It’s been quite the year for horror fans, especially for those who love body horror. We’ve seen a rise in the subgenre, and that’s undoubtedly due to reproductive rights being a major point of discussion this year. Not to mention beauty standards constantly being examined in general. The Substance tackles aging and societal beauty standards for women in the most gooey way imaginable. It’s the perfect film for body horror enthusiasts that enjoy knockout performances and tremendous body horror.
If you’ve watched The Substance already, then you might be in the mood for other horror films that line up theme-wise, vibes-wise, or are just body horror. There are more than a few, and we’ve got them lined up for you like bowling pins. Keep reading, and surely you’ll find something you like.
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Infinity Pool
Director: Brandon Cronenberg
Writer: Brandon Cronenberg
Synopsis: A married couple’s all-inclusive vacation turns into madness when they find out what tourists really get up to on the island.
Brandon Cronenberg’s vision is relatively clear in this extraordinarily weird sci-fi horror film. Infinity Pool taps into themes about excess, escapism, privilege, and what happens when rich people go overboard. There are moments of body horror as the clones of the characters are killed for entertainment. Not to mention, the tone is very chaotic, much like Infinity Pool as a whole. The characters, including the main character, James (Alexander Skarsgård), aren’t all that likable, and that’s clearly the point. If you’re into witnessing a bonkers version of escapism, it’s worth at least one viewing.
Where to watch: Hulu
The Neon Demon
Director: Nicolas Winding Refn
Writer: Nicolas Winding Refn, Mary Laws, and Polly Stenham
Synopsis: A young aspiring model moves from her small town to LA to make it big. As soon as she hits her stride, she realizes that not everyone is as happy for her.
As far as horror that focuses on the fashion industry goes, The Neon Demon (2016) is a must-watch. Elle Fanning does a fantastic job playing a hopeful teen with her ambitions. Meanwhile, Jenna Malone takes her character and reminds viewers that women are allowed to be villainous. The Neon Demon explores concepts about aging and desirability (much like The Substance), beauty standards, and how people (specifically women in this film) are pushed to meet them at any cost. It’s the perfect psychological horror film to indulge in if you enjoy those themes and are into unsettling visuals.
Where to watch: Prime Video, Hoopla, Freevee, and Flixfling
Black Swan
Director: Darren Aronofsky
Writer: Mark Heyman, Andres Heinz, and John J. McLaughlin
Synopsis: A ballerina’s desire to be perfect causes her to descend into madness and lose a grip on herself as well as her reality.
The world of dance is incredibly competitive, and Black Swan captures that reality. Instead of making Nina (Natalie Portman) a very empty character, she is multifaceted and incredibly complicated. She struggles with mental health issues and identity and is constantly hard on herself because she’s not perfect. Perfection is unattainable, and yet people in the industry are pushed to live up to beauty standards. Black Swan is a psychological journey that doesn’t let up until the end credits. If you’re looking for mind trip moments, complete with a great performance from Natalie Portman, then it’s time to dance with Black Swan.
Where to watch: Max
Teeth
Director: Mitchell Lichtenstein
Writer: Mitchell Lichtenstein
Synopsis: A teenage girl discovers that her autonomy isn’t all that it seems after a traumatic event.
A comedy horror film like Teeth might not be for everyone. Still, it has quite a bit to offer in terms of commentary on the purity movement, consent, and bodily autonomy. Dawn (Jess Weixler)’s trajectory as a character is major, and she gets sexually assaulted by a friend, which triggers her vagina dentata. The moment is played very realistically, and Dawn’s realization regarding consent and her anatomy is intense. Teeth offers moments of comedy, all while accurately depicting how the men in Dawn’s life objectify her. Using vagina dentata to tap into ideas about autonomy is clever, and Teeth is worth the watch for that alone.
Where to watch: Hoopla, Prime Video, Tubi, PlutoTV, The Roku Channel, Plex, and Freevee
Perfect Blue
Director: Satoshi Kon
Writer: Yoshikazu Takeuchi, Sadayuki Murai, and Satoshi Kon
Synopsis: A sensational pop star retires from singing in order to pursue an acting career. When she realizes she’s being stalked and harassed, she begins to lose her sanity.
There’s no arguing that Perfect Blue is a gorgeously animated film with striking messages about objectification, celebrity culture, and identity. Mima (voiced by Ruby Marlowe)’s journey isn’t glamorized, nor is how her fans treat her or how violent her stalker becomes. The themes have aged quite well, and Mima’s pain and terror is woven so perfectly throughout Perfect Blue. And Mima’s psychosis isn’t played for laughs throughout this film, either. If you need a break from live action, want to indulge in gorgeous visuals, and find the themes compelling, then Perfect Blue is for you.
Where to watch: VOD
Death Becomes Her
Director: Robert Zemeckis
Writer: Martin Donovan and David Koepp
Synopsis: Two rivals drink a potion that keeps you young forever, only to discover just how extreme the consequences are.
Death Becomes Her is the perfect kind of satire on how Hollywood views youthfulness and women aging. Just like The Substance, the solution isn’t that simple, and there’s no going back after you drink the potion. Madeline (Meryl Streep) and Helen (Goldie Hawn) are so alike, and yet they are pitted against each other because that’s the essence of the industry. Death Becomes Her doesn’t take itself too seriously, and there are plenty of comedic beats to laugh at. It’s the perfect movie night film to watch alone or with other people who enjoy campy films.
Where to watch: VOD
The Stepford Wives
Director: Bryan Forbes
Writer: Ira Levin and William Goodman
Synopsis: A woman moves to Stepford, Connecticut, with her family, only to discover that the women are acting unusually perfect.
Contrary to popular belief, exploring the horrors of the suburbs wasn’t started by Halloween (1978). The Stepford Wives is based on a novel by the same name by Ira Levin. The film is a satirical cult classic and is often regarded for its themes surrounding societal norms, idealism, etc. The Stepford Wives presents some ideas about feminism, but where it really shines is in how the men only want picture-perfect wives. And how it manifests in the creepiest of ways, as robots replace the wives. It’s an alarming and yet not surprising look into societal expectations.
Where to watch: Tubi
The Substance is playing now in theaters everywhere.
