‘The Substance’ Review: Horror Film Starring Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley

the substance

‘The Substance’ is a new body-horror film that premiered at the Cannes Film Festival. The movie stars Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley in the lead roles.

The plot revolves around Elisabeth Sparkle, played by Demi Moore, a former host of a successful daytime exercise show. She is fired from her position and replaced by Margaret Qualley’s character, Sue. Sue starts abusing a mysterious substance called ‘The Substance’ that promises to create a younger and better version of oneself. As Sue becomes addicted to the substance, Elisabeth’s health begins to deteriorate.

The film has been described as a “mean and clever movie” that explores themes of aging and self-hatred. Demi Moore’s performance has been praised as one of the best of her career. However, the film has also generated mixed reviews, with some critics finding the content to be “disgusting” and “twisted”.

Overall, ‘The Substance’ has sparked a lot of discussion and debate at the Cannes Film Festival, with audiences and critics divided over its explicit content and portrayal of aging women in Hollywood.

When was it released?

‘The Substance’ was released on May 19, 2024. It had its world premiere at the 77th Cannes Film Festival on that date, where it competed for the Palme d’Or, the festival’s top prize.

Who are the main actors/characters?

The main actors in the film are Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley. Demi Moore portrays the character Elisabeth Sparkle, a former daytime exercise show host whose health deteriorates as Margaret Qualley’s character, Sue, abuses a substance called ‘The Substance’.

What is the plot of ‘The Substance’?

The plot of the film ‘The Substance’ revolves around a product called ‘The Substance’ that comes on the black market. This product allows individuals to generate another version of themselves that is younger, more beautiful, and perfect in every way.

However, there is a catch – one can only spend a week at a time in this version of themselves, or consequences arise. The story explores themes of revenge, redemption, and the consequences of seeking perfection through artificial means.

Review of ‘The Substance’

The film has generated mixed reviews and sparked a debate about its intentions. It is described as a graphic body-horror film starring Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley. The movie premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and has been described as disgusting, twisted, and divisive.

The plot revolves around Demi Moore’s character, Elisabeth Sparkle, a Jane Fondaesque starlet who is fired from her long-standing position as the host of a successful daytime exercise show. She is replaced by Margaret Qualley’s character, Sue, who starts to abuse a substance called ‘The Substance’ that promises to create a new, younger, and better version of oneself. As Sue abuses the substance, Elisabeth’s health deteriorates.

The film has been praised for Demi Moore’s performance, with some calling it the performance of her career. It has been described as a mean and clever movie that explores themes of aging and self-hatred.

Overall, this film has generated a lot of attention and discussion at the Cannes Film Festival, with critics and audiences divided over its explicit content and its portrayal of aging women.