“Unlike other films that claim to be body-horror, Fargeat delivers in spectacular and revolting fashion, not just conjuring memories of David Cronenberg but also Brian De Palma.” – Tom Grierson, Screen International
Desperate not to fade into obscurity, Hollywood actress turned TV fitness motivator Elisabeth Sparkle (Demi Moore) signs up for a back-alley medical procedure gone wrong in this garish body horror from writer-director Coralie Fargeat (Revenge). Advertised as a substance that'll help achieve self-actualisation, the trial results in the spawning of Sue (Margaret Qualley), a clone of Sparkles' younger self who can only exist for one week at a time before they must swap back to recharge their bodies. When Sue begins disrespecting the rules of The Substance, high on the power of being Hollywood's hot new thing, an explosive battle begins as Elisabeth sets out to reclaim her ageing body. A camp and grotesque look at Hollywood’s contribution to patriarchal beauty standards.
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