“Substance,” starring Demi Moore, is a cinematic exploration that beckons our attention to the intricate and often harrowing journey of aging as a woman in a beauty-obsessed society. Directed with an acute sense of psychological tension, it strikes many chords—particularly for those who have navigated the turbulent waters of self-worth, superficiality, and societal expectations.
The film centers on Demi Moore’s character, an aging beauty grappling with the relentless passage of time. As someone who has experienced the glorified pedestal of “perfection,” Moore’s character finds herself desperate to reclaim her youth. This mirrors my experiences as a former fashion model, where beauty was admired and commodified. Substance magnificently encapsulates this existential craving, injecting a biohacking subplot that resonates deeply with my three-decades-long engagement in practice.
Moore’s character plunges into a rabbit hole, much like Alice, but instead of Wonderland, she finds herself in the unnerving realm of an experimental substance. Her journey is unlike many—seeking protocols and rituals to maintain a semblance of youth and beauty. This specific element of the storyline rings true to my endeavors in biohacking, where I’ve often flirted with avant-garde methods to optimize my life, sometimes at the fringes of societal acceptance.
The palpable fear that engulfs Moore’s character upon realizing the substance’s irreversible impact serves as a gut-wrenching metaphor for the loss of control. This theme echoes strongly in the sobriety community. The movie does an exquisite job of portraying the terror and regret that follow such irreversible decisions. Here, the film’s emotional weight is profoundly felt, articulating the internal battles many women face.
One particularly poignant moment is when Moore’s character is on the brink of a date but is paralyzed by fear and insecurity—a stark reminder of fear’s grip on us. This scenario is starkly reminiscent of the paralysis induced by addiction—how it seizes and manipulates, leaving one immobilized. It’s a beautifully crafted scene that underscores the movie’s keen psychological insights.
Yet the film’s portrayal of the younger version of Moore’s character, vibrant and seductive, juxtaposed against her older, discarded self, is an alarming but accurate commentary on our cultural dynamics. Youth is often deemed currency, while aging becomes synonymous with obsolescence—an ugly truth meticulously rendered in the film.
However, “Substance” is not without its flaws. The film’s denouement, a gruesome and overly dramatic crescendo, hammers home its message with perhaps too much force. While it underscores the bleak reality many women face, this ending might have benefitted from a subtler touch, allowing the viewer more space for personal reflection. For this reason, I award the film 3 out of 5 Sobees for its conclusion.
The Sobees Movie Night Score: 3 out of 5
In conclusion, “Substance” is a jarring but necessary reflection on aging, identity, and societal pressures. I recommend it, particularly to women, who may find echoes of their experiences in this narrative. From my perspective as a woman and a mother deeply entrenched in recovery and wellness, this film serves as a cautionary reminder of our identities’ complex layers. Despite its somewhat heavy-handed conclusion, it is a significant piece that warrants viewing, discussion, and introspection.
Sober Curator Pop Culture Fun Facts: Demi Moore has been sober since 2012 after seeking treatment for substance use disorder. Dennis Quaid is also sober and talks openly about his addiction online. Meanwhile, actress Margaret Qualley admits to getting high and drinking tequila to “cope” with filming the film Substance. (Read more on that here.)
Substance Official Trailer
Demi Moore Interview w/ Seth Meyers
Demi Moore Gets Candid About “Breaking the Cycle of Addiction”
Dennis Quaid on Addiction, Rehab, and Recovery
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