because it’s really not. The biggest issue I have is that the story just doesn’t make sense, and I feel like I’m the only one bothered by that. Don’t get me wrong—I don’t have an issue with anything I saw. I actually liked the themes, the gore, the style, the music, and the overall vibe. But all of that would have been so much better if it were part of an actual story that made sense. Something must be wrong with me, though, because I just can’t understand why the person who is the matrix would take the substance in the movie. What would they get out of it? It feels like a nonsensical choice. While some parts of the movie were well executed, most of it felt derivative, like they were lifted from other films. It’s the kind of movie you’d expect if you asked an AI to write one—not that an AI actually could, but it gives off that vibe. The plot holes and lack of common sense in the story made it impossible for me to connect with the characters. I'm torn between giving it a 4 or a 5 out of 10.

RG9400

8/10

A fascinating movie in two parts. The movie starts out as commentary on female beauty standards and the drive for relevance and fame as female stars age and become older. It's a premise covered in a lot of famous movies, and this movie isn't exactly subtle with its messaging. Almost every scene and plot device is crafted to drive that message home. From the frenetic score, the claustrophobic framing and close-ups, and the off-the-walls acting from Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley, the stylish movie remains engaging even if this section feels a bit overlong. Even though the themes have been covered before and the movie's messaging is very direct, I didn't mind because the premise is unique and the message hasn't exactly been learned by Hollywood or society still. Then the movie drastically shifts. It stops trying to focus on themes and instead just becomes a pulpy, crazy ride that left the audience in shock. For a movie that was clearly so intent on its messaging to suddenly drop it completely is definitely intentional, and a contradiction that I can't decide is one I like or do not like. Certainly, the movie will alienate a lot of people because of that last act, though I am surprised by the amount of buzz it is getting just from initial previews outside of the film circuit. For me, it definitely kept me glued to the screen even if it feels like a completely different movie almost. I just wish it sort of had a bit more "substance" (excuse the pun) in that section as well. One last note. For a movie with such an obvious feminist lens, there is certainly a lot of objectification of its female stars, especially Margaret Qualley. Obviously, it's purposeful, but I've seen some female viewers find that it appeals specifically to a male perspective moreso than a female one. I obviously cannot comment on that, just that the excessiveness felt true to the movie's styles and themes, meaning I personally did not find it exploitative. This movie is really well-made and well-acted, a Cronenberg-esque marvel with an important message at its heart. It will not work for most people, but it did for me.

QuarkKent

0/10

_The Substance_ swings hard for shock value but lands in a muddled heap. The film’s body‑horror excess quickly turns repetitive, and the social commentary feels so surface-level that it smothers any nuance the story might have had. Despite a committed lead performance, the pacing is sluggish, the tone wobbles between satire and chaos, and the final act spirals into noise rather than meaning. It’s a visually bold misfire that never finds a coherent point.

kodkuce

0/10

I’m into strange films, psychological elements, dramas, and gore, but this movie is complete garbage.

FerdinandoLM

0/10

Grotesque, diving into the pitfalls of progress and the human obsession with perfection. Visually, it’s remarkable — its uncanny imagery often leaves you questioning whether you’re thrilled or disturbed. However, while it’s bold and at times deeply unsettling, it doesn’t quite achieve that elusive "perfectly balanced (as all things should be, cit.)" quality. The narrative occasionally stumbles, with gaps that detract from its overall impact. It’s thought-provoking but not groundbreaking — a film that’s above average, yet just shy of excellence. And I like to imagine that the director somehow died during the making of the movie and was secretly replaced by Yoshihiro Nishimura.