35 Facts About The Movie 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. The Substance is a 2024 body horror film co-produced, written, and directed by Coralie Fargeat.
2. Fargeat'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.

3. Demi Moore stars as Elisabeth Sparkle, an aging actress and fitness icon.
4. Margaret Qualley plays Sue, the younger and enhanced version of Elisabeth.
5. Dennis 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.

6. Elisabeth Sparkle is abruptly laid off from her TV show due to her age.
7. Desperate to regain her youth and relevance, she resorts to a clandestine treatment known as "the substance."
8. The treatment creates a younger, better version of herself named Sue.
9. Elisabeth 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.

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

Release Date

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

13. The Substance is scheduled to be theatrically released in the United Kingdom and the United States by Mubi on September 20, 2024.
14. In 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.

15. The Substance is an international co-production between the United Kingdom and France.
16. Multiple 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.

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

Running Time and Language

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

19. The film has a running time of 140 minutes.
20. The 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.

21. The film explores themes of aging, insecurity, societal pressure, and unattainable beauty ideals.
22. It 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.

23. Inspiration came from renowned body-horror filmmakers like David Cronenberg and John Carpenter.
24. The 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.

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 Fargeat wrote the script around five years ago, grappling with feelings of being outdated and insufficient.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

Preparation for Demi Moore

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

27. Fargeat engaged in numerous discussions with Demi Moore to prepare her for the unique role.
28. They 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.

29. Fargeat 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.

30. The 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.

31. The film is characterized by its feminist outrage over the way women have been ruled by the world of images.
32. Fargeat 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.

33. Her style is described as a wide-angle lens, up-from-exploitation aesthetic.
34. Influences 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.

35. On 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.