Following its 13-minute standing ovation and Best Screenplay win at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, Coralie Fargeat's darkly comedic body horror film, The Substance, arrived in US theaters four months later. Since its release, it's garnered numerous awards and nominations, including five Oscar nods. Starring Oscar-nominees Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley, IGN's 8/10 review described it as a "sick, twisted, and squirm-inducing parable" criticizing celebrity culture's obsession with youth and beauty.
Where to Watch The Substance Online
The Substance streams exclusively on Mubi, not Netflix or Hulu. Mubi is a subscription service, but offers a seven-day free trial. Alternatively, rent or buy it from digital platforms like Prime Video and Apple TV+.
The Substance on Blu-ray
Demi Moore delivers a standout performance as Elisabeth Sparkle, a former A-lister fired by studio head Harvey. She becomes enthralled by "The Substance," a drug that transforms her into the youthful Sue (Margaret Qualley). A 4K version is also available. For more physical release details, consult our comprehensive guide to upcoming Blu-rays.
The Substance: Plot Summary
Written and directed by Coralie Fargeat, The Substance is a satirical body horror thriller. Mubi's official synopsis:
Elisabeth Sparkle (Demi Moore), a fading celebrity, is drawn to a mysterious new drug. One injection transforms her – temporarily – into the stunning Sue (Margaret Qualley). The catch? She must alternate between bodies, one week at a time. Simple, right?
The Substance: Cast and Crew
The Substance was written and directed by Coralie Fargeat. The cast includes:
- Demi Moore as Elisabeth Sparkle
- Margaret Qualley as Sue
- Dennis Quaid as Harvey
Rating and Runtime
Rated R for strong bloody violence, gore, graphic nudity, and language. Runtime: 2 hours, 20 minutes (no post-credits scene).
For more from IGN, explore our lists of 2024's biggest films.
