Weirdest Movie of the Year Just Came Out

Summary

The reviewer enthusiastically discusses *The Substance*, labeling it the weirdest film of the year in a positive light. Centered on a woman struggling with aging and beauty standards, the film offers a unique take on body horror, featuring grotesque transformations and dark humor. While some viewers may find it off-putting due to its graphic content and nudity, the self-aware and campy execution makes it a standout. The reviewer draws parallels to their own short story about immortality, appreciating the creativity despite some heavy-handed exposition. Overall, they recommend embracing the film's eccentricity for an enjoyable viewing experience.

Takeaways

• 😀 *The Substance* is described as the weirdest film of the year, praised for its unique approach to body horror.
• 🤔 The film's premise revolves around a woman struggling with aging and the societal beauty standards she once embodied as a TV star.
• 🌟 The reviewer emphasizes the film's self-awareness and campiness, highlighting its refreshing take on familiar themes.
• 💉 The film includes significant body horror elements, which are effectively executed, drawing comparisons to David Cronenberg's work.
• 👀 A notable aspect of the film is its extensive use of nudity, which some viewers may find excessive but serves a narrative purpose.
• 🔍 The cinematography uses extreme close-ups to create a sense of discomfort and immersion in the film's grotesque world.
• 😬 The film's reception is polarized, with around 60% of viewers loving it while 40% find it repulsive.
• 😂 Dennis Quaid's performance as a sleazy Hollywood character is highlighted as a humorous yet unsettling aspect of the film.
• 📉 Some narrative moments feel over-explained, which may detract from the overall subtlety of the storytelling.
• 🎉 The reviewer concludes that *The Substance* is a must-watch for those open to its peculiar charm, as it offers a bold and entertaining cinematic experience.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the movie 'The Substance'?

The main theme revolves around the pursuit of perfection and unrealistic beauty standards, exploring how these ideals affect individuals, particularly women as they age.

How did the reviewer describe their initial expectations of the film?

The reviewer had high expectations due to the buzz and recommendations they received, particularly regarding its unique take on body horror.

What elements of the film did the reviewer appreciate?

The reviewer appreciated the film's self-awareness, campiness, and its ability to evoke strong reactions, both positive and negative, from the audience.

What was a significant aspect of the film that some viewers found off-putting?

A significant aspect that some viewers found off-putting was the frequent nudity, which amounted to about 20% of the film, with close-ups that some might consider excessive.

How did the reviewer compare 'The Substance' to traditional body horror films?

The reviewer noted that unlike many modern body horror films that rely on cheap CGI effects, 'The Substance' utilized practical effects and creative designs to enhance its horror elements.

What connection did the reviewer make between 'The Substance' and their own work?

The reviewer drew a connection between 'The Substance' and a short story they wrote years ago, where a woman achieves immortality by birthing a younger clone of herself, which is a central concept in the film.

How did Dennis Quaid's character contribute to the film's tone?

Dennis Quaid's character, a sleazy Hollywood figure, embodied the campy tone of the film with exaggerated mannerisms and behaviors, enhancing its self-aware humor.

What was the audience's reaction during key moments of the film?

The audience had audible reactions, with some members recoiling or expressing discomfort during particularly grotesque scenes, indicating that the film effectively elicited emotional responses.

What criticism did the reviewer have regarding the film's storytelling?

The reviewer criticized moments where the film over-explained plot points, taking away subtlety and trust in the audience's ability to understand the story without excessive exposition.

In what way did the reviewer describe the film as refreshing?

The reviewer described the film as refreshing because it tackled familiar themes in innovative ways, combining horror, humor, and camp while maintaining a self-aware approach.