The first thing you should know about The Substance is that it’s best not to watch while eating. But if you have a strong stomach, grab the biggest combo you can and settle in for this wild ride, either in theaters or on MUBI.
The Substance, directed by French filmmaker Coralie Fargeat, stars Demi Moore—whom we all remember from Ghostand Striptease—Margaret Qualley (Maid, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood), and Dennis Quaid, who stepped in for Ray Liotta after his passing. You might recognize Quaid from The Parent Trap.
The Substance: The perfect body horror film for your weekend binge
The story follows Elizabeth Sparks, a once-famous TV celebrity from her 20s. Now approaching 50, she’s nearly forgotten and disrespected. That’s when she encounters “The Substance,” which allows her to create a much younger version of herself in a desperate bid to reclaim her stardom. However, both versions of Elizabeth wage a brutal battle, with only one surviving, unleashing a flood of blood and gore along the way.
What stands out most about this incredible film is its use of practical effects. The blood, the monsters, the skin—it’s all crafted to make this grotesque story feel as vivid as possible.
Both Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley deliver unforgettable performances. Their characters captivate us not only with their beauty but with their unrelenting ambition. Watching how far they’re willing to go to achieve their goals—even as they become more monstrous—is both horrifying and fascinating.
Dennis Quaid, meanwhile, plays a terrifying, larger-than-life TV producer who will stop at nothing for ratings. While his character might seem harmless at first, his energy and drive make him one of the film’s standout performances.
The Substance hits theaters on September 19, and later arrives on MUBI. If we can give you one piece of advice, it’s to watch this film on the big screen—it truly deserves it.
This review was originally written in Spanish by Alan Cruz in Cultura Colectiva
