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The Substance
Blacksmith Blacksmith
Working Title Films Working Title Films
Working Title Films Working Title Films

Not part of a collection.

The Substance

Have you ever dreamt of a better version of yourself?

2024 141 min ★ 7.1 (6,457) Released
Drama Horror Science Fiction Thriller

A fading celebrity decides to use a black market drug, a cell-replicating substance that temporarily creates a younger, better version of herself.

Original title
The Substance
Language
EN
Country
GB,US
Budget
$17,500,000
Revenue
$77,316,812
Reviews & Ratings 6
Q

QuarkKent

Jan 20, 2026 · via TMDB

★ 3.0

_The Substance_ swings hard for shock value but lands in a muddled heap. The film’s body‑horror excess quickly turns repetitive, and the social commentary feels so surface-level that it smothers any nuance the story might have had. Despite a committed lead performance, the pacing is sluggish, the tone wobbles between satire and chaos, and the final act spirals into noise rather than meaning. It’s a visually bold misfire that never finds a coherent point.

F

FerdinandoLM

Jan 4, 2025 · via TMDB

Grotesque, diving into the pitfalls of progress and the human obsession with perfection. Visually, it’s remarkable — its uncanny imagery often leaves you questioning whether you’re thrilled or disturbed. However, while it’s bold and at times deeply unsettling, it doesn’t quite achieve that elusive "perfectly balanced (as all things should be, cit.)" quality. The narrative occasionally stumbles, with gaps that detract from its overall impact. It’s thought-provoking but not groundbreaking — a film that’s above average, yet just shy of excellence. And I like to imagine that the director somehow died during the making of the movie and was secretly replaced by Yoshihiro Nishimura.

K

kodkuce

Dec 31, 2024 · via TMDB

★ 1.0

I’m into strange films, psychological elements, dramas, and gore, but this movie is complete garbage.

R

RalphRahal

Dec 14, 2024 · via TMDB

★ 2.0

A disaster. It's an insult to the illustrious careers of Demi Moore and Dennis Quaid, who both deserve far better. The film focuses too heavily on the body of Margaret Qualley's character, Sue, at the expense of delivering a meaningful story or message. The gratuitous gore towards the end seems to be an attempt to align with current trends, but it falls flat. Ultimately, Coralie Fargeat failed to deliver a coherent message, making the movie a missed opportunity for everyone involved.

M

MovieGuys

Dec 5, 2024 · via TMDB

★ 7.0

"The Substance" is something of a cinematic mash up. First off, this story is somewhat reminiscent of "Death Becomes Her". The 1992 film starring Meryl Streep, Goldie Hawn and Bruce Willis. The notion of the fatal conceit in the search for eternal youth amongst the ageing Hollywood set is very much central to the story in both films. That said, the handling is distinctly different. This film is a lot louder, gaudier, brasher, cruder and ruder, than its 90's counterpart by a country mile. There are elements I'd typically associate with Lovecraft too, that are grotesque, monstrous and disturbing. This work is also more a visually clever, as opposed to a compelling narrative based experience. Its messages are conveyed, like Hollywood itself, through larger than life youthful glitz and glamour but also an innate, ephemeral shallowness.A shallowness that becomes a kind of obsessive prison, denying those trapped in it, any meaningful form of human intimacy. My only criticism of what I do feel is a very good film, is it overplays its hand. Its so over the top in the latter part of the film, I felt it partly drowned out the message, it had, up to that point, convincingly conveyed. The closing scenes. in particular, felt crude, clumsy and would have worked considerably better, with more controlled and subtle, handling. In summary, "The Substance" is a rather clever film that uses the eye of the lens to expose how what we see, in Hollywood at least, is more important than who we are. People are shiny commodities to be replaced when the beautiful image they portray starts to wither away. As we see, youth and beauty is everything, no matter the price. I will say too, this is by no means a perfect cinematic experience. It can be over the top, especially in the latter part of the film. That said, there is, on balance, more to like here than not. Definitely worth a look.

VicSur

VicSur

Nov 15, 2024 · via TMDB

★ 9.0

**The Substance (2024)** A Visceral Exploration of Youth Obsession and the Fear of Time "The Substance" is a bold cinematic experience that masterfully resurrects the practical effects of 1980s horror, delivering a visual and auditory feast that is both nostalgic and groundbreaking. Directed with a keen eye for detail, the film delves deep into society's obsession with youth and the inevitable passage of time, offering a thought-provoking commentary wrapped in visceral horror. The film follows a renowned actress, portrayed by Demi Moore, who grapples with the fear of aging and losing her fame. In a desperate attempt to reclaim her youth, she becomes entangled with a mysterious substance that promises vitality but comes with horrifying consequences. As she navigates this treacherous path, the lines between reality and obsession blur, leading to a descent into madness. At its core, "The Substance" is a critique of the 21st-century fixation on youth over the value of life experience. It echoes themes from classics like "Death Becomes Her" and "The Picture of Dorian Gray," highlighting the shame associated with aging and the societal pressure to maintain perpetual youthfulness. The film questions whether society promotes a 'sexy reality' at the expense of genuine substance and wisdom. The narrative explores the concept of cheating death, not just literally but metaphorically, as a fear of social death—being forgotten or replaced. This is poignantly portrayed through Moore's character, who embodies the desperation of clinging to relevance in a world that idolizes the new and discards the old. **Practical Effects and Gore** From the opening scenes, it's evident that the physical effects are a labor of love—a homage to the era before CGI dominated horror. The gore is unapologetically front and center, reminiscent of Cronenberg's "The Fly," pushing the boundaries of on-screen grotesque. The disturbingly realistic blood effects, combined with meticulously crafted sound design, amplify the discomfort, making the audience squirm. **Color Palette and Visual Aesthetics** The color palette is meticulously crafted, bathing scenes in hues that evoke unease and familiarity simultaneously. The use of shadows and lighting enhances the suspense, while the wardrobe and costume design serve as narrative devices, illustrating the juxtaposition between youth and age, purity and corruption. **Performances** Demi Moore delivers a stellar performance, capturing the vulnerability and desperation of a woman battling the relentless march of time. Her portrayal adds depth to the film's themes, embodying the internal decay and obsession manifesting physically through the substance. The supporting cast also contributes significantly, with each character representing different facets of society's views on youth and aging. **Critique** While the film excels in many areas, it isn't without flaws. The ending feels abrupt, leaving several narrative threads untied, which may leave some viewers unsatisfied. Additionally, the persistent focus on teen emotional states can be grating, potentially alienating those seeking a more mature exploration of the presented themes. **Engaging with the Hype** "The Substance" has generated significant buzz online, sparking discussions about its innovative use of practical effects and its deep societal commentary. The hype seems to stem from both horror enthusiasts who appreciate the throwback to classic techniques and audiences resonating with its timely themes. However, it's worth considering whether the film is merely feeding into the very cycle of superficiality it aims to criticize. "The Substance" is a visceral commentary on the fear of aging, the obsession with youth, and the inevitable march of time. It challenges viewers to reflect on their perceptions of age, experience, and what truly holds value. By drawing parallels with films like "Gremlins," "Frankenstein," "A Christmas Carol," and "Carrie," it positions itself as a modern amalgamation of timeless themes. Despite its imperfections, the film succeeds in sparking conversation—a hallmark of impactful cinema. It's as uncomfortable as it is thought-provoking, demanding to be felt and discussed. Whether you love it or hate it, "The Substance" is a noteworthy addition to the horror genre that holds up a mirror to society's own fears and obsessions. **Extra Thoughts** - The film raises pertinent questions about our role in perpetuating the fear of aging. Are we complicit in creating a world where experience is devalued? - The character dynamics suggest that embracing change and maintaining balance might be key to a fulfilling life, even if it comes at a cost. - The hype surrounding the movie could reflect its resonance with audiences grappling with similar fears and obsessions in today's youth-centric culture. **Final Recommendation** "The Substance" may not offer all the answers, but it provides a platform for dialogue on important societal issues. Its blend of classic horror techniques with contemporary themes makes it a film worth experiencing. If you're a fan of thought-provoking horror that goes beyond mere scares, this movie deserves a place on your watchlist.

User reviews courtesy of TMDB.

Keywords 27
actress aerobics aging beauty beauty standards birthday black market body horror capitalism celebrity dark comedy disfigurement disgusted drug female protagonist female rage has been identity insecure woman los angeles, california new year's eve satire self image substance woman director woman in jeopardy youth
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Cast 60
Demi Moore

Demi Moore

Elisabeth

Margaret Qualley

Margaret Qualley

Sue

Dennis Quaid

Dennis Quaid

Harvey

Edward Hamilton-Clark

Edward Hamilton-Clark

Fred

Gore Abrams

Gore Abrams

Oliver

Oscar Lesage

Oscar Lesage

Troy

Christian Erickson

Christian Erickson

Man at Diner

Robin Greer

Robin Greer

Male Nurse

Tom Morton

Tom Morton

Doctor

Hugo Diego Garcia

Hugo Diego Garcia

Diego - Boyfriend

Daniel Knight

Daniel Knight

Casting Director

Jonathon Carley

Jonathon Carley

Assistant Casting Director

Jiselle Henderkott

Jiselle Henderkott

Girl Auditioning / New Year's Eve Show Dancer

Akil Wingate

Akil Wingate

TV Host

Vincent Colombe

Vincent Colombe

Man in Suit #1 - Harvey's Office

Billy Bentley

Billy Bentley

Man in Suit #2

Lennard Ridsdale

Lennard Ridsdale

Man in Suit #3

Jordan Ford Silver

Jordan Ford Silver

Assistant Director - Pump It Up Show

Oscar Salem

Oscar Salem

2nd Assistant Director - Pump It Up Show

Viviane Bossina

Viviane Bossina

Sue's Assistant

Matthew Luret

Matthew Luret

Floor Runner

Jana Bittnerová

Jana Bittnerová

Maria

Olivier Raynal

Olivier Raynal

Alan - 2nd Agent

Tiffany Hofstetter

Tiffany Hofstetter

Stylist

Nathan Rippy

Nathan Rippy

Assistant Director - New Year's Eve Show

Virginie Kotlinski

Virginie Kotlinski

Mother - New Year's Eve Show

Charlotte Marquardt

Charlotte Marquardt

Screaming Woman

Léa Hengl

Léa Hengl

Screaming Woman

Gaëlle Raymond

Gaëlle Raymond

Screaming Woman

Lila Boughoufala

Lila Boughoufala

Screaming Woman

Aurélien Lorgnier

Aurélien Lorgnier

Screaming Man

Ivan Sellier

Ivan Sellier

Screaming Man

Philip Schurer

Philip Schurer

Screaming Man

Christian Bourmier

Christian Bourmier

Shareholder

Christian Bordeleau

Christian Bordeleau

Shareholder

Patrick Hamel

Patrick Hamel

Shareholder

Jean-Luc Magneron

Jean-Luc Magneron

Shareholder

Andrew Eldridge

Andrew Eldridge

Greeting Person

Denise Powers

Denise Powers

Greeting Person

Adam Carage

Adam Carage

Happy Birthday Person

Maria McClurg

Maria McClurg

Happy Birthday Person

Andrew Desmond

Andrew Desmond

Happy Birthday Person

Laura Puech

Laura Puech

Isabella

Ryan Chidester

Ryan Chidester

Stagehand

Cécile Vogt

Cécile Vogt

Elisabeth (Young) - Walk of Fame / Pump It Up Show Dancer

Yannick Guérin

Yannick Guérin

Clumsy Burger Guy - Walk of Fame

Arthur Molinet

Arthur Molinet

Cocktail Bartender

Louise Greggory

Louise Greggory

Restaurant Waitress

Axel Baille

Axel Baille

Photographer

Ashley Lambert

Ashley Lambert

Additional Voices (voice)

Ranjani Brow

Ranjani Brow

Additional Voices (voice)

Shane Sweet

Shane Sweet

Additional Voices (voice)

Michael Corbett

Michael Corbett

Additional Voices (voice)

Stephen Apostolina

Stephen Apostolina

Additional Voices (voice)

Yann Bean

Yann Bean

The Substance (voice)

Jonathan Jenvrin

Jonathan Jenvrin

Pump It Up Show Dancer

Daria Panchenko

Daria Panchenko

New Year's Eve Show Dancer

Matthew Géczy

Matthew Géczy

Bob Haswell (uncredited)

Gregory Defleur

Gregory Defleur

Happy Birthday Person (uncredited)

Coralie Fargeat

Coralie Fargeat

(uncredited)

Crew 27
Stanislas Reydellet

Stanislas Reydellet

Production Design

Benjamin Kračun

Benjamin Kračun

Director of Photography

Thomas Burgess

Thomas Burgess

Steadicam Operator

Emmanuelle Youchnovski

Emmanuelle Youchnovski

Costume Design

Pierre Olivier Persin

Pierre Olivier Persin

Makeup Effects Designer

Pierre Olivier Persin

Pierre Olivier Persin

Prosthetics

Brian Kinney

Brian Kinney

Special Effects Makeup Artist

Olivier Afonso

Olivier Afonso

Special Effects Makeup Artist

Abraham Goldblat

Abraham Goldblat

Post Production Supervisor

Jérôme Gaspard

Jérôme Gaspard

Stunt Coordinator

Guillemette Buffet

Guillemette Buffet

Stunt Double

Marie Bouvet

Marie Bouvet

Stunt Double

Jérémie Delaboudinière

Jérémie Delaboudinière

Stunts

Marie Sergeant

Marie Sergeant

Stunts

Coralie Fargeat

Coralie Fargeat

Director

Coralie Fargeat

Coralie Fargeat

Editor

Laure Cochener

Laure Cochener

Casting

Alexandra Loewy

Alexandra Loewy

Executive Producer

Jacques-Emmanuel Astor

Jacques-Emmanuel Astor

Extras Casting

Coralie Fargeat

Coralie Fargeat

Producer

Eric Fellner

Eric Fellner

Producer

Tim Bevan

Tim Bevan

Producer

Raffertie

Raffertie

Original Music Composer

Emmanuelle Villard

Emmanuelle Villard

Sound Mixer

Stéphane Thiébaut

Stéphane Thiébaut

Sound Re-Recording Mixer

Guillaume Le Gouez

Guillaume Le Gouez

Visual Effects Supervisor

Coralie Fargeat

Coralie Fargeat

Writer

Gallery 487
Videos 30
Similar Movies 625
Recommended 55
US Release Dates 7

Sep 16, 2024

Los Angeles, California

R Premiere

Sep 20, 2024

R Theatrical

Oct 31, 2024

R Digital

Jan 21, 2025

Blu-ray / DVD

R Physical

Oct 10, 2025

HBO Max

R Digital

Oct 11, 2025

HBO

R TV

Oct 1, 2026

Hulu

R Digital

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The Brother

The Brother

2017

VS
80 Day Obsession: Day 75 AAA (Phase 1)

80 Day Obsession: Day 75 AAA (Phase 1)

2018

Sign in to vote

Battle your watched movies head-to-head

Community Top Movies

🥇 Evil Dead II

Evil Dead II

1987 · 14 wins

🥈 The Dark Knight

The Dark Knight

2008 · 14 wins

🥉 Halloween

Halloween

1978 · 13 wins

#4 Final Destination

Final Destination

2000 · 12 wins

#5 Halloween II

Halloween II

1981 · 11 wins

Sign in to build your own ranking
0 Points
0/0 Correct
0 Streak

Playing as a guest — sign in to save your score and rank on the leaderboard.

Movie Trivia

Guess the movie from a clue — tagline, plot, cast and more. Pick from four posters.

What movie experience do you prefer?

Movie theater — theater popcorn with Icee/soda & maybe nachos 67%
At home — relaxed on your favorite couch or chair with whatever drinks & snacks are in the kitchen 33%
3 votes

What is your favorite movie genre?

Action 50%
Adventure 0%
Animation 0%
Comedy 0%
Crime 0%
Documentary 0%
Drama 0%
Family 0%
Fantasy 0%
History 0%
Horror 50%
Music 0%
Mystery 0%
Romance 0%
Science Fiction 0%
Thriller 0%
War 0%
Western 0%
4 votes

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