30 Perfect Horror Scenes Of The 2020s
1. The Substance - Monstro Elisasue
The Substance - in which ageing star Elizabeth Sparke (Demi Moore) uses an experimental drug to create a younger, more 'perfect' version of herself, nicknamed Sue (Margaret Qualley) - is not only arguably the greatest horror movie of the 2020s to date, there's also a strong argument to be made that it's one of the greatest horror movies ever.
It's a picture absolutely flooded with moments of pure cinematic perfection, yet it saves the best for last, as Elizabeth Sparkle's attempts to stay youthful finally result in Sue giving birth to a monstrous hybrid of both the older and younger versions of Sue. This hybrid still attempts to host a New Year show Sue was contracted for - it doesn't go to plan in the slightest. Her body breaks down and showers the studio and audience in blood.
Showcasing Coralie Fargeat's practically perfect directing and some of the best practical effects this side of The Thing, this entire sequence is a complete masterclass. Furthermore, by acting as a grotesque and horrifying metaphor for the cruel, misogynistic beauty standards women are regularly subjected to today, this is also a wonderful display of exactly what horror cinema should be.
It reflects a sad truth about our world in the most shocking, unsettling of ways, and the amazing final shot - Elizabeth's detached face melting into viscera on the Hollywood Walk of Fame - is the cherry on top of a deliciously dark cake.