Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley star in the upcoming film “The Substance,” directed by Coralie Fargeat, which explores the price of perfection and the male gaze in a body-horror nightmare. The red band trailer for the movie showcases Moore as a former Hollywood star facing career decline and offered a revolutionary medical treatment called The Substance to transform herself into a younger, enhanced version.
The teaser trailer opens with Moore looking into a mirror as a voiceover asks, “Have you ever dreamt of a better version of yourself?” The trailer is packed with intense imagery, including Dennis Quaid eating disgustingly, unsettling shower scenes, the mysterious “activation” serum, and Moore violently thrown across a room onto a table. Moore is seen angrily smearing lipstick on her face, while Qualley adds a sly wink at the end.
“The Substance” made a splash at the Cannes Film Festival, receiving an 11-minute standing ovation and winning the best screenplay prize. Variety’s chief film critic praised the film’s direction, style, and performances, particularly highlighting Moore’s fearless portrayal of a former star grappling with ageism in Hollywood.
The movie has been acquired by Mubi for North American distribution and will have an exclusive theatrical release. Produced by Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, and Coralie Fargeat, “The Substance” is Fargeat’s second directorial feature after the intense action-thriller “Revenge” (2017).
In addition to her role in “The Substance,” Moore is also generating Emmy buzz for her performance in FX’s “Feud: Capote vs. The Swans” and will star in the upcoming Paramount+ series “Landman.” With a career spanning four decades and iconic roles in films like “Ghost” and “Indecent Proposal,” Moore is poised for her first Oscar nomination for best actress. Qualley’s stellar work in the film could also be a contender in awards discussions, along with the impressive makeup and hair execution.
“The Substance” is set to be released nationwide on Sept. 20. Be sure to watch the trailer for a glimpse into this captivating body-horror nightmare.