Since seeing it on the big screen, I’ve not been able to get The Substance out of my mind. Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley are phenomenal in this brightly saturated, satirical body horror from the mind of Carolie Fargeat. Whether you enjoyed the gore, the underlying messages, the gorgeous prop design or all the above, below are a few films that have since come to mind that are totally worth the watch if you want more like The Substance.
Hoard
Step into Maria’s world, twisted with squirming trauma. It’s a disgustingly gorgeous debut feature from Luna Carmoonwhich will freak you out and leave you craving more.
Men
I watched this in an empty cinema, and it was the most haunting experience. Everyday nightmares come to life through visceral fear, even in broad daylight.
Kinds of Kindness
I feel like I’m still processing this film from seeing it in the cinema. It highlights three stories, with full frontal insanity and nudity. Weirdly wonderful and stylised.
X
This movie from the trilogy is in this list due to the prosthetics and character movement. It’s incredible to me when actors show their range in just one film, and Mia Goth brings this element of the world to life, just like Moore.
Pleasure
Bella Cherry arrives in LA with dreams of becoming an adult film star. But fame won’t come easy against the contrasting backdrops of neon parties and harsh realities.
American Psycho
A classic for gore and business, it showcases the cutthroat side of an overpowering industry and the monsters it creates.
Saint Maud
One of my favourite films, this debut from Rose Glass uses obsession, religion, and a need to save to show the good and bad in people. It highlights how our minds can become so focused and the troubles that then follow.