Watch test = 1 hr

watch test = 70 min

watch test = 40 min

This film explored all the pains— societal, generational, interpersonal, and personal— while it made me laugh, cringe, and ultimately care for two deeply flawed cousins and hope for their healing.

This film somehow continues get better with each screening, which is saying something considering it’s already one of my top three all-time favorite films.

During this screening, I was struck by how incredible Olivia Williams’ performance is. The ease with which she moves through several different deeply felt emotions in a sixty second stretch during Max’s fake bike accident seduction attempt is breathtaking!

watch test - 65m

watch test - 30m

The Substance is a tour of cinematic force. The visuals and sound constantly shift from stunning, to overwhelming, to wildly disgusting. But never once do they feel like they’re not driving the narrative forward with incredible force.

Highly recommend seeing this on the biggest screen and best sound system you (or a wealthy friend or family member) can afford.

It would be bonkers to see this in IMAX (hint, hint IMAX Corp)!

watch test = 45 minutes

I would totally eat up 2-3 seasons of this as a streaming series. It does have strong echoes of Aaron Sorkin’s Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, but it’s much more frenetic and gritty which definitely feels more true to the spirit of NYC and the 70s. Also, how in the world did Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip get cancelled after one season?!

watch test = 15 minutes

watch test = 1 hour