Reviews

Directed by: Coralie Fargeat Starring: Demi Moore, Dennis Quaid, Margaret Qualley Anticipation: Body horror with a Hollywood twist? Count me in! Enjoyment: Places the responsibility for unattainable beauty standards squarely on women. In Retrospect: A bitter, unkind film that offers little in terms of originality. Coralie Fargeat’s The Substance positions itself as a satire on Hollywood’s unrealistic beauty standards for women, yet ultimately devolves into a harsh and unappealing indictment of those who engage with the industry. It’s well-known that women face far stricter expectations than men—this is particularly true in Hollywood, where aging, weight gain, or failing to meet narrow beauty ideals can lead to marginalization. Many films have explored this theme—Sunset Boulevard, All About Eve, Black Swan, Inland Empire, and The Neon Demon, among others. With so many existing works on this topic, filmmakers must present a unique angle to make an impact. To her credit, Fargeat introduces a compelling premise: Elisabeth Sparkle (Demi Moore), an aging celebrity fitness instructor, decides to undergo a mysterious medical procedure after losing her job due to her age. This procedure, known as The Substance, promises to create “a better version of yourself.” After receiving a dubious package, Elisabeth injects herself with a strange yellow liquid, and from an incision on her back emerges “Sue” (Margaret Qualley). The duo is bound by strict rules: only one can be awake at a time while the other lies incapacitated on the bathroom floor, dependent on a feeding tube. To maintain the balance of their shared existence, Sue must regularly inject herself with Elisabeth’s spinal fluid. Though they are technically one entity, their thoughts and emotions remain separate. Fargeat’s cinematography mirrors her earlier work in Revenge, featuring lingering close-ups of Qualley’s scantily clad body. The camera’s gaze is almost voyeuristic, emphasizing Sue’s beauty in a film that critiques the industry’s obsession with appearance. If Fargeat aims to involve the audience in this critique, she ironically mirrors horror’s traditional exploitation of women’s bodies instead of subverting it. Moore delivers a performance that leans towards the theatrical, while Qualley embodies a hollow, narcissistic character reminiscent of Patrick Bateman. Unfortunately, we learn very little about either character beyond surface-level traits, and the generic backdrop offers no depth. This lack of specificity renders it difficult to feel invested in their struggles. By rehashing well-trodden discussions about Hollywood’s fixation on youth and beauty, The Substance becomes a lifeless imitation of the very industry it critiques, culminating in a third act that feels unearned and excessive. Above all, the film is a somber reminder of society’s disdain for those who defy pop culture’s standards. However, replicating exploitative imagery does not inherently make it subversive. The film’s execution is as superficial as the ideals it aims to criticize. Lacking empathy and failing to provide any resolution, The Substance is ultimately a rehash of tired tropes, leaving viewers with a sense of disillusionment rather than catharsis. In-Depth Analysis Exploration of Themes At its core, The Substance attempts to tackle the societal pressures surrounding beauty, particularly for women in Hollywood. The film opens with a stark illustration of this reality: Elisabeth, once a sought-after figure, finds herself discarded as she ages. This sets the stage for her desperate quest for rejuvenation through the titular procedure. However, instead of offering a nuanced exploration of these themes, the film resorts to familiar tropes and a lack of character depth. Character Dynamics Elisabeth’s relationship with Sue, her surgically created alter ego, is meant to symbolize the internal struggle many women face in the pursuit of beauty. Yet, their interactions feel shallow and one-dimensional. Elisabeth’s desperation and Sue’s detached vanity create a dissonance that the film fails to resolve meaningfully. The lack of character development prevents any genuine emotional investment from the audience, resulting in a narrative that feels hollow. Visual Storytelling Visually, Fargeat’s direction is striking but ultimately contributes to the film’s problematic elements. The camera’s lingering focus on Sue’s body fetishizes the very ideals it seeks to critique. Rather than deconstructing the male gaze, the film appears to capitulate to it, reducing its critique to mere lip service. The choice to emphasize Sue’s physicality while neglecting the emotional and psychological ramifications of their shared existence diminishes the film’s potential impact. Cultural Commentary While the film aims to comment on the superficial nature of Hollywood and its treatment of women, it ends up reinforcing the very standards it seeks to challenge. By centering the narrative around beauty and youth, The Substance inadvertently replicates the cycle of exploitation it critiques. The lack of genuine insight into the characters’ experiences further weakens the film’s commentary, making it feel more like a regurgitation of tired narratives rather than a bold new perspective. Conclusion Ultimately, The Substance struggles to deliver a fresh take on a well-worn subject. Its failure to provide depth, empathy, or a meaningful resolution leaves it feeling like a superficial exercise in self-reflection. In its attempt to critique Hollywood’s obsession with beauty, it inadvertently becomes a part of that very system, offering little more than a bitter reminder of the industry’s relentless pressures. Audiences seeking a thoughtful exploration of these themes may find themselves disappointed, as the film’s execution falls flat, resulting in a lack of catharsis or genuine engagement.

Death in the Gunj is a poignant drama directed by Konkona Sen Sharma, set in the 1970s in a small Indian town. The film follows the story of Shutu, a shy and introspective college student, who travels to his family’s vacation home for a gathering. As the story unfolds, Shutu grapples with feelings of alienation and the complexities of family dynamics. The narrative delves into themes of grief, mental health, and the impacts of trauma. As Shutu navigates interactions with his family and friends, moments of tension reveal underlying conflicts and emotional turmoil. The atmosphere of the film is infused with a sense of impending tragedy, culminating in a haunting exploration of loss and the consequences of neglecting mental well-being. Death in the Gunj is both a character study and a commentary on societal expectations, capturing the fragility of life and the often-overlooked struggles of individuals within familial settings. The film’s evocative cinematography and nuanced performances create a deeply affecting experience that lingers with the viewer long after it ends. Review Exploring the Depths of Emotion in Death in the Gunj Death in the Gunj, directed by Konkona Sen Sharma in her debut, is a slow-burning psychological drama that intricately explores the themes of grief, family dynamics, and mental health. Set against the backdrop of 1970s India, the film immerses viewers in the reclusive town of McCluskiegunj, where an extended family gathers for a seemingly ordinary trip that unravels into a profound exploration of emotional turmoil. A Haunting Narrative At the heart of the film is Shutu (Vikrant Massey), a young man grappling with the recent loss of his father and the pressures of societal expectations. The film’s narrative unfolds at a measured pace, allowing viewers to witness Shutu’s fragile psyche as he navigates the indifference and casual cruelty of his family members, particularly his arrogant cousin Nandu (Gulshan Devaiah). As these interactions chip away at his self-esteem, the film poignantly captures Shutu’s vulnerability and the mounting sense of isolation that defines his experience. Character Study and Direction Konkona Sen Sharma’s direction is masterful in its subtlety, allowing the microaggressions and complex family tensions to resonate deeply. Rather than resorting to heavy-handed melodrama, she crafts a delicate character study that emphasizes the impact of entitlement and toxic masculinity. The cinematography by Sirsha Ray enhances the film’s intimate atmosphere, beautifully capturing the haunting charm of McCluskiegunj as it mirrors Shutu’s internal struggles. Themes of Grief and Empathy One of the film’s most striking qualities is its exploration of mental health and the importance of empathy. As Shutu seeks solace amid chaos, the narrative prompts viewers to reflect on the significance of understanding and supporting those grappling with loss and emotional distress. Vikrant Massey’s performance is particularly commendable; his portrayal of Shutu’s pain and yearning for connection is both moving and authentic, making it easy for audiences to empathize with his plight. A Gradual Revelation While some viewers may find the pacing slow, those who invest in the narrative will be rewarded with a rich tapestry of emotion that lingers long after the credits roll. The film’s ending, which may not resonate with everyone, courageously challenges conventional storytelling and leaves viewers pondering life’s complexities and the intricacies of human relationships. Conclusion: A Hidden Gem Death in the Gunj stands as one of the most underrated films in recent Indian cinema. Its exploration of mental health, familial love, and the consequences of indifference resonates with audiences, offering valuable insights into the human experience. With powerful performances, evocative cinematography, and a haunting narrative, this film is a must-watch for those who appreciate thought-provoking cinema. If you’re seeking a film that delves into the depths of emotion and provides a profound commentary on life and relationships, Death in the Gunj deserves a place on your watchlist. Prepare for a journey that is as beautiful as it is heartbreaking—one that invites you to reflect on the often-unseen struggles within ourselves and our families.   IMDB : 7.4 / 10  Rotten Tomatoes : 94% Google Review : 4.2