The 583rd film I have seen in theaters…

Spoilers below

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Elisabeth Sparkle is a Jane Fonda type star who turns 50. Her lecherous production executive cancels her show, wanting a younger, hotter, star for the network’s fitness program. Despondent, Elisabeth receives an invitation to buy “The substance”, an injectable drug that will allow you to spawn a younger, “perfect” version of yourself (quite literally spawn from your flesh). The catch is that each body can only function for 7 days at a time. At the end of the period, you switch back to the other self. What happens when “new you” wants to stay active longer than 7 days….?

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This cast is fantastic. Our leads are Demi Moore as Elisabeth and Margaret Qualley as Sue. They are calling this Moore’s comeback role and it honestly should be. She was remarkable here, possibly her finest work. The vulnerability, the rage, despair; this was a terrific performance. Equally up to the task is Qualley, who continues to impress me after Drive Away Dolls. Our supporting actor is Dennis Quaid, turning in a slimy, sleazy turn as Harvey, the appropriately named executive. His shrimp eating scene is superb.

I’m not even sure where to begin with this one.

It is a feminist film. It examines the “Hollywood” ideal body image, and how people react to it. It deals with aging, and how we cope with the loss of youth. It is a commentary on the quick fixes, like Ozempic, that people turn to as they try to fix those body issues. In short, it is a remarkably deep film.

It is one of the gnarliest body horror films I’ve seen in YEARS. The special effects here, utilizing everything from prosthetic make up, to costumes, to full CGI, create some of the most grotesque and disturbing imagery ever committed to screen.

It is an amazingly well shot film. The cinematography sucks you in and never lets you go. The editing is even better, taking those evocative images and bringing them to their full potential. The SOUND! My god the sound here is squishy and perfect.

It is a fantastically written and directed movie. Every time I thought the story had reached the conclusion, it went back to the well and progressed to a more ludicrous and gory level. After 5 such moments, it finally concludes in possibly the most poetic rumination on “hollywood stardom” I have ever seen. The person responsible for this is Coralie Fargeat, a French filmmaker. This is her second film. I am making a point to watch her first film, Revenge, as soon as I can. This is an artist with a true voice.

It is movie is 100% going to bomb at the box office, but is a true cult classic. This is one that people will be talking about for decades. The acting is top notch. The script is sharp. The production overall is fantastic. I was not kidding earlier. This very well may be the best film of the year, possibly of the half decade.

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10/10

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