The Substance: reviews

What the critics say average 7.8 from 5 outlets

• 10 The TelegraphTim Robey It's the casting of Moore, though, and her willingness to denude herself at 61 ? emotionally, as well as physically ? that gives The Substance a startling connection with its themes. Not for 30 years has she owned a film with anything like this certitude. Watching her confront the Demi Moore in the mirror, and do it so mercilessly, is extraordinary. Read
• 9.0 SlashfilmChris Evangelista The Substance has an impossible-to-miss message about the struggles of women, especially women on constant display in an industry that thrives on rigid beauty standards. But it's also a delightfully farcical romp; an exhilarating, shocking freak show with an absurdist heart. It's the type of movie you won't forget. Read
• 8.0 VarietyOwen Gleiberman The Substance is the work of a filmmaker with a vision. She's got something primal to say to us. Read
• 7.0 The Hollywood ReporterLovia Gyarkye The most compelling parts of The Substance deal with how social conventions turn women against themselves. A stronger version of the film might have dug into the complexities of that truth, instead of simply arranging itself around it. Read
• 5.0 Chicago Sun-TimesRichard Roeper The satire becomes almost numbingly obvious over the far too long running time of 140 minutes, and with all due appreciation for the strong work by the leads, the horrifically impressive VFX and prosthetics, and a few moments of pitch-black humor, we exit the film feeling more pummeled than enlightened. Read