The Revival of Neo-Expressionist Cinema: A Look at Poor Things and The Substance

​Neo-expressionism, a movement initially prominent in visual art during the 1970s and 1980s, has found a unique home in cinema. This style, known for its intense emotional resonance, surreal imagery, and often provocative narratives, emphasizes subjectivity and raw human experiences. Recently, films like Poor Things (2023) and The Substance (2023) have reignited interest in neo-expressionist cinema, offering audiences a glimpse into its bold, avant-garde aesthetics and thematic depth.

The Roots of Neo-Expressionism in Film

Neo-expressionism in cinema draws from the art movement's principles of exaggerated forms, vibrant color palettes, and a departure from traditional realism. Filmmakers like Werner Herzog, Lars von Trier, and David Lynch have employed elements of neo-expressionism to explore the psyche, trauma, and existential crises. This cinematic style thrives on visual intensity and a willingness to defy conventional storytelling norms, creating films that are as unsettling as they are mesmerizing.

Poor Things: A Feminist Neo-Expressionist Odyssey

Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, Poor Things reimagines Mary Shelley's Frankenstein through a feminist lens. The film's surreal narrative follows Bella, a resurrected woman who embarks on a journey of self-discovery, rebellion, and emancipation. Lanthimos employs neo-expressionist elements through bold visual language, blending gothic and whimsical aesthetics with hyper-saturated colors and surreal environments that challenge conventional cinematic norms.

The film's experimental use of camera angles and theatrical performances reinforces its neo-expressionist identity. Bella's world is both grotesque and beautiful, echoing the movement's fascination with the grotesque as a mirror of human desires and flaws. Themes of autonomy, gender dynamics, and societal expectations are exaggerated to the point of distortion, creating a profoundly visceral experience.

The Substance: A Neo-Expressionist Nightmare

Philip Gröning's The Substance ventures into darker territories, marrying neo-expressionism with body horror. The film centers on a mysterious, sentient substance that transforms those who come into contact with it, blurring the boundaries between humans and others. Through grotesque imagery, unsettling sound design, and erratic pacing, Gröning crafts a hallucinatory exploration of identity and corporeal existence.

The film's neo-expressionist hallmarks are evident in its visual style—organic, pulsating forms dominate the screen, drenched in a palette of stark reds and blacks. These images evoke fascination and revulsion, echoing the primal fears buried deep within the human psyche. The Substance critiques humanity's obsession with control, consumption, and self-destruction, a theme resonant in many neo-expressionist works.

The Neo-Expressionist Renaissance

The resurgence of neo-expressionist cinema, as evidenced by Poor Things and The Substance, speaks to a broader cultural appetite for films that challenge the status quo. These works reject realism in favor of heightened emotional experiences, reflecting a world increasingly grappling with existential questions, identity crises, and societal upheaval.
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The appeal of neo-expressionism lies in its ability to provoke and engage on a deeply personal level. By distorting reality, these films invite audiences to confront uncomfortable truths and unearth hidden facets of the human condition. As filmmakers continue experimenting with the boundaries of form and content, neo-expressionism stands poised to remain a vital force in contemporary cinema, reminding us of art's capacity to unsettle and inspire.