Featured Image Credit: MUBI
Topics: TV And Film, Celebrity
Mia Williams
Viewers have been warned about the 'best film' of the year, after one claimed the 'body horror' went 'too far'.
A new, grotesquely fascinating horror has landed in cinemas.
The feminist film is about ageism and unrealistic beauty standards, with Demi Moore in the lead role.
She plays Elisabeth Sparkle, a TV star in her 50s who goes to great lengths to create a perfect version of herself, using an experimental drug called The Substance.
Let's just say there are some unexpected side effects.
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It seems as though The Substance has a captivating storyline to offer, and it's had many cinemagoers reaching for the vomit bucket, especially as it heads towards a truly disgusting finale.
Talking to BBC News about the role, Moore said: "It was a completely unique, out-of-the-box script, you could tell it was visually stimulating.
"And at the same time, we had no idea how it would end up, which made it even more risky and juicy."
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In order to play the role, she opened up about having to embrace a less-glamourous version of herself.
She added: "Part of what made it interesting was going to such a raw, vulnerable place, to really kind of peel away.
"And it was quite liberating in many respects."
The film - which also stars Margaret Qualley - was described by the Telegraph's Tim Robey as 'by turns hilarious, affecting and jaw-droppingly grotesque'.
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Rolling Stone's Anna Smith described the film as 'daring the viewer to keep looking rather than hide, wretch or even vomit – all reactions are entirely feasible'.
Fans who have watched the horror are in complete disbelief at what they witnessed, with one claiming it 'changed' their life.
One person on X said: "The Substance is one of the best films of the year.
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"Insane yet beautifully whacky.
"Demi Moore delivers a show stopping performance, while Margaret Qualley steals every scene she’s in."
Alongside the praise fans have been issued a warning - they best strap in for the final 20 minutes.
Another said: "Once you think The Substance has gone too far, it keeps going and that happens like 10 times in the third act alone."
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A third added: "The Substance is a visceral ride of a movie and the last 20 minutes will melt your face off.
"But the best, most haunting scene is just Demi Moore standing in front of a mirror.
"Fearless, terrific work from her - if there’s any justice she’ll be in the Oscar race."
The Substance is out in UK cinemas now.