The Substance
Directed by Coralie FargeatHave you ever dreamed of a better version of yourself? You. Only better in every way. Seriously. You've got to try this new product. It's called the Substance. It changed my life. It generates another you. A new, younger, more beautiful, more perfect you. And there's only one rule: you share time. One week for you. One week for the new you. Seven days each. A perfect balance. Easy, right? If you respect the balance...what could possibly go wrong?
Where to Watch The Substance
The Substance Ratings & Reviews
- AncientAlbatross3d agoHELL YEAH
- Jared HallJanuary 11, 2026If I take out comfort movies this is probably one of my top 10 because of how well it was done and the message its telling about addiction and a prespective of what it can be like in hollywood and trying to stay relevant
- rg9400November 1, 2024A fascinating movie in two parts. The movie starts out as commentary on female beauty standards and the drive for relevance and fame as female stars age and become older. It's a premise covered in a lot of famous movies, and this movie isn't exactly subtle with its messaging. Almost every scene and plot device is crafted to drive that message home. From the frenetic score, the claustrophobic framing and close-ups, and the off-the-walls acting from Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley, the stylish movie remains engaging even if this section feels a bit overlong. Even though the themes have been covered before and the movie's messaging is very direct, I didn't mind because the premise is unique and the message hasn't exactly been learned by Hollywood or society still. Then the movie drastically shifts. It stops trying to focus on themes and instead just becomes a pulpy, crazy ride that left the audience in shock. For a movie that was clearly so intent on its messaging to suddenly drop it completely is definitely intentional, and a contradiction that I can't decide is one I like or do not like. Certainly, the movie will alienate a lot of people because of that last act, though I am surprised by the amount of buzz it is getting just from initial previews outside of the film circuit. For me, it definitely kept me glued to the screen even if it feels like a completely different movie almost. I just wish it sort of had a bit more "substance" (excuse the pun) in that section as well. One last note. For a movie with such an obvious feminist lens, there is certainly a lot of objectification of its female stars, especially Margaret Qualley. Obviously, it's purposeful, but I've seen some female viewers find that it appeals specifically to a male perspective moreso than a female one. I obviously cannot comment on that, just that the excessiveness felt true to the movie's styles and themes, meaning I personally did not find it exploitative. This movie is really well-made and well-acted, a Cronenberg-esque marvel with an important message at its heart. It will not work for most people, but it did for me.
- Audrey LaymanOctober 27, 2024somehow the nastiest thing in this film was dennis quaid eating shrimp
- Paulo Coelho AlvesOctober 31, 2024Starts at 11, goes up to one million billion and it’s just about the most perfect movie I’ve seen in a long while. There’s a lot of Cronenberg’s body horror and De Palma’s Carrie here, but it’s very much its own sick, twisted, horribly mangled, oftentimes riotously funny vision.
- ScottOctober 9, 2024All I'm saying is who among us wouldn't take a glowing green substance that turns you into Margaret Qualley.
- DurosityApril 17, 2025Surprisingly good for the first 2/3 of the movie.. the final 1/3… I’m still not sure what I watched.
- MatthewJanuary 1, 2026It changed my life
- NewFilmsAnonymousNovember 17, 2025Hilarious but also sad documentary on what happens when women get too much Botox & plastic surgery.
- JkrilinDecember 19, 2024What a crazy movie! It's one of those that leaves you thinking: "What did I just see?". The story starts off pretty normal, but gradually becomes more bizarre and twisted. It has a mix of black comedy, body horror and criticism of the cult of fame that, although it sounds strange, works incredibly well. The practical effects are grotesque, in a good way, and the direction manages to keep you on edge even in the most absurd moments. Plus, there's something super captivating about how it plays with the audience's emotions: one moment you're laughing and the next you're kind of uncomfortable or disgusted. That said, it's not a movie for everyone. If you like more conventional stories, this one might seem too weird for you. But if you enjoy cinema that takes risks and isn't afraid to be extreme, this is a trip worth taking. I came away thinking how crazy and original it was. Highly recommended for those looking for something different!
- cily35November 9, 2025Kind of trash the end
- EmApril 13, 2025The Substance delivers a captivating narrative until its final 45 minutes, where a contrived burst of fake horror feels excessively overdone.
- Blockbuster Movie PassMarch 30, 2025Perfection
- MrterrytoyouNovember 6, 2025A crazy journey of women’s struggle for perfection and beauty. This movie shows in a gory and terrifying way how the hunt for beauty in society today is destroying the minds and self esteem of women everywhere! Beautifully shot! The score increased the intensity of the visuals of each ever more gruesome scenes! Loved it!
- WilkoMarch 30, 2025Absolutely appalling film. So janky and poor. Had to turn it off
The Substance Trivia
The Substance was released on September 18, 2024.
The Substance was directed by Coralie Fargeat.
The Substance has a runtime of 2h 21m.
The Substance was produced by Coralie Fargeat, Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner.
The key characters in The Substance are Elisabeth (Demi Moore), Sue (Margaret Qualley), Harvey (Dennis Quaid).
The Substance is rated R.
The Substance is a Drama, Horror, Science Fiction film.
The Substance has an audience rating of 7.6 out of 10.