The Substance (2024) – A grotesque takedown of our obsession with youth

Movie Title

Description:

Before I even had the chance to press play, Infinity Pool was already sitting in my inbox—courtesy of Marie, Olivia, and Tom from our “Send Your Recommendations” section. So first off, thank you for the nudge! Because what a strange, unsettling, and oddly mesmerizing experience this movie turned out to be.Directed by Brandon Cronenberg and starring Alexander Skarsgård, Mia Goth, and Cleopatra Coleman, Infinity Pool is anything but ordinary. It’s the kind of film that seduces you with its eerie calm and then pulls the rug out from under you in the most unexpected ways. At its core, it’s a science fiction story wrapped in psychological horror, infused with social satire and a heavy dose of futuristic dread.We follow a struggling writer and fading celebrity—played with a haunting vulnerability by Skarsgård—as he stumbles into a morally decaying world while vacationing at an isolated, high-end resort. What starts off as an indulgent escape quickly spirals into something far darker and more surreal. And here’s where the sci-fi twist comes in: a mysterious technology that allows people to cheat the consequences of their actions—at a horrifying price.It’s a brutal, unflinching look at ego, privilege, and the terrifying lengths people will go to in order to preserve a sense of power and youth. The way Infinity Pool blends these psychological themes with futuristic technologies feels both chilling and disturbingly plausible.Let me say this though—this isn’t a film you watch casually. It’s layered, intentionally disorienting at times, and visually provocative. The performances, especially Mia Goth’s wild, unpredictable presence, are magnetic. And for film lovers, there are moments so carefully composed, you’ll want to pause and unpack the cinematic references woven in.Now, full transparency: the final act didn’t quite land for me. The narrative loses some of its drive toward the end, and I was left wanting just a bit more clarity or closure. But even with that, the overall experience stayed with me—like a strange dream that follows you around for days.That’s why I’m recommending Infinity Pool to you. It’s not just a movie—it’s a disturbing, stylish exploration of human insecurity, the fear of fading away, and the disturbing possibilities that future technologies might unlock in our search for identity and relevance.Pro tip: Don’t expect a neat, easy narrative. This film demands your attention and rewards it with thought-provoking questions, eerie beauty, and an atmosphere that lingers long after the credits roll.Watch it. Let it get under your skin. Then come back and tell me— Was it as strange, bold, and fascinating for you as it was for me?Let’s talk.

Actors

Trailer

Reviews