The Substance
Trailer
A fading celebrity takes a black-market drug: a cell-replicating substance that temporarily creates a younger, better version of herself.
Where to Watch
Available to rent or buy
United States
Currently you are able to watch The Substance streaming on MUBI. It is also possible to buy The Substance on Prime Video, and Apple TV or rent it on Prime Video.
Overview
"The Substance" is a French horror film directed by Coralie Fargeat, featuring Demi Moore as Elizabeth Sparkle, an aging actress grappling with her fading allure in an industry obsessed with youth. The movie explores the psychological and physical transformations Elizabeth undergoes after discovering a bizarre and radical treatment that allows her to become a younger version of herself. However, this transformation comes with horrifying consequences, turning a personal crisis into a grotesque spectacle of horror.
What to Know about "The Substance"
"The Substance" dives into the terror of aging and the extreme lengths one might go to preserve youth and relevance, particularly in the unforgiving eye of the public. Directed by Coralie Fargeat, known for her visceral storytelling, the film stands out for its intense body horror elements and a narrative that combines psychological depth with gruesome visuals. It stars Demi Moore as the protagonist, Elizabeth Sparkle, with Margaret Qualley playing her youthful clone. The film intertwines themes of identity, vanity, and the horror of self-replacement, set against the backdrop of Hollywood's relentless glamorization of youth.
"The Substance" Cast
The cast of "The Substance" is led by Demi Moore, who portrays Elizabeth Sparkle, an actress facing the twilight of her career with dread and desperation. Margaret Qualley stars as the younger version of Elizabeth, embodying the physical ideal that Elizabeth yearns to return to. Their performances capture a chilling duality that explores the facets of personal and societal pressures faced by women in entertainment. The cast also includes Dennis Quaid, who delivers a compelling performance as a sleazy executive, adding to the film’s critique of the entertainment industry's superficial values.
How to Watch "The Substance" Online
As of now, details about the online streaming availability of "The Substance" have not been announced. The film is expected to have a theatrical release first follwoing its debut at the Cannes Film Festival. Audiences interested in watching the movie should keep an eye on announcements from major streaming services for release dates and availability.
What People are Saying about "The Substance"
"The Substance" has generated significant buzz for its bold portrayal of the horrors of aging within the Hollywood system. Critics have praised the film for its unflinching approach to body horror and the stark depiction of the industry's obsession with youth. The performances by Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley have been highlighted as particularly powerful, with Moore's portrayal seen as a reflection of her own experiences in the film industry. While the film's graphic content has divided audiences, its thematic depth and provocative narrative have sparked extensive discussions on the pressures and ethical quandaries surrounding beauty and aging in modern society.
'The Substance' Streaming: How to Watch Anywhere
Currently, The Substance is available in the UK, Canada, Australia, and the US
If The Substance is not available in your country or you're traveling, use NordVPN to access it anywhere. Plus, Reelgood users get 3 months free, making it easier to enjoy your favorite content without interruptions.
| Country | Services | Access with NordVPN |
|---|---|---|
| United States | MUBI | ✅ |
| United Kingdom | MUBI | ✅ |
| Australia | Stan | ✅ |
| Canada | MUBI | ✅ |
| New Zealand | Not Available | ✅ |
Streaming availability last updated: 03:02:56 AM, 04/17/2025 PST
More Information on The Substance
A fading celebrity takes a black-market drug: a cell-replicating substance that temporarily creates a younger, better version of herself. The Substance featuring Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley is streaming with subscription on MUBI, available for purchase on Apple TV, and available for rent or purchase on Prime Video. It's a drama and horror movie.
Director
Coralie Fargeat
Elisabeth
Demi Moore
Harvey
Dennis Quaid
Oliver
Gore Abrams
Troy
Oscar Lesage
Man at Diner
Christian Erickson
Male Nurse
Robin Greer
Doctor
Tom Morton
Diego - Boyfriend
Hugo Diego Garcia
Casting Director
Daniel Knight
Assistant Casting Director
Jonathon Carley
Girl Auditioning / New Year's Eve Show Dancer
Jiselle Henderkott
TV Host
Akil Wingate
Man in Suit #1 - Harvey's Office
Vincent Colombe
Man in Suit #2
Billy Bentley
Man in Suit #3
Lennard Ridsdale
Assistant Director - Pump It Up Show
Jordan Ford Silver
2nd Assistant Director - Pump It Up Show
Oscar Garland
Sue's Assistant
Viviane Bossina
Producer
Eric Fellner
Producer
Tim Bevan
Executive Producer
Alexandra Loewy
Executive Producer
Erik Baiers
Executive Producer
Nicolas Royer
Composer
Raffertie
Ratings & Reviews
The Reelgood Score is a comprehensive weighted index designed to evaluate movie & TV quality, deriving its value from a blend of Reelgood user engagement, external ratings metrics expressed through content popularity, and user feedback, including ratings such as "loved," "liked," and "disliked." The score is presented on a scale from 1 to 100, where 100 signifies content that is highly esteemed and positively rated within the community.
"The Substance" is described as a bizarre modern fairy tale with much to say. Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley deliver excellent performances. The film is disturbing, gruesome, and excessive, yet unforgettable. Quaid's performance is noted as bonkers. Not for everyone, but some found it fantastic.
What a masterpiece! A film with so many layers of development, a strong, impacting, agonizing story, which gradually escalates and suffocates more and more, generating constant tension. Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley's performances are state-of-the-art, truly incredible, and their expressions are outstanding. The direction uses cold and warm colors, creating contrasts between the characters. The unusual angles and immersive proximity make everything extremely explicit and uncomfortable. The make-up and effects are superb, the body horror is surreal here, disturbing, sarcastic and melancholic, complemented by the soundtrack and sound that create this chaotic atmosphere. A unique experience that leaves many reflections, and was born as an absolute horror classic.
Had so much potential but took it in the wrong direction. The first half was enjoyable although it didn’t feel like much was happening. However, the second half became drawn out and overly graphic to the point it was laughable.
Disturbing. Gruesome. Excessive. And also unforgettable. Quaid is bonkers. Moore and Qualley are exceptional. Not for everyone, but I thought it was fantastic!
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