Actress Demi Moore has never been one to shy away from being provocative. Coming off her huge success in the 1990 film GHOST where she became, albeit for a short time, America’s Sweetheart, the actress, author, activist and philanthropist decided to pose heavily pregnant and tastefully nude for the cover of Vanity Fair magazine just one year later. Remembering back to that time, I think there was more public anger at seeing a nude pregnant woman than there was at seeing a nude woman. Not to be deterred, Moore then danced nude in the 1996 film STRIPTEASE, a role that was widely panned by both critics and audiences. In 1997, she shaved her hair off for her role in the film G. I. JANE. Although that film didn’t do much her career either, I’d say it established her as a fearless actor. Today we wouldn’t think twice about seeing a bald woman but back then that was a huge deal. Now, at age 61, Moore is pushing the envelope again baring all in the body horror satire THE SUBSTANCE.

Actress Elisabeth Sparkle (Moore) has it all — an Academy Award, a star on Hollywood Boulevard and her own popular aerobic exercise show on TV. That all changes in a moment when Harvey, the show’s producer (Dennis Quaid, FAR FROM HEAVEN), tells her that he’s replacing her with a younger actress. While driving home from the studio, Elisabeth becomes distracted and gets into a car accident. At the hospital, a young male nurse gives her a thumb drive advertising The Substance, a serum that generates a “younger, more beautiful, more perfect” counterpart. Elisabeth decides to call the number given and she’s told to go to a nondescript warehouse where she can pick up her starter kit. Back at home, she follows the instructions and injects herself with the serum. A younger version of Elisabeth emerges and calls herself Sue (Margaret Qualley, POOR THINGS). As Sue begins to enjoy her life and sudden fame that comes from taking over Elisabeth’s aerobics show, the women compete for dominance. It doesn’t go well.

THE SUBSTANCE may just be the film that finally lands Moore an Oscar nomination. Both she and the film are brilliant. In just her second feature film, writer-director, producer and co-editor, Coralie Fargeat (REVENGE) knocks it out of the park, delivering a no-holds-barred takedown of ageism in Hollywood and fading celebrity. Behind the camera, Fargeat is wickedly blunt with plenty of closeup shots using a fisheye lens, particularly of Harvey, who is as slimy as his infamous Hollywood namesake. Deftly balancing the story’s satirical elements with the horrific, she also pays homage to some of Hollywood’s classic horror films such as THE FLY, THE SHINING and CARRIE with her use of colour and subtle imagery. The squeamish may want to turn their eyes away at times but the story and the performances all around will keep them glued to the screen. It’s not surprising that the film, which premiered last May at the Cannes Film Festival, won the Best Screenplay award.

THE SUBSTANCE opened in Hong Kong yesterday (October 10th). It is easily one of the best films I’ve seen this year. Definitely go see it.

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