The first teaser for “The Substance,” directed by French genre visionary Coralie Fargeat, has finally dropped, and it promises a wild ride for horror fans. The film premiered to rave reviews at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, instantly making it one of the most anticipated releases of the year. With a star-studded cast led by Demi Moore, Margaret Qualley, and Dennis Quaid, “The Substance” is set to hit select US theaters on September 19th, 2024, before streaming on Mubi.
“Pretty girls should always smile!” This chilling line sets the tone for the teaser, which introduces us to Elisabeth Sparkle (Demi Moore), a former A-lister desperate to reclaim her youth and stardom. Fired from her fitness TV show by the loathsome studio head Harvey (Dennis Quaid), Elisabeth turns to a mysterious drug called The Substance. One injection, and she transforms into the stunning twenty-something Sue (Margaret Qualley). However, there's a catch: she must split her time evenly between her two identities—one week as Elisabeth, one week as Sue.
Coralie Fargeat, known for her blood-soaked debut “Revenge,” brings her unique flair to this satirical body horror. Fargeat's directorial style is as explosive as ever, turning toxic beauty culture on its head with a be-careful-what-you-wish-for narrative that is both provocative and entertaining. The film's blend of grotesque imagery and biting social commentary makes it a standout in the horror genre.
Demi Moore's performance as Elisabeth Sparkle is already being hailed as a career-best. The transformation scenes are both mesmerizing and horrifying, showcasing Moore's dedication to the role. Margaret Qualley also shines as Sue, adding depth to the duality of the character.
Produced by Tim Bevan, Coralie Fargeat, and Eric Fellner, “The Substance” also boasts a strong screenplay that won Best Screenplay at Cannes. Mubi's description of the film as “deliriously entertaining and ruthlessly satirical” captures the essence of this twisted tale.
As we count down to the September 19th release, the buzz around “The Substance” continues to grow. For fans of horror and thought-provoking cinema, this film is not to be missed. Get ready for a cinematic experience that is as thrilling as it is unsettling.
Mark your calendars and prepare for “The Substance”—a film that promises to be one of the most talked-about horror releases of 2024.
