The Substance Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A woman buys a shady drug to clone herself younger, then they fight over who gets to be famous this week, and things get REAL messy.

🍿 The Substance: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Fading Star

Elisabeth Sparkle, a once-celebrated Hollywood star, faces the harsh reality of ageism in the entertainment industry. On her 50th birthday, she’s fired from her long-running aerobics TV show by Harvey, a producer seeking a younger face. Distraught, she crashes her car, setting the stage for a drastic change.

The Substance Unveiled

While recovering in the hospital, Elisabeth receives a mysterious flash drive advertising “The Substance,” a black-market serum promising a younger, more perfect version of herself. Desperate to reclaim her former glory, Elisabeth orders the serum, unaware of the terrifying consequences that await her.

Splitting Realities

Elisabeth injects the serum and undergoes a horrifying transformation, giving birth to Sue, a younger, idealized version of herself. The two must adhere to a strict schedule, switching consciousness every seven days while the other remains unconscious and sustained intravenously. However, the allure of youth and fame soon leads to devastating consequences as their shared reality begins to unravel.

A downward spiral

As Sue becomes an overnight sensation, Elisabeth becomes more reclusive and jealous. This leads to Sue hoarding stabilizer fluid and neglecting their scheduled switch. Elisabeth finds herself horrifically transformed and deformed. Desperate to stop Sue, she plans to terminate the experiment permanently.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Elisabeth Sparkle (Demi Moore): A fading actress who resorts to a black market drug to create a younger version of herself, grappling with aging and relevance.
• Sue (Margaret Qualley): The younger, ‘better’ version of Elisabeth created by ‘The Substance’, who becomes obsessed with fame and youth.
• Harvey (Dennis Quaid): The sleazy TV producer who replaces Elisabeth with Sue, embodying the ageism of Hollywood.
• Monstro Elisasue (N/A): A grotesque mutated body that is the product of Sue’s attempt to recreate herself using leftover activator serum and represents the extreme consequences of tampering with the substance.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Elisabeth Sparkle: “There’s been a slight misuse of the Substance.” – Said by Elisabeth when things start going wrong with the Substance and the younger version.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $17,500,000
• Domestic Gross: $17,242,027
• Worldwide Gross: $76,974,044

💥 The Substance Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, wow. I just saw ‘The Substance,’ and I’m still processing everything. Demi Moore is incredible – she really went for it! Some scenes were hard to watch, but in a way that made me think about how society treats aging women. There’s a fight scene near the end that had me gasping! Definitely not for everyone, but if you like movies that make you uncomfortable and think, this one’s for you. I think I will never forget this experience.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of body horror movies”
  • “Viewers interested in social commentary on Hollywood and beauty standards”
  • “Those who appreciate bold and boundary-pushing cinema”
  • “Fans of David Cronenberg and Darren Aronofsky”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic body horror and gore”
  • “Female nudity”
  • “Disturbing imagery”
  • “Needles and blood”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Coralie Fargeat’s ‘The Substance’ is a daring and grotesque body horror that satirizes Hollywood’s obsession with youth. Demi Moore delivers a fearless performance as a fading star, while Margaret Qualley shines as her younger counterpart. A must-see for those with a strong stomach and an appreciation for boundary-pushing cinema.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “A visually stunning and thematically rich film that explores the dark side of beauty standards and the entertainment industry. ‘The Substance’ is not for the faint of heart, but its powerful message and outstanding performances make it a memorable and thought-provoking experience. Fargeat’s direction is sharp and unflinching.
• IndieWire: “‘The Substance’ is a wild ride that blends body horror with social commentary. Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley are both fantastic, and the film’s exploration of identity and self-worth is surprisingly poignant. While the ending may be divisive, the film’s originality and ambition are undeniable.

Audience Reactions

Demi Moore’s raw and vulnerable performance as a woman battling ageism.: The movie’s commentary on the pressures of maintaining youth and beauty in Hollywood resonated with many viewers.

The shocking and disturbing visuals that left audiences both impressed and horrified.: Viewers were divided on the ending, but most agreed that the film’s ambition and originality were commendable.

Overall Consensus: The Substance is a divisive but undeniably bold and thought-provoking body horror film. Its commentary on beauty standards and the entertainment industry is powerful, but its extreme visuals and challenging themes may not appeal to all viewers.

Awards

1. Cannes Film Festival (Best Screenplay)- 2024

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Ray Liotta was originally cast in the role that Dennis Quaid eventually played; Liotta passed away before filming began, and a ‘thank you’ is given to him in the credits.”
• “The director gives thanks in the credits to the extras who were covered in blood during the theater scene.”
• “Demi Moore’s performance is considered a significant comeback, showcasing her commitment and vulnerability.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Substance?

As a recent release, information on streaming availability is still emerging. Check platforms such as Prime Video, Apple TV, and other streaming services for rental or purchase options. Keep an eye on showtime listings as well.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Substance, you might like these similar films:

• Black Swan (2010): Explores the dark side of striving for perfection and the pressures within a competitive performance industry.
• The Fly (1986): Shares body horror elements and the dangers of scientific experimentation gone awry.
• Possessor (2020): Explores body horror and disturbing body disfigurement.

🛒 The Substance Related Products

• Demi Moore: Inside Out: Demi Moore’s revealing memoir offers a glimpse into her life and career, providing context to her powerful performance in ‘The Substance’. An honest look at the challenges of fame and self-image.
• The Fly [Blu-ray]: David Cronenberg’s body horror masterpiece is a touchstone for ‘The Substance’. Explore similar themes of transformation and the limits of science with this classic film.
• Black Mirror: Complete Series [DVD]: Explore the dark side of technology and its impact on society with this acclaimed anthology series. Features similar themes of body modification, identity, and the pursuit of perfection.
• Prosthetic Makeup Special Effects Kit: Create realistic special effects makeup for cosplay, film production, or Halloween. This kit includes a variety of materials for creating gruesome injuries, wounds, and transformations.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Substance features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Pump It Up” – performed by Earl Gregory
• “The Nightmare & Dawn” – performed by Bernard Herrmann

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Demi Moore says ‘The Substance’ is about ‘accepting yourself’

In this interview, Demi Moore shares her thoughts on the movie’s themes. She talks about how the film explores the idea of self-acceptance, and how it can be a difficult but rewarding journey.

Demi Moore Wins Best Female Actor — Motion Picture — Musical/Comedy | 82nd Annual Golden Globes

Demi Moore won an award for her performance in the movie at the Golden Globes! This is a great recognition for her work, and it shows that the film is being well-received.

Why Does The Substance Look Like That?

Have you ever wondered about the unique look and feel of the movie? This video breaks down the film’s visual style and its connection to Expressionism, giving us a deeper understanding of the movie’s artistic choices.

✨ Rate