The reception of The Substance, winner at Cannes, raises sharp questions about why this film seems to struggle to appeal to the audience. Coralie Fargeat’s work, centered on the themes of aging and the perception of the female body, could have resonated with a wide audience. However, its ultra-violent approach and satirical tone have created a distance between the narrative and the spectators, thus questioning the theme addressed.
Why does the script of “The Substance” provoke mixed reviews?
The first critique often mentioned concerns the script of “The Substance”. Although it draws inspiration from a current issue, namely the aging of women in the film industry, its treatment may seem unconvincing. The story of Elisabeth Sparkle (played by Demi Moore), a former Hollywood icon, and her desperate quest to regain youth grabs attention, but it may also give the impression of a forced satire. The film sometimes seems reduced to a mere slaughter fest, leaving no room for a deeper exploration of the suggested themes.
Many critics have pointed out that despite an interesting concept, the film fails to balance horror and reflection. The lack of nuance in the characterization of the characters can also hinder the audience’s emotional engagement. Instead of taking the viewer on a serious exploration, the film may appear as a spectacle, where gratuitous violence overshadows the real stakes at play. This disconnection could explain why some people have difficulty identifying or genuinely investing in the story.
Are the artistic choices of the film appropriate?
The directorial choices of Coralie Fargeat, although often praised for their boldness, do not seem to satisfy all viewers. The artistic direction, marked by a gaunt aesthetic, is perceived by some as a disconnect between intent and execution. This visual aspect, which was meant to reinforce the theme of female cruelty, could in reality detract attention from the story the film seeks to tell. The overabundance of graphic elements and crude irony may indeed give the impression of an atmosphere more geared towards an audience fond of sensationalism rather than those seeking a deeper social critique.
Furthermore, critics note that the film seems to draw from an already over-saturated culture of images, which leads to a sense of déjà vu. References to other works are felt but without adding significant value. Sometimes, this approach may lead the viewer to wonder if “The Substance” is merely recycling existing ideas rather than truly innovating and exploring new narrative avenues.
Why do the actors’ performances fail to convince?
Despite a promising cast, the performances of the actors may seem uneven. Demi Moore, in the lead role, presents an interpretation that, while charged with emotions, remains trapped within the limits of a poorly exploited script. The relationship between Elisabeth and her young rival, played by Margaret Qualley, can be perceived as too stereotypical. Instead of adding depth to the plot, these characters fall into a caricature that only fuels self-hatred. This type of dynamic can create a certain distance for the audience, making it difficult to empathize with the protagonists.
The supporting actors, on the other hand, are often reduced to roles that lack development. As a result, the performances may seem more shaped by the artistic direction than by a genuine willingness to explore the complex emotions the film attempts to convey. This can lead to an impression of superficiality that harms the film’s ability to resonate with the viewer, a dimension that a film tackling such subjects should have fully embraced.
Is dark humor really effective in this context?
Another aspect in question is the use of dark humor. This type of humor is often employed to address delicate subjects, but in “The Substance,” it may fail to establish the appropriate tone. The disconnect between the glaring violence and moments meant to be comedic can leave the viewer in a state of confusion. Such a format may come across as a clumsy attempt to elicit laughter while the film tackles a serious subject, leading some to find the experience disconcerting.
For a work addressing female aging and social pressure, dark humor may ironically dilute the desired emotional impact. Here are a few reasons why this approach may fail:
- It can give the impression of mocking serious subjects without addressing them with the appropriate respect.
- It can dilute important messages by drowning them under layers of sarcasm.
- It can create a tonal conflict that prevents the audience from fully engaging with the story.
Are the disturbing themes well addressed in “The Substance”?
The themes tackled by “The Substance,” such as the quest for youth and societal pressure on the female body, are undeniably relevant. Yet, many viewers feel that the treatment of these issues lacks depth. The film seems to focus more on horrific violence at the expense of a meaningful exploration of the characters’ motivations and the implications of their actions. As a result, while the film attempts to address current issues, it may give the impression of missing its mark.
For these themes to be impactful, they require a more subtle and nuanced reflection. The way the film portrays the rivalry between Elisabeth and Sue, as well as Elisabeth’s desperate quest, may seem unengaging for some. Ultimately, better dramaturgy could have provided a more satisfying journey by exploring the darkness of human nature, while avoiding an overly caricatured approach.
The film The Substance, although a winner at the Cannes Film Festival, seems to struggle to win over the audience due to its controversial representation of female aging. By choosing to explore themes such as the frantic quest for youth through an ironic approach, the film fails to nuance the pain experienced by women in the face of beauty standards imposed by society. This satire, which plays on horror elements, may be perceived as a unilateral critique of the patriarchy, but it sometimes seems to neglect emotion and authenticity, leaving a bitter taste in some viewers.
Moreover, the aesthetic choices of the film, while stylized, may be deemed too far removed from the reality experienced by many women, making identification difficult. Staging elements that focus more on the visual aspect than on human narratives can create a gap between the work and its audience. The expectations raised by the award received at the Festival may thus clash with a disappointment over a treatment considered superficial of the issues raised.
Hello, my name is Christophe, I’m 45 years old and I’m an editor with a passion for cosplay. I love costumes and sharing this passion through my writings.
