‘The Substance’ is No More Than The Sum of Its Grotesque Parts

Category: Film Review

Coralie Fargeat's film 'The Substance' follows Elisabeth Sparkle, a 50-year-old woman who takes a black market drug to regain her youth, leading to a twisted body-swapping scenario with her youthful counterpart, Sue. The film explores themes of aging and beauty obsession, showcasing a powerful performance by Demi Moore amidst a visceral horror narrative that critiques societal pressures on women.

Keywords: The Substance, Coralie Fargeat, Demi Moore

Source: Fordham Observer

Update At: 1/24/2025

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It Ends with Us Review

Colleen Hoover's novel 'It Ends with Us' has been adapted into a film directed by Justin Baldoni, featuring Blake Lively as Lily Bloom. The film successfully tackles complex themes with maturity and humor, showcasing relatable characters and strong performances. The screenplay by Christy Hall balances self-deprecation and fan service, while the film's stylish direction and emotional depth elevate the story beyond its source material.

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Blake Lively's romantic drama 'It Ends with Us', based on Colleen Hoover's bestseller, explores themes of self-acceptance and love through the story of a florist dealing with her past and present relationships. The film, which features a strong marketing tie-in with Taylor Swift, balances emotional depth with a glossy presentation, aiming to resonate with both female audiences and fans of the source material.

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Following its New York premiere, 'It Ends With Us' received mixed reviews from critics, highlighting its handling of domestic violence and character development. While some praised its emotional depth and performances, others criticized its narrative execution and reliance on melodrama. The film, based on Colleen Hoover's novel, features Blake Lively and explores themes of trauma and self-acceptance amidst a romantic storyline.

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Movie Review: 'It Ends With Us' with Blake Lively tackles big issues but slips into soap opera

The film adaptation of Colleen Hoover's novel 'It Ends With Us' struggles to balance themes of domestic violence with romantic comedy elements. While it features a complicated love triangle and strong performances, particularly from Justin Baldoni, the film suffers from poor pacing, clunky dialogue, and a lack of depth in addressing serious issues. The movie's portrayal of wealth contrasts sharply with its themes, and despite its flaws, it highlights the lasting effects of domestic violence.

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‘It Ends with Us’ Review: Blake Lively Stars in a Romantic Soap Opera That Turns Dark and Stays Convincing

Soap operas, often dismissed as trivial, have deep narratives that resonate with women's experiences. 'It Ends with Us,' based on Colleen Hoover's novel, explores complex themes of love and personal growth through the story of Lily Bloom, who navigates her relationships with Ryle Kincaid and her past love, Atlas. The film highlights the emotional depth and unexpected twists typical of soap operas, ultimately portraying a journey of self-discovery and the challenges of love.

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It Ends with Us review: Plenty of meet-cute romance, but don’t mistake this Colleen Hoover adaptation for a romcom

Mindy Kaling's perspective on romantic comedies as a unique genre is reflected in Justin Baldoni's adaptation of Colleen Hoover's 'It Ends With Us'. The film, featuring Blake Lively as Lily Boom, intertwines romance with a serious narrative on domestic violence, showcasing the contrast between glamorous life and harsh realities. Despite its romcom aesthetics, the film delves into deeper themes of gaslighting and trauma, appealing to both fans of the book and new audiences.

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It Ends with Us movie review & film summary (2024) | Roger Ebert

Lily, a florist shop owner, navigates a tumultuous relationship with Ryle, who exhibits toxic jealousy and emotional manipulation. Interwoven are flashbacks of her first love, Atlas, who provides her with support amidst her family's abuse. The film struggles to balance the contrasting tones of innocence and volatility in these relationships.

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‘It Ends with Us’ Review: Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni’s Solid Colleen Hoover Drama Tackles Tricky Subject Matter

Justin Baldoni’s film 'It Ends with Us' adapts Colleen Hoover's bestseller, exploring themes of love, trauma, and domestic abuse through the story of Lily Bloom and Ryle Kincaid. The film sensitively handles its subject matter but sacrifices narrative depth. It features strong performances, particularly from Blake Lively and Baldoni, and aims to highlight the patterns of abuse while fostering empathy among viewers.

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The film adaptation of 'It Ends With Us' features Lily Blossom Bloom, a flower shop owner, caught in a love triangle between her wealthy boyfriend Ryle and her childhood crush Atlas. Directed by Justin Baldoni, the film explores themes of love, trauma, and the complexities of relationships, while balancing glossy fantasy with emotional depth. Lively delivers a strong performance as Lily, navigating her past and present amidst a backdrop of vibrant visuals and poignant moments.

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