Guillermo Del Toro Lauds Demi Moore’s Body Horror Film “The Substance,” Holding a 90% RT Score: “Heartfelt, Powerful, and Heartrending”
Renowned for his ability to craft haunting yet deeply emotional narratives, Guillermo del Toro has shared his glowing thoughts on a recent standout in the body horror genre. Recognized as one of contemporary cinema’s most visionary filmmakers, del Toro has earned accolades for seamlessly blending the fantastical with the macabre, as seen in his two-time Academy Award-winning film The Shape of Water (2017). With a career spanning masterpieces like Pan’s Labyrinth, Crimson Peak, and Nightmare Alley, del Toro often delves into themes of metamorphosis, grief, and surreal beauty, solidifying his reputation as a genre storytelling virtuoso.
Beyond his own work, del Toro is a staunch advocate for diverse voices in filmmaking, particularly championing female directors in horror and fantasy. He has frequently emphasized the value of female perspectives in reimagining genres historically dominated by male narratives. Through efforts such as collaborating with The Babadook director Jennifer Kent for Cabinet of Curiosities, del Toro has created opportunities for women to explore bold, creative visions. His commitment to amplifying diverse voices has positioned him as a pivotal figure in reshaping the boundaries of genre cinema.
Guillermo Del Toro’s High Praise for The Substance
Acknowledging Coralie Fargeat’s Transformative Contribution to Genre Filmmaking
Del Toro has recently turned his attention to The Substance, a body horror feature starring Demi Moore. In the film, Moore plays Elisabeth Sparkle, a famous aerobics show host whose dismissal on her 50th birthday leads her to obsess over a mysterious substance that promises youth and vitality. The movie has grossed over $56 million and boasts a 90% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, marking it as one of 2024’s standout horror films.
During a recent Q&A event hosted by MUBI, del Toro joined director Coralie Fargeat to discuss the film. He described The Substance as “heartfelt, powerful, and heartrending,” drawing comparisons to the cult classic Death Becomes Her. However, del Toro highlighted the darker and more emotionally charged approach taken by Fargeat in exploring similar themes of transformation and identity:
“Your films [The Substance and 2017’s Revenge] feel like expulsions—deeply personal fairy tales that plunge into darkness. When a male director handles a story like this, the tone often differs—not better or worse, just distinct. For example, in Death Becomes Her, the characters lean toward the ridiculous. Here, however, they are poignant, deeply moving, and undeniably tragic.”
Del Toro also underscored the significance of the film’s feminine perspective in exploring themes of empowerment and autonomy. He noted that Fargeat’s direction elevates The Substance from a typical body horror movie into a profoundly personal and universally relatable experience, especially resonant for female audiences. The film exemplifies the rising prominence of female storytellers in genre cinema, further cementing Fargeat’s influence within the field.
Our Perspective on Del Toro’s Endorsement
Guillermo del Toro’s endorsement of The Substance underscores its quality and impact, shining a spotlight on a film that not only redefines the body horror genre but also showcases the power of female voices in storytelling. With Demi Moore’s compelling performance and Coralie Fargeat’s visionary direction, the film transcends conventional horror, offering a nuanced exploration of identity and transformation. By championing such works, del Toro reinforces his dedication to elevating diverse narratives, inspiring audiences to embrace fresh, boundary-pushing stories. His advocacy ensures that genre cinema remains dynamic and ever-evolving.
Supply: MUBI
The Substance: Plot Summary and Production Details
In The Substance, Elisabeth Sparkle—a former aerobics celebrity—turns to a mysterious drug that promises to restore her youth by creating a more beautiful and vibrant version of herself. However, alternating between her original and transformed body leads to horrifying consequences as her alter ego, Sue, begins to unravel her life in a chilling descent into body horror.
- Director: Coralie Fargeat
- Release Date: September 20, 2024
- Studios: Working Title Films, A Good Tale
- Writer: Coralie Fargeat
- Cast:
- Demi Moore as Elisabeth Sparkle
- Margaret Qualley as Sue
- Dennis Quaid as Harvey
- Gore Abrams as Oliver
- Hugo Diego Garcia as Diego
- Tiffany Hofstetter as The Stylist
- Olivier Raynal as The Doctor
- Runtime: 140 minutes
By merging profound themes with visceral horror, The Substance delivers a gripping cinematic experience, reaffirming the importance of diverse voices in reshaping the genre’s landscape.
