Last Updated on July 16, 2024 by Angel Melanson
We did not expect one of the gnarliest body horror films to ever grace the screen to come out of Cannes, but here we are. Writer-director Coralie Fargeat (Revenge) made waves at the Festival de Cannes with her Best Screenplay winner, The Substance. I just really love the idea of a theater full of unsuspecting Cannes folks being absolutely assaulted with the journey Fargeat has in store.
Demi Moore stars as former A-list star Elisabeth Sparkle. This is Hollywood, baby, and nothing gold can stay, what’s a girl to do? Enter, The Substance. Check out the official Substance sales pitch (and The Substance synopsis) below.
Have you ever dreamt of a better version of yourself?
You. Only better in every way.
You’ve got to try this product: The Substance.
It changed my life.Demi Moore gives a career-best performance as Elisabeth Sparkle, a former A-lister past her prime and suddenly fired from her fitness TV show by repellent studio head Harvey (Dennis Quaid). She is then drawn to the opportunity presented by a mysterious new drug: THE SUBSTANCE. All it takes is one injection and she is reborn – temporarily – as the gorgeous, twentysomething Sue (Margaret Qualley). The only rule? Time needs to be split: exactly one week in one body, then one week in the other. No exceptions. A perfect balance. What could go wrong?
Alright, are you ready for The Substance?
Starring Demi Moore, Margaret Qualley, and Dennis Quaid, Fargeat’s satire of Hollywood, beauty standards, and youth-obsessed culture blends with some major genre influences (no spoilers) for a darkly comedic and gooey takedown. Fargeat’s 2017 female revenge horror film aptly titled Revenge is an impressive debut, but nobody could have predicted this sophomore homerun. Add this to the shortlist of horror movies the Academy pays attention to come awards season.
The Substance is in theaters September 20th.
