After watching and being super impressed with Revenge I knew Coralie Fargeat was going to be a voice in horror that I needed to see more of.

I couldn’t be happier to report that The Substance blew me away like nothing else has since I watched one of my favourites Titane. Coincidentally The Substance fits into the same category, body horror films from french directors that are single handedly keeping the new flesh alive.

I want to keep plot details as vague as possible since I went into this blind and it was an absolute treat. What I will say is The Substance is sharp, sleek, cleaver, and bold. The production design is so clean and futuristic in a way that really helps you believe the technology within the world. The biggest compliment I can give is that every second of The Substance had me feel engaged, whether I was laughing endlessly, slack jawed, disgusted, saddened or puzzled. It really just holds no punches and goes to places you couldn’t imagine.

Demi Moore is a show stealer and gives such a potent and captivating performance. Margaret Qualley is also able to tap into such a great rhythm, they really compliment each other so well. The choice for both of them to take this on being very popular actresses, as well as being at the point they are in their careers feels so important.

I could go on for days about how special the Substance is. But what it comes down to is this being a smart and fascinating film that is exactly to my tastes. So glad I got to catch this at a packed screening at the atlantic film fest, easily my best of the year and has entered my favourites.