From the terrifying to the audacious, here are five body horror movies you might have missed
Chronology
A fading star takes a black-market drug: a cell-replicating substance that temporarily creates a younger, better version of herself. There’s nothing scarier than being human, and these movies fully explore the inhuman ways our bodies can betray us. Ray Liotta was cast in the film in February 2022, but he died in May of this year before he could film his scenes. He was replaced by Dennis Quaid, but Liotta is still mentioned in the director’s “Thank You Notes” during the end credits.
Elisabeth Sparkle: There was minor abuse of Substance
The mirror in the restroom appears intact after being smashed multiple times during the fight scene. Special thanks in the end credits go to the numerous extras in the theater scene who were covered in blood. Appears in The 7PM Project: Episode dated September 20, 2024 (2024). Pump It UpWritten by Michael Hall, Leonardo StellaPerformed by Earl GregoryProduced by Julien Deguines.
The Substance: A shocking, disgusting, terrifying satirical take on celebrity culture, misogyny, and the cult of youth
Elisabeth Sparkle (Demi Moore) used to be a huge Hollywood star, but she’s 50 and has a home workout show that’s a bit outdated, and a terrible producer, Harvey (Dennis Quaid), decides she needs a younger star. After a car accident, Elisabeth is given information about a new, unofficial procedure called The Substance, where a younger self can emerge from your body in the privacy of your apartment. Now there are two of them, but in a way they’re still one, and they have to switch places every seven days. Sue (Margaret Qualley) has natural charm and girlish beauty, and gets Elisabeth’s old job at an open casting call.
But she still has to leave the studio every two weeks to let Elisabeth come back to life
Sue is a star now, but there’s a temptation to extend her week… No spoilers, more is revealed in the trailer on the same page. This breaking of the Faustian pact has consequences, the suspension of disbelief about the Substance used and the processes involved comes easily. The film’s flaws (yes, it has a few) lie in the fact that it’s maybe 10 minutes too long and has a completely over the top grand guignol ending sequence, but even that has its merits as it pays homage to many horror and sci-fi films. Really amazing make-up and prosthetics are used well, you’ll be convinced that Sue is emerging from Elisabeth and that other body changes have taken place.
Co-produced, written and directed by Coralie Fargeat
Amazing acting by Moore, Qualley and Quaid along with visual metaphorical references to what’s going on and close-ups used to deadly effect. This isn’t a film for the faint of heart or the faint of heart, but it’s a great body horror/dark comedy/satire. 8/10.. Check out our list of exciting new films from this year’s film festivals including Venice, TIFF, New York Film Festival and more.