“The Substance,” the horror movie which is not for the faint-hearted

The 2024 horror film scene has awarded us with many intriguing movies, but without a doubt, “The Substance” stands out as the best of them all. At MFC, we bring you all the details of what promises to be one of the gems of the year.

Demi Moore returns to the big screen in Hollywood after a long hiatus, starring in The Substance, a movie that has gone viral on TikTok thanks to its shocking body horror scenes. In addition to causing a major stir on social media, the film has established itself as one of the most-watched in theaters since its release on September 19.

What is The Substance, starring Demi Moore, about?

In The Substance, Demi Moore plays a former Hollywood actress who, after achieving fame in her youth, dedicates her time to directing fitness programs. However, her life takes an unexpected turn when she is fired and starts feeling the pressure to maintain her youthful image and relevance. In a desperate attempt to regain her fame, she decides to inject herself with an illegal drug that gives her a younger, enhanced version of herself. The twist is that both versions, the current and the rejuvenated, must take turns each seven days living the other’s life.

The film explores the dark side of obsession with physical appearance, the eternal battle for youth, and the unreachable beauty standards that many public figures face. It also questions the extreme lengths people will go to in order to meet the demands of a superficial and cruel world.

The cast of The Substance

Demi Moore as Elisabeth Sparkle
Margaret Qualley as Sue
Dennis Quaid as Harvey

The Substance Releases and Awards

The Substance premiered at the 77th edition of the prestigious Cannes International Film Festival, where it immediately captured the attention of both the public and critics. Its gripping narrative and the cast’s powerful performances earned the movie a nomination for the Palme d’Or. It also won an award for Best Screenplay, highlighting the originality and depth of its story.

Opinion on “The Substance”

While much has been said about the shocking gore and body horror scenes in The Substance, at My Family Cinema, we believe that in many cases, the reactions have been exaggerated. We’ve had the chance to watch the film, and while we understand that some sequences can be intense, the comments on social media seem to overstate the reality. However, it’s not a movie for the easily disturbed, as some scenes can indeed be unsettling.

Beyond the body horror, The Substance is a standout piece that, in our opinion, should be considered in the race for the Oscars next year. Its storyline is intriguing, the performances are outstanding, and it offers a powerful message about today’s society. It’s definitely worth watching.