The Substance 2024

Movie · 141 min · English · May 19, 2024

Directed by Coralie FargeatWritten by Coralie Fargeat

Starring Demi Moore, Margaret Qualley, Dennis Quaid, Edward Hamilton-Clark, Gore Abrams

The Substance is a 2024 body horror film written and directed by Coralie Fargeat. A declining actress (Demi Moore) loses her job to her manager (Dennis Quaid) because of her age and turns to an illegal substance that generates a younger version of herself (Margaret Qualley), leading to unforeseen consequences.

Fargeat developed the script to examine cultural expectations around female aging and physical appearance. Production occurred in France between August and October 2022. The movie is recognized for its satirical tone and unsettling, hyperreal visuals achieved through makeup effects and practical techniques such as bodysuits, puppetry, dummies, and about 21,000 liters (5,500 U.S. gallons) of theatrical blood.

Originally planned for release under Universal Pictures, the film’s distribution rights were eventually purchased by Mubi after a conflict between Fargeat and Universal regarding final editing authority.

The Substance debuted at the 77th Cannes Film Festival on May 19, 2024, winning Best Screenplay and receiving a Palme d'Or nomination. It opened in the United Kingdom and the United States on September 20, 2024, and in France on November 6, 2024. Critics widely praised the film, especially Fargeat’s direction and writing, the visual effects, and Moore’s acting. Box office returns reached $77–82 million against a $18 million budget, making it Mubi's most profitable release. Moore earned a Golden Globe, Critics' Choice Award, and Screen Actors Guild Award for her role, along with Academy and BAFTA nominations. The film also received Best Picture and Best Director nods at the Academy Awards, as well as recognition from the Critics' Choice and Golden Globes.