Horror film The Substance is on everyone's lips at the moment, with the movie tipped to win big at the Oscars tonight (March 2).
Critics all think Demi Moore will take home Best Actress for her role as Elisabeth Sparkle in the film, while Vogue also predict it will pick up the Best Original Screenplay gong, as well as Best Make-Up and Hairstyling.
And one fan agrees how special the film is – as they claimed it "gave them a reality check" and challenged their perception on life.
The film, which was written and directed by Coralie Fargeat, follows fading celebrity Elisabeth Sparkle ), who, after being fired by her producer (Dennis Quaid) due to her age, uses a black market drug that creates a younger version of herself (Margaret Qualley) with unexpected side effects.
Fargeat was reportedly motivated to write the screenplay due to societal pressures on women's bodies and ageing.
Despite women being the inspiration, one man on Reddit has revealed how the film affected him and made him change his view on things.
He wrote: "When I watched the movie I had no idea what it’s about but I knew Demi Moore was starring, I knew that it’s the talk of the town and obviously as a 32-year-old gay man I’m stanning … so I went in blind .. and boy was it a journey."
The man revealed how a tumultuous time in his teens led him to develop PTSD and depression. He said: "I have been struggling with an identity crisis for most of my life. Not loving myself for who I am, body dysmorphia, insecurities.
"I ended up looking for emotionally unavailable men who I would sleep with, knowing that it’s not a good idea because I’d end up hurt. but that pattern is hard to break and I’m sure that a lot of you relate."
The man said he 'instantly recognised himself' when watching the film saying: "Watching Elisabeth taking the substance and sue came out .. I immediately thought about myself, a gay man with an alias social account talking to men as a crossdresser that would only appear once in a while.
"Recently, it’s been daily where I forget about my actual life and friends and leave my notifications off and ignore everyone and would just talk to guys on that account and meet them occasionally (dressed up)... seeing that it’s a weekly thing between Elisabeth and sue, I realised that I keep my actual life on hold and spending more time and effort on alt life.
"The scene when Sue was hooking up with a guy and had to take an extra fluid for a pick me up, I gasped... that’s exactly what I do when I say I can’t do this split life as it’s exhausting."
He added: "When Elisabeth was getting ready to go on a date and ends up staring at herself in the mirror and ditching the guy, I realised that this is what I do when I don’t go out with the guys who actually want to go out with my real self. I pity myself for looking so mediocre compared to my other persona who gets every guy I’ve wanted, even for a few hours at night. It’s sad really thinking about it."
The man said he fears he is 'wasting his life, time and energy on a faux persona that is not real' however admits he's "addicted" to it.
He said: "When Sue was working out and that drumstick popped out of her back, I thought to myself that this is exactly how I feel when my body hair comes out and I have to shave and go through the entire process to look as perfect as possible for these men, and start hating myself for not being 'perfect' even if I get bumps all over my body."
Giving his final thoughts, he wrote: "The Substance really hit home for me, and I hope my experience resonates with some of you. It’s a tough journey, but sharing it helps. If you’re a fan of films that challenge your perception and make you think, this one is a must-see.
"What did you all think? Did anyone else feel a personal connection to the themes?"
The honest post has received hundreds of upvotes and comments as people also had their say on the film.
One person replied: "I thought it was brilliant. Just held up a giant mirror at the way we treat ourselves, beat ourselves up over not being ‘perfect’ and lose all sense of perspective. Such a fantastic film."
While another added: "I literally cannot stop hearing the Substance sting sound whenever I am looking at myself in the mirror in a negative way. It shocks me back to reality and makes me stop obsessing over tiny things."
A third chimed in: "Film of the year for me. Best thing I've seen in ages. Scratched basically every cinematic itch I have."
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