Kim Kardashian, a global entertainment icon and billionaire entrepreneur, recently found herself at the center of controversy after sharing her thoughts on the body-horror film The Substance on Instagram. While the film has captivated audiences with its bold themes and unsettling visuals, Kim’s comments sparked mixed reactions, leading many to question whether she truly understood the movie’s deeper message.
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The Substance: A Polarizing Film
The Substance is a provocative mix of horror and satire that has become one of the year’s most talked-about films. Starring Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley, and distributed by Mubi, the film tells the story of a fading Hollywood star, played by Moore, who uses an illegal drug to create a younger version of herself, portrayed by Qualley.
As the two personalities clash, chaos ensues, leading to grotesque and harrowing consequences. Beyond its thrilling narrative, the film serves as a scathing critique of the beauty industry and the unrealistic standards imposed on women of all ages.
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While praised by critics and tipped for major awards, The Substance has also faced backlash, with some viewers walking out due to its graphic imagery.
Kim Kardashian’s Controversial Comment
As a leading figure in the fashion and beauty world, Kim Kardashian didn’t shy away from sharing her opinion on The Substance. In an Instagram story, she wrote: “Watched The Substance with Demi Moore. The visuals are amazing and she looks so amazing!”
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This seemingly innocuous comment drew immediate attention, but not all of it was positive. Many felt Kim had missed the film’s profound critique, focusing instead on aesthetics. One user wrote: “Of course Kim’s takeaway is that Demi looks amazing. She missed the point entirely.”
Another added: “Kim, I think you didn’t quite grasp the movie’s message.” A third quipped: “This is like when celebs raved about Parasite without understanding its meaning.”
Social Media Reactions
Beyond her comment, fans noted that Kim appeared to have watched only a few minutes of the film. One person joked: “Kim K calling The Substance great after 5 minutes is hilarious.”
This sparked broader conversations about the disconnect between celebrities and the messages in art. Many argued that as an influential beauty mogul, Kim should have been more attuned to the issues the film critiques.
Kim Kardashian: Misunderstood or Detached?
Some believe Kim’s reaction reflects the larger issue of celebrities being out of touch with societal realities. As the founder of a billion-dollar beauty brand, Kim has faced criticism for perpetuating unattainable beauty standards—the very subject The Substance critiques.
However, others defended her, arguing that she was simply sharing her personal impression and shouldn’t be held to the standard of a film critic. A fan wrote: “Not everyone needs to analyze movies. Kim just shared what stood out to her.”
Art vs. Commerce: A Bigger Discussion
This incident highlights a broader question: can deeply artistic messages resonate in a highly commercialized world? Or do they risk being overshadowed by surface-level impressions from influencers like Kim Kardashian?
A film critic remarked: “The issue isn’t Kim Kardashian. It’s our expectation that celebrities must engage deeply with art. They may not be the ideal audience for such nuanced messages.”
The Future of The Substance and Lessons Learned
While Kim’s comment may have sparked controversy, it also brought more attention to The Substance. The film has arguably achieved its goal: provoking discussion about beauty standards and societal pressures.
For Kim, this might serve as a reminder to approach socially charged content with greater consideration. With her massive platform, her words carry weight—whether intentional or not.
