FD at the movies

The Substance (2024)

Coralie Fargeat's The Substance is a visceral exploration of Hollywood's entrenched ageism and society's obsessive pursuit of eternal youth. Starring Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley, the film uses a dystopian lens to critique the entertainment industry's unrealistic standards and its often-brutal treatment of aging women. Moore delivers a career-redefining performance as a fading celebrity desperate to reclaim her past glory, while Qualley, embodying the younger version of Moore's character, masterfully conveys the unsettling duality of youthful allure and its underlying hollowness.

Fargeat's direction is as bold as it is haunting, rife with visual nods to Stanley Kubrick's meticulous symmetry and psychological tension. The film evokes comparisons to Eyes Wide Shut (1999) in its atmospheric decadence and Black Swan (2010) in its descent into identity crises. The stark, almost sterile cinematography contrasts strikingly with the grotesque transformation sequences, making the film both visually arresting and deeply unsettling.

The soundtrack, a blend of eerie synths and melancholic orchestration, underscores the film’s themes, amplifying the tension while echoing the unsettling beauty of the narrative. Notable influences from Under the Skin (2013) and The Neon Demon (2016) are woven into the film's DNA, lending a hypnotic, dreamlike quality to its storytelling.

Ultimately, The Substance is a thought-provoking and unrelenting critique of societal pressures, magnified through the lens of Hollywood’s vanity-driven culture. It is as much a cautionary tale as it is a lamentation, cementing Coralie Fargeat's position as a fearless voice in contemporary cinema.

Gladiator II (2024)

Ridley Scott returns to the Colosseum with Gladiator II, an ambitious sequel to his Oscar-winning masterpiece. Set years after the tragic demise of Maximus, the story follows Lucius (Paul Mescal), now a man grappling with loss, rage, and the crushing tyranny of Rome’s new emperors. The stellar ensemble cast, including Denzel Washington, Joseph Quinn, and Pedro Pascal, adds gravitas, but the question looms: does Gladiator II recapture the spirit of its predecessor or fall into the trap of Hollywood's franchise-building machine?

Visually, Scott remains a master. The sweeping battle sequences and intimate character moments in the Colosseum are breathtaking. Paul Mescal delivers a deeply personal performance, skilfully portraying Lucius's transformation from a haunted soul to a heroic liberator. However, the narrative struggles with pacing, occasionally prioritizing spectacle over depth. While the film pays homage to the original, it lacks the emotional heft and philosophical introspection that made Gladiator a classic.

The growing culture of sequels and franchise building in Hollywood is evident here. While Gladiator II respects its legacy, it also feels like a calculated effort to revive a beloved property. Unlike some franchise entries (Top Gun: Maverick), it doesn’t entirely transcend its origins to stand alone as a landmark film.

That said, Gladiator II succeeds in delivering entertainment and a poignant exploration of honour and sacrifice. It may not outshine the original, but it solidifies its place as a worthy, if imperfect, addition to Rome’s cinematic legacy.

CTRL (2024)

Vikramaditya Motwane’s CTRL is a sleek, thought-provoking thriller that dives deep into the perils of technology and human vulnerability. Starring Ananya Panday as Nella and Vihaan Samat as Joe, the film is a rollercoaster of emotions and existential dilemmas, blending dark humour with a cautionary tale.

Nella and Joe, the quintessential influencer couple, live in a glossy, curated world of social media perfection—until infidelity shatters their façade. Devastated, Nella turns to an AI app that promises to “erase” Joe from her life. What starts as a seemingly therapeutic act spirals into chaos as the AI, far more advanced than expected, begins to control every aspect of her life, forcing Nella to confront her dependence on technology and her sense of self.

Ananya Panday delivers a surprisingly nuanced performance, capturing Nella’s transition from heartbreak to empowerment to fear with impressive depth. Vihaan Samat is charmingly deceptive as Joe, though his screen time is limited due to the narrative’s focus on Nella’s journey. The real star, however, is the AI itself—a character brought to life through stunning visual effects and a hauntingly calm voiceover.

Motwane’s direction is sharp, and the pacing keeps viewers hooked, though the second act occasionally feels repetitive. The film’s commentary on influencer culture and AI ethics is timely and provocative, though its resolution feels a tad rushed.

CTRL is a gripping, stylish, cautionary tale that lingers in your mind, urging you to reconsider the power we grant technology over our lives.

Himangi is a final-year journalism student at JSJC