The classification of ‘The Substance’, a horror film featuring Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley, has stirred debate as it qualifies as a comedy for the Golden Globe Awards. This decision is particularly noteworthy given that the Golden Globes feature distinct categories for dramas and comedies or musicals.
As fans learned about the film’s submission in the comedy category, opinions began to surface. Directed by Coralie Fargeat, ‘The Substance’ is a gruesome tale that centres on Hollywood star Elisabeth Sparkle, played by Moore. In a twist of fate, she takes a mysterious black-market drug, resulting in the emergence of a “better” version of herself, Sue, portrayed by Qualley.
Image Courtesy: GoldDerby
The film also stars Dennis Quaid as a lascivious TV executive, blending grotesque body horror with satirical commentary on society’s obsession with youth. Reactions from fans have been mixed. One user reflected on the film’s genre, stating, “I thought of it more as a drama, but I guess it can be considered a dark comedy, considering the subject matter.”
This suggests that the film’s themes may lend themselves to multiple interpretations, though some feel strongly that it belongs in the drama category. Conversely, others have voiced their disagreement. A fan expressed frustration, stating, “Nothing about this film says comedy,” while another fan insisted, “The Substance is a drama.”
They lamented the trend of the musical or comedy category becoming a catch-all for films that don’t fit neatly into other classifications. However, some fans defended the film’s classification as a comedy. Reddit user shrimptini remarked, “I honestly can’t believe anyone would call this anything other than a comedy, especially considering the third act.”
The film’s climactic scenes, which involve a grotesquely misshapen monster version of the characters, a live televised New Year’s Eve show, and fountains of bright-red blood, certainly push the boundaries of conventional horror.
-Sushmita Sarkar