Why is The Substance so disturbing? A deep dive into Demi Moore's acclaimed body horror

The Substance is a 2024 satirical body horror film with unsettling themes and visceral imagery. The film seems to be disturbing because of its raw portrayal of society's obsession with youth and beauty. Directed by Coralie Fargeat, the film shocks viewers with graphic body horror as it explores the lengths people will go to stay young.

Elisabeth Sparkle, the protagonist, goes through horrible changes after taking a drug that makes her younger. The movie was theatrically released in the UK and the US on September 20, 2024, and is scheduled to be available on Mubi from October 31, 2024.

The movie revolves around Elisabeth Sparkle, played by Demi Moore, a once-famous TV fitness host who faces the harsh reality of aging in a society obsessed with youth. Elisabeth discovers a black-market drug that allows her to create a younger version of herself.

However, the horrifying catch is that the two versions must share a single existence, leading to a grotesque body-horror experience. The movie explores the consequences of this choice as both versions of Elisabeth's life spiral out of control.

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The Substance: The plot

The Demi Moore movie stands out for its depiction of body horror, focusing on the grotesque transformation of Elisabeth Sparkle. On her 50th birthday, faded Hollywood star Elisabeth Sparkle is fired from her TV aerobics show for being too old. Distracted by a billboard of herself being taken down, she crashes her car.

In the hospital, a nurse gives her a flash drive advertising The Substance, a drug that creates a younger version of oneself. After some deliberation, Elisabeth uses the drug, and a younger version of her, Sue, emerges from her back. The two bodies must share time, switching every seven days, while the inactive one remains unconscious.

Three months later, the situation spirals out of control. Sue depletes Elisabeth’s body of stabilizer fluid the night before the New Year’s Eve show, leaving Elisabeth's original body completely drained.

With no other choice, they switch bodies, but Elisabeth is horrified to find herself transformed into a grotesque hunchback due to Sue’s overuse of stabilizer fluid.

In desperation, Elisabeth obtains a termination serum intended to destroy Sue, but her need for validation stops her from fully administering it. Instead, she resuscitates Sue, disrupting their delicate balance and leaving both bodies fully conscious.

Realizing what Elisabeth has done, Sue reacts violently, beating Elisabeth to death in a fit of rage before heading to the New Year's special. She tries to create a new version of herself, but that turns her into a grotesque hybrid. During a live broadcast, her mask falls off, causing chaos, and she's decapitated.

What remains of her body escapes and collapses into a pile of organs. Elisabeth’s face crawls onto her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, smiling before melting into a pool of blood, which is cleaned up the next day.

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Cast and crew

Demi Moore delivers a standout performance as Elisabeth Sparkle, a role that's arguably one of her career best. Margaret Qualley, playing the younger version of Elisabeth, Sue, also gives a compelling performance, capturing the darker side of youth and ambition.

Dennis Quaid portrays Harvey, the studio head who represents the cruel patriarchy that dismisses Elisabeth. Coralie Fargeat’s direction is sharp and unrelenting, with a clear message about the pressures of beauty standards. The special effects team also deserves recognition for bringing the nightmarish transformations to life.

The Substance is a feminist take on body horror classics like The Fly and The Thing. It criticizes the beauty industry and entertainment for pressuring women to stay young and attractive.

The film's graphic content may overshadow its deeper messages, say critics. However, the film's raw, unfiltered approach makes The Substance stand out as a horror film and social commentary.

The horrible things about getting older and beauty standards in The Substance are thought-provoking. Along with Demi Moore's powerful performance, the film's unsettling visual effects create an unforgettable experience. While the movie explores the darker sides of society's fixation on youth, it leaves viewers wondering about the price of eternal beauty.

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The Substance will be available on Mubi from October 31, 2024.