Directed by Coralie Fargeat, 'The Substance' stars Demi Moore, Margaret Qualley and Dennis Quaid in a scathing body horror satire. The story follows a washed-up celebrity (Moore) who takes a black-market drug in hopes of a younger version of herself, but with shocking side effects.
Fargeat's sharp commentary on our obsession with youth takes center stage, with plenty of over-the-top moments, making it both entertaining and disturbing.

• Demi Moore's outstanding performance: Though the entire cast is strong, Moore stands out not only for her acting, but also for the real-life parallels to her own experiences with public scrutiny of her appearance. It's hard not to see her character as both a critique and a mirror of Hollywood's treatment of aging actresses.

• The satire is brutal and not subtle but effective: Fargeat uses an exaggerated, almost absurd level of satire to criticize impossible beauty standards and the pressure on women to remain youthful. It feels heavy-handed, but that's part of its charm. The audience is made to feel as uncomfortable as the characters themselves.

• Practical effects steal the show: The movie makes excellent use of practical effects to depict the horrific changes caused by the drug. These effects, combined with the performances, drive home the physical and emotional horror of the story. It's a grotesque yet mesmerizing visual experience.

'The Substance' may not be subtle, but it's a bold, necessary commentary on our complicity in creating - and then discarding - those we put on pedestals.

With standout performances, especially from Moore, incredible effects and a unique plot device, this movie deserves your attention.

If you can handle the grossness with your social commentary, 'The Substance' is well worth seeing.