The Substance changes the image of body horror

The Substance is a visually astonishing new wave of body horror.

The story follows an aging actress (Demi Moore) who is lured by a new treatment that allows her to co-exist with a "better version" of herself (Margaret Qualley).

While one is active, the other is comatose and fed intravenously.

The two must switch places every 7 days, or else face consequences.

It's a loud and emphatic statement from writer/director Coralie Fargeat (2017's Revenge).

The constant use of extreme closeups shows us both the flawless glamour of Qualley and the absolute grotesqueness of everything else in this dirty version of Los Angeles.

The production is a truly bizarre film that seemingly takes place in a modern world with smartphones, but also one where television aerobics are still a hot ticket.

The David Cronenberg influence is obvious, and it is a true homage to the body horror master sure to make you squirm.

But during the third act, Fargeat fearlessly flips the film on its head and makes some bold moves that will make or break it for most viewers.

Both actresses are forced to bare it all on screen, and it is a sexy film until it mutates into a deliciously disgusting nightmare.

8.5 out of 10