*This is a spoiler-free review so feel free to read on!*
“Have you ever dreamt of a better version of yourself?”
The Substance premiered in theaters on September 20th 2024 and is now available to stream on demand (and on MUBI) as of October 31st 2024. The sci-fi body horror film (written and directed by Coralie Fargeat) stars Demi Moore, Margaret Qualley, and Dennis Quaid. It runs for approximately two hours and twenty minutes.
After turning 50, a celebrity fitness instructor is devastated after her boss fires her. Opportunity knocks when a laboratory offers her a new drug that will transform her into a more vibrant version of herself, but it leads to unexpected side effects.
Here is the trailer:
The Substance is a shocking and gruesome watch elevated by a brilliant performance by Demi Moore. Is it worthy of YOUR next watch? Let’s find out…
The Pros:

Demi Moore goes all out in the best way possible!
I heard that she was spectacular in this and she did not disappoint. I was blown away by her performance. This was a very different role for her, but she knocked it out of the park. I think people will be talking about this performance for a long time.
Margaret Qualley did a great job too and is really making a name for herself in the horror genre.

Intriguing satire.
The message behind the film about vanity and the unfair standards women are held to really resonated with me. I thought this was all presented in a clever and unique way. I credit that to the wonderful Coralie Fargeat, who wrote and directed one of my favorite “good for her” films, Revenge, back in 2017. Her risks keep paying off and I can’t wait to see what she creates next.
The Cons:

Extreme body horror.
If that’s your jam, then you will LOVE this film. It was probably the grossest film I’ve ever watched. For me personally, I’m not into this level of body horror. It was uncomfortable and disgusting, but I’m not going to fault this film for going all out here. It just wasn’t for me.
I also thought the film was a touch too long.
So am I in or out?

I’m in!!!
The Substance is a bold and stomach-turning watch that demands and deserves attention.
This film was unlike anything else I’ve seen before, making this an interesting viewing experience overall.
I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on The Substance in the comments section below. Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!
Best,
Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl
This competition is killer…

When former friends, Shay and Adriana team up to participate in a Halloween scavenger hunt with a cash prize, they temporarily put their differences aside to outsmart their opponents. However, they soon start to realize that a dangerous threat is playing their own version of the game, stalking them during each hunt.
Winning is now a necessity as their lives are at stake. As old wounds and memories re-surface, Shay and Adriana attempt to unmask the threat before the night is over, but soon learn that Scream Hunt is not done with them just yet…
My young adult horror thriller is out now! I hope you enjoy!
Scream Hunt is available here!
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