The Substance

The Substance is a 2024 body horror film written, co-produced and directed by Coralie Fargeat. Starring Demi Moore, Margaret Qualley, and Dennis Quaid, the film follows Elisabeth Sparkle (Moore), a fading celebrity who, after being fired by her producer (Quaid) due to her age, uses a black market drug that creates a younger version of herself (Qualley) with unexpected side effects. The film is noted for its satirical elements and grotesque, hyperrealistic imagery. Motivated by societal pressures on women's bodies and aging, Fargeat wrote the screenplay in two years, assembling a production team spanning France, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Principal photography began in France in August 2022 and concluded in October, lasting 108 days. It extensively used prosthetic makeup and other practical effects, including suits, puppetry, dummies, insert shots, and approximately 21,000 liters (5,500 U.S. gallons) of fake blood to portray Elisabeth's drug-induced transformation. Originally set to be distributed by Universal Pictures, studio executives demanded changes to the film, but Fargeat refused as it would go against her contractual final cut privilege. Universal broke off their distribution deal with Fargeat and the rights were acquired by Mubi. The Substance premiered at the 77th Cannes Film Festival on May 19, 2024, where it was nominated for the Palme d'Or and Fargeat won Best Screenplay. The film was theatrically released in the United Kingdom and the United States on September 20, 2024, and in France on November 6, 2024, to critical acclaim, with particular praise for the special effects and Moore's performance. The film was also a box office success, grossing $77–82 million against its $18 million production budget, becoming Mubi's highest-grossing film. It won Best Makeup and Hairstyling at the 97th Academy Awards, along with numerous other accolades. Moore's performance won her a Golden Globe Award, Critics' Choice Award, and Screen Actors Guild Award, and a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Actress.