search

    35 Facts About The Movie The Substance

    Nanette Mellinger

    Written by Nanette Mellinger

    Modified & Updated: 04 Dec 2024

    Expert Verified Editorial Guidelines
    35-facts-about-the-movie-the-substance
    Source: Instyle.com

    Have you ever wondered what happens when the quest for eternal youth goes too far? Enter The Substance, a 2024 body horror film that takes a deep dive into the dark side of cosmetic enhancement and societal pressures. Directed by Coralie Fargeat, known for her gripping thriller Revenge, this movie stars Demi Moore as Elisabeth Sparkle, an aging actress desperate to reclaim her youth. With a plot that intertwines themes of identity, insecurity, and the unattainable beauty ideals, The Substance offers a chilling yet thought-provoking narrative. Premiering at the Cannes Film Festival, it has already garnered critical acclaim and sparked intense conversations. Ready to explore more about this audacious film? Let's dive in!

    Key Takeaways:

    • "The Substance" is a 2024 body horror film directed by Coralie Fargeat, featuring Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley. It explores themes of aging, identity, and societal pressure, earning critical acclaim and sparking conversations.
    • Director Coralie Fargeat's unique vision and storytelling prowess shine through in "The Substance," a visually stunning and thought-provoking film that offers a sharp critique of societal beauty standards and the cosmetic enhancement industry.
    Table of Contents
    01Director and Screenplay
    02Cast
    03Plot Overview
    04Premiere and Accolades
    05Release Date
    06Production Companies
    07Cinematography and Music
    08Running Time and Language
    09Themes
    10Inspiration
    11Creative Process
    12Preparation for Demi Moore
    13Nudity and Body Horror
    14Character Sue
    15Feminist Commentary
    16Filmmaking Style
    17Critical Response
    18Final Thoughts on The Substance

    Director and Screenplay

    Coralie Fargeat, known for her bloody thriller Revenge, takes the helm as director and screenwriter of The Substance. Her unique vision and storytelling prowess shine through in this 2024 body horror film.

    1. 01The Substance is a 2024 body horror film co-produced, written, and directed by Coralie Fargeat.
    2. 02Fargeat's previous work includes the bloody thriller Revenge.

    Cast

    The film boasts a stellar cast, featuring seasoned actors who bring depth and intensity to their roles.

    1. 03Demi Moore stars as Elisabeth Sparkle, an aging actress and fitness icon.
    2. 04Margaret Qualley plays Sue, the younger and enhanced version of Elisabeth.
    3. 05Dennis Quaid portrays Harvey, a sexist producer.

    Plot Overview

    The narrative of The Substance is both gripping and thought-provoking, exploring themes of aging, identity, and societal pressure.

    1. 06Elisabeth Sparkle is abruptly laid off from her TV show due to her age.
    2. 07Desperate to regain her youth and relevance, she resorts to a clandestine treatment known as "the substance."
    3. 08The treatment creates a younger, better version of herself named Sue.
    4. 09Elisabeth and Sue cannot exist simultaneously, forcing Elisabeth to switch between her true self and her alter ego every week or face dire consequences.

    Premiere and Accolades

    The Substance made a significant impact at its premiere, earning accolades and sparking conversations.

    1. 10The film premiered on May 19, 2024, at the 77th Cannes Film Festival.
    2. 11It was selected to compete for the Palme d'Or.
    3. 12Fargeat won Best Screenplay for her work on the film.

    Release Date

    Fans eagerly await the film's release in various regions.

    1. 13The Substance is scheduled to be theatrically released in the United Kingdom and the United States by Mubi on September 20, 2024.
    2. 14In France, it will be released by Metropolitan Filmexport on November 6, 2024.

    Production Companies

    The film is an international co-production, showcasing collaboration across borders.

    1. 15The Substance is an international co-production between the United Kingdom and France.
    2. 16Multiple production companies were involved in its production.

    Cinematography and Music

    The film's visuals and soundtrack play a crucial role in creating its eerie and captivating atmosphere.

    1. 17The film features cinematography by Benjamin Kracun.
    2. 18Music for the film is composed by Raffertie.

    Running Time and Language

    The Substance offers a substantial viewing experience with its lengthy runtime.

    1. 19The film has a running time of 140 minutes.
    2. 20The language of the film is English.

    Themes

    The Substance delves into deep and often uncomfortable themes, making viewers reflect on societal norms and personal insecurities.

    1. 21The film explores themes of aging, insecurity, societal pressure, and unattainable beauty ideals.
    2. 22It critiques the cosmetic enhancement industry and the duality of identity.

    Inspiration

    Fargeat drew from various sources to craft the film's unique narrative and style.

    1. 23Inspiration came from renowned body-horror filmmakers like David Cronenberg and John Carpenter.
    2. 24The classic film Vertigo also influenced Fargeat's work, exploring themes of rebirth and hypersexualization.

    Creative Process

    Fargeat's personal experiences significantly shaped the film's narrative and themes.

    1. 25Fargeat wrote the script around five years ago, grappling with feelings of being outdated and insufficient.
    2. 26This personal experience influenced the film's narrative and themes.

    Preparation for Demi Moore

    Extensive preparation went into Moore's portrayal of Elisabeth Sparkle.

    1. 27Fargeat engaged in numerous discussions with Demi Moore to prepare her for the unique role.
    2. 28They addressed performance preparation and the significant use of prosthetics required for the body-horror aspects of the film.

    Nudity and Body Horror

    The film features extensive nudity, handled with sensitivity and respect.

    1. 29Fargeat detailed every shot to avoid any gratuitous scenes, emphasizing the vulnerability and different perceptions of the body when on display versus when alone.

    Character Sue

    The character of Sue embodies historical representations of beauty and desirability.

    1. 30The name "Sue" emerged during the writing process and embodies a Marilyn Monroe-like essence.

    Feminist Commentary

    The Substance offers a sharp critique of how women are ruled by the world of images.

    1. 31The film is characterized by its feminist outrage over the way women have been ruled by the world of images.
    2. 32Fargeat masterfully balances absurdity with poignant commentary on the trillion-dollar cosmetic enhancement industry.

    Filmmaking Style

    Fargeat's unique filmmaking style blends various influences to create a visually stunning and thought-provoking film.

    1. 33Her style is described as a wide-angle lens, up-from-exploitation aesthetic.
    2. 34Influences include 'A Clockwork Orange', state-of-the-art television commercials, and hallucinatory moments in 'The Shining', 'The Thing', 'Carrie', and 'Requiem for a Dream'.

    Critical Response

    The Substance has received generally favorable reviews from critics.

    1. 35On Rotten Tomatoes, 90% of 143 critics' reviews are positive, with an average rating of 8.3/10.

    Final Thoughts on The Substance

    The Substance is a bold, thought-provoking film that dives deep into themes of aging, identity, and societal pressures. Directed by Coralie Fargeat, it stars Demi Moore, Margaret Qualley, and Dennis Quaid, delivering standout performances. The film's unique plot, where an aging actress uses a mysterious treatment to regain youth, offers a fresh take on body horror. Premiering at Cannes and earning accolades, it has sparked conversations about beauty standards and the cosmetic enhancement industry. With its striking visuals, dynamic soundtrack, and feminist commentary, The Substance challenges viewers to confront their own insecurities and societal norms. Scheduled for release in September 2024, it's set to make a significant impact on both feminist cinema and the body horror genre. If you're into films that push boundaries and make you think, this one's a must-watch.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What inspired "The Substance" movie?
    Directors and writers often draw inspiration from a mix of personal experiences, historical events, or societal issues. For "The Substance," creators might have looked into themes that resonate with audiences, such as the quest for identity, the impact of technology on society, or the exploration of alternate realities. Specific inspirations can vary, but they usually aim to spark curiosity and engage viewers on a deeper level.
    Who stars in "The Substance"?
    Casting choices can significantly influence a movie's appeal and character dynamics. While the cast list for "The Substance" could include a mix of seasoned actors and fresh faces, each performer brings their unique flair to the project. Their backgrounds, acting styles, and chemistry with one another play a crucial role in bringing the story to life and making the characters relatable.
    How long is the movie?
    Movie lengths can vary, aiming to fully develop the story without overstaying their welcome. "The Substance" might run anywhere from 90 to 120 minutes, a common range for feature films. This duration allows for a detailed exploration of the plot and characters while keeping the audience engaged from start to finish.
    What genre does "The Substance" fall under?
    Films often blend elements from multiple genres to create a rich, immersive experience. "The Substance" could be categorized under science fiction, drama, or even thriller, depending on its focus and tone. Such a mix would aim to offer viewers a thought-provoking narrative, combined with emotional depth and, possibly, edge-of-the-seat suspense.
    Can I watch "The Substance" with my family?
    Whether a movie is family-friendly depends on its content, themes, and rating. "The Substance" might tackle complex themes or contain scenes that are more suitable for mature audiences. It's wise to check the film's rating and reviews to ensure it aligns with your family's viewing preferences and sensitivities.
    What makes "The Substance" unique?
    Every film has elements that set it apart, whether it's innovative storytelling techniques, breathtaking visuals, or compelling character arcs. "The Substance" likely offers a unique blend of these, providing audiences with an unforgettable cinematic experience. Its distinctiveness could stem from how it approaches its themes, the performances of its cast, or the way it visually represents its world.
    Where can I watch "The Substance"?
    Viewing options for movies have expanded beyond traditional theaters to include online streaming platforms and on-demand services. "The Substance" might be available in cinemas upon release, followed by availability on popular streaming services. For the most current viewing options, checking official movie websites or streaming platforms is your best bet.

    Was this page helpful?

    Our commitment to delivering trustworthy and engaging content is at the heart of what we do. Each fact on our site is contributed by real users like you, bringing a wealth of diverse insights and information. To ensure the highest standards of accuracy and reliability, our dedicated editors meticulously review each submission. This process guarantees that the facts we share are not only fascinating but also credible. Trust in our commitment to quality and authenticity as you explore and learn with us.