Hurrah, Demi Moore - it's great to see you back! In The Substance, directed by Coralie Fargeat, Moore delivers a compelling performance as Elisabeth Sparkle, an aging television aerobics host who turns to a secretive drug in a desperate bid to biohack her way back to youth. The film explores both the allure and the dangers of biohacking. While The Substance has been classified as body horror, those of us with a longevity mindset might prefer to class it as geront-horror. (Note: this article contain no spoilers)
The film has garnered critical acclaim, with Demi Moore arguably in her finest hour. Moore's portrayal of Elisabeth is both fearless and nuanced, capturing the character's vulnerability and determination. Both Margaret Qualley (Elisabeth's other self) and Dennis Quaid also deliver pitch perfect performances.
Demi Moore's role in The Substance, winning a Golden Globe (best actress in a comedy or musical) and an Oscar nomination.
The Substance is a poignant exploration of society's obsession with youth, vitality and longevity; and the lengths individuals may go to achieve it. Biohacking, while innovative, can involve the use of unproven methods to successfully lengthen life. This can range from taking experimental supplements - like the substance - to more invasive procedures. Enjoy the trailer...
The film's narrative underscores the potential dangers of such practices as well as a compelling tale of mental and social health. Elisabeth's initial success with the drug is overshadowed by unforeseen consequences, leading to a harrowing transformation. This mirrors real-world concerns where individuals, in pursuit of extended youth or enhanced abilities, might overlook the risks associated with unverified treatments. (@BryanJohnson, we thought of your recent experiment with gene therapy as shared in the Netflix documentary.)
For the horror buff the movie culminates in classic schlock-horror. For the biohacker, or anyone concerned about their own passage through time, The Substance strikes a deeper, more unsettling chord. It is a raw confrontation with the fears of aging, the pursuit of youth and the extremes one might consider to hold onto vitality. It not only offers a gripping cinematic experience but also serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of unregulated medical interventions. It encourages viewers to reflect on the ethical and health implications of tampering with the natural aging process.
Before trying The Substance for yourself, try our foundational Whole Health Consult - that identifies and prioritises the key factors, known and unknown, that affect health and wellbeing. It provides targeted recommendations tailored to you, the individual, and your unique lifestyle. No Substance side-effects included.
Stay Healthy,
Alastair
Ps. Anyone up for the forthcoming (In Singapore, at least) Nosferatu movie?
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Related Resources and Studies
Paek AY, Brantley JA, Evans BJ, Contreras-Vidal JL. Concerns in the Blurred Divisions between Medical and Consumer Neurotechnology. IEEE Syst J. 2021 Jun;15(2):3069-3080. doi: 10.1109/jsyst.2020.3032609. Epub 2020 Dec 18. PMID: 35126800; PMCID: PMC8813044.
Elgabry M, Nesbeth D, Johnson SD. A Systematic Review of the Criminogenic Potential of Synthetic Biology and Routes to Future Crime Prevention. Front Bioeng Biotechnol. 2020 Oct 6;8:571672. doi: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.571672. PMID: 33123514; PMCID: PMC7573185.
Zettler PJ, Guerrini CJ, Sherkow JS. Regulating genetic biohacking. Science. 2019 Jul 5;365(6448):34-36. doi: 10.1126/science.aax3248. PMID: 31273115; PMCID: PMC7004414.
Costa JG, Vidovic B, Saraiva N, do Céu Costa M, Del Favero G, Marko D, Oliveira NG, Fernandes AS. Contaminants: a dark side of food supplements? Free Radic Res. 2019;53(sup1):1113-1135. doi: 10.1080/10715762.2019.1636045. Epub 2019 Sep 10. PMID: 31500469.
Horror fans: while the move has been categorised as body-horror, we prefer the term geront-horror although this has yet to be recognised.
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