The Substance: A Tale of Transformation and Horror
Imagine a world where aging is no longer an inevitability, but a choice that comes with unexpected consequences. That’s exactly what Coralie Fargeat explores in her 2024 body horror film, The Substance. This movie follows the life of Elisabeth Sparkle (Demi Moore), a fading Hollywood star who turns to a black market drug called “The Substance” for a second chance at youth. But as she gains a new, younger version of herself named Sue (Margaret Qualley), the story takes an unexpected and terrifying turn.
The Plot Unfolds
Elisabeth is a 50-year-old film star who finds herself out of work due to her age. Desperate for a comeback, she orders “The Substance,” which grants her a new body every seven days. However, the two bodies must switch consciousness without fail, with one remaining unconscious and fed intravenously. As Sue becomes an overnight sensation, Elisabeth retreats into self-hatred.
As the switching program nears its end, Sue parties and delays the switch, causing Elisabeth’s finger to age. The film delves deep into the psychological turmoil of these two women as they begin to view themselves as separate individuals, growing to despise each other. The climax is a chaotic series of events where Sue’s body deteriorates rapidly after Elisabeth is killed.
Production and Filmmaking
The film was written in just two years with minimal dialogue, focusing instead on extensive use of prosthetic makeup, insert shots, and various sets. Fargeat won the Best Screenplay award at the 77th Cannes Film Festival, where The Substance premiered to critical acclaim.
Film production was a complex process involving a large crew and multiple cameras. The film was shot using Alexa LF, vintage Canon K35 lenses, Angénieux Optimo zooms, Leitz Thalia, macros from Cooke Optics, and Arri Red V-Raptor and Komodo for visual effects. The editing took over a year and a half, with frequent changes based on music, visual effects, and sound design.
Key Cast and Crew
Demi Moore was cast after several actresses declined the role. She read the film’s autobiography and was moved by her resilience, leading Fargeat to reevaluate her own vision for the character. Margaret Qualley was drawn to the role of Sue after reading the script and felt it would be “special.” For her performance, she lifted weights for months and practiced walking around her apartment.
Yann Bean provided the voice of the Substance Voice in the film. Principal photography took place entirely in France with an all-French crew except for cinematographer Benjamin Kračun and composer Raffertie from the UK. The production team used LEDs from Darkmatters, but ultimately opted for a Rosco SoftDrop backdrop instead.
Special Effects and Prosthetics
The visual effects by NOID Studio took one year to complete. Fargeat wanted to create immersive experiences for certain scenes, such as the birth sequence, which required capturing breathing through cranial resonance. The special effects team used 21,000 litres of fake blood and a fire hose for the climax shots.
The entire sequence was shot with practical effects, except for close-up shots of the eye splitting. Shots of the back were achieved with 5-6 puppeteers below while Fargeat directed from under the set or nearby. For the stitching of the back, Persin alternated between a dummy and a prosthetic applied directly to the actresses’ skin.
Marketing and Distribution
The Substance was selected to compete for the Palme d’Or at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, where it had its world premiere on May 19, 2024. The film received a standing ovation and went on to gross $78 million worldwide, making it Mubi’s highest-grossing film.
Working Title’s parent company, Universal Pictures, stepped away from the project but remained credited as a copyright holder in the film’s credits. Multiple sources told The Hollywood Reporter that the studio was “worried about the prospect of releasing the film.”
Critical Reception and Awards
The Substance received critical acclaim, with 89% of critics’ reviews being positive on Rotten Tomatoes. The Metacritic score is 78 out of 100, indicating “generally favorable” reviews. Audiences polled gave the film an average grade of ‘B’ on an A+ to F scale, with a 80% overall positive score.
Critics praised the film’s audacity, wit, and Demi Moore’s performance. Peter Bradshaw called it “cheerfully silly and outrageously indulgent.” David Ehrlich graded it an A, calling it “an epic, audacious body horror masterpiece.” The Substance, directed by Agathe Fargeat, had its world premiere on the Croisette and is currently considered a top contender for the Palme d’Or. Critics praised the film’s unique blend of horror and thrills, with some noting its feminist perspective and satirical take on celebrity culture.
As we reflect on The Substance, it’s clear that this film is more than just a tale of transformation and horror. It’s a powerful commentary on the human condition, the pursuit of youth at any cost, and the complex relationships between individuals. Fargeat’s vision has created a cinematic experience that challenges us to question our own perceptions of beauty, age, and identity.
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This page is based on the article The Substance published in Wikipedia (retrieved on January 16, 2025) and was automatically summarized using artificial intelligence.
