What happened to Demi Moore’s character in The Substance? Explained

The Substance, a 2024 horror film by Coralie Fargeat, showcased one of Demi Moore's most transformative performances, earning her the 2025 Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Comedy or Musical.

Her portrayal of Elisabeth Sparkle, a faded Hollywood star desperate to reclaim her youth, was both haunting and gripping. In her acceptance speech, Moore expressed that the role reinvigorated her career and that she saw the award as a mark of her passion for acting.

Elisabeth Sparkle, Moore’s character, undergoes a transformation after injecting herself with a mysterious drug called "The Substance." This drug creates a younger version of her named Sue, played by Margaret Qualley.

As their relationship spirals into conflict, Elisabeth's body rapidly deteriorates, leading to a horrifying conclusion. Elisabeth is eventually killed by Sue, but their forms grotesquely merge into a monstrous entity that meets a chaotic and tragic end.

Directed by Fargeat, the film grossed over $78 million globally and received widespread acclaim for its innovative storytelling and practical effects.

Disclaimer: This article contains major spoilers from The Substance. Reader's discretion is advised.

---

All About Demi Moore’s character in The Substance and what happened in the end?

The Substance introduces Elisabeth Sparkle, a Hollywood celebrity who was once glamorous but is now struggling to remain relevant in a field that is fixated on youth. Elisabeth's desperate attempt to reclaim her celebrity status results in her encountering a serum that generates Sue, a more youthful and vibrant version of herself.

The drug necessitates that the two forms exchange bodies every seven days. However, Sue begins to exploit the process as she basks in the fame and freedom she enjoys, leaving Elisabeth to deteriorate.

Elisabeth's body is subjected to the repercussions of Sue's excesses, resulting in a rapid aging process and a near-unrecognizable state. Ultimately, Elisabeth attempts to terminate the experiment; however, she is hesitant due to her yearning for the fame that Sue embodies.

During a violent confrontation, Sue, incensed by the betrayal, kills Elisabeth. Nevertheless, the misuse of that substance results in a grotesque fusion of the two forms, resulting in the creation of "Monstro Elisasue," a horrifying entity that terrorizes a New Year's Eve crowd before disintegrating into gore.

This chilling end highlights the dangers of obsession with beauty and fame, with Elisabeth’s tragic journey serving as a cautionary tale about the cost of chasing perfection.

---

About Demi Moore: Career and achievements

Demi Moore, born November 11, 1962, is an iconic actress known for her groundbreaking roles. Rising to fame in the 1980s with films like St. Elmo’s Fire and Ghost, Moore became one of the highest-paid actresses of her time. Her career-defining roles in A Few Good Men and Indecent Proposal cemented her status as a Hollywood powerhouse.

Though her career saw ups and downs, Moore made a remarkable comeback with The Substance. Her portrayal of Elisabeth Sparkle earned her critical acclaim, showcasing her ability to tackle complex and layered characters.

Moore took home the Golden Globes award for Best Female Actor in a Comedy or Musical for her role in The Substance. During her speech, Moore recounted how she was at a low point in her life and career when this script landed in her lap. She stated,

“Thirty years ago I had a producer tell me I was a popcorn actress and at that time I made that mean that I wasn’t allowed to have this, that I could do movies that were successful and made a lot of money but that I wouldn’t be acknowledged. And I bought in and I believed that.”

She went on to say that this thought "corroded" her over time that a few years ago, she thought she had done all she was meant to do in her career.

“And as I was at kind of a low point, I had this magical, bold, courageous out of the box, absolutely bonkers script come across my desk called The Substance and the universe told me you’re not done.”

---

Stay tuned for more news and updates on The Substance and Demi Moore as the new year progresses. Follow us to get more updates on The Golden Globe Awards 2025.