Have you ever dreamed of a better version of yourself? That one day you would suddenly wake up, and be a perfect version of yourself with no flaws in sight? What if I told you that you can have that dream come true right this moment? All it takes is a single, daring injection of a forbidden experimental drug — just a tiny dose to unlock the extraordinary.

That’s the main premise of the provocative body horror film, The Substance, directed by Coralie Fargeat, starring Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley. The Substance follows the story of Elizabeth Sparkle, an aging actress grappling with her fading beauty and the insecurities it brings. As her life spirals into a chasm of despair, a flicker of hope emerges — the Substance, a groundbreaking experimental drug promising to unlock the ultimate version of oneself. The only catch? It is a gift meant to be shared. One week as the flawless ideal, one week as the decaying truth. Yet, they remain inseparably entwined — two faces of the same existence.

This film beautifully displays the struggle of body image that everybody can relate to. How you look can determine your self-worth and more. The film is not afraid to show the harsher sides of this universally internalized narrative and the strain that self-image can have on a person.

Throughout the film, there’s a striking resemblance to fairy tales, with much of the story revolving around the central characters. The narrative feels deliberately disconnected from the broader world, a choice that enhances the film's ability to convey its themes with greater focus and impact. The film also boldly exposes the raw and unfiltered side of Elizabeth Sparkle, featuring scenes of full nudity that highlight her vulnerability whilst mirroring the deep sense of insecurity and ugliness she grapples with throughout the story.

One of my favorite aspects of the film is its visceral body horror and the shock value it brings, capturing the raw, unsettling reality of altering oneself to meet modern beauty standards. However, this intensity might be overwhelming for casual viewers, with many likely to stop watching within the first 20 minutes. Yet, those who push through will uncover what might just be the best movie of the year.