The Substance is a new satirical body horror film that premiered at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival. Directed by Coralie Fargeat, the movie stars Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley and tells the dark and disturbing story of Elizabeth Sparkle, a once-popular celebrity, and her desperate attempts to remain young and beautiful using a mysterious drug called “The Substance.”
The film explores themes of beauty, vanity, and the destructive power of trying to achieve perfection. In the movie, Elizabeth uses a black-market drug that creates a younger version of herself named Sue (played by Qualley). However, this new version begins to overshadow Elizabeth, leading to a dangerous rivalry between the two versions of herself.
The story takes a grotesque turn as Elizabeth’s obsession spirals out of control, leading to horrifying consequences. The movie has been described as a blend of body horror and satire, with plenty of shocking visuals and unsettling moments. It has received both praise and criticism for its bold themes and intense scenes.
The film has been generating a lot of buzz, not only for its disturbing storyline but also for the comeback role it offers Demi Moore. Critics have noted that Moore delivers a fearless and powerful performance as Elizabeth, making it one of her most memorable roles in recent years.
The Substance is currently being shown in theaters in several countries, including the U.S., UK, and Canada, and will be released in France in early November. It has received mixed reviews, with some praising its creativity and shocking elements, while others find its extreme visuals difficult to watch. However, for fans of psychological and body horror, it’s a movie worth checking out for its unique take on the genre.