Movie fans get ready for something totally out there. Demi Moore is back and she's starring in a movie called 'The Substance' that is making waves. We are talking body horror satire and yep Oscar buzz is even in the air. This film is not for the faint of heart but it's definitely got people talking. Let's unpack what makes ' The Substance ' so buzzworthy and where you can check it out.
What in the World is 'The Substance' About? Body Horror Meets Hollywood Satire in This Crazy Film
Okay so 'The Substance' is directed by Coralie Fargeat and it's definitely not your average movie night pick. Imagine a body horror flick that's also a sharp satire about Hollywood beauty standards and aging. That's kinda what we are dealing with here. Demi Moore plays Elisabeth Sparkle a movie star who's feeling past her prime. Then she gets offered this underground treatment called "The Substance" that promises a younger better version of yourself. Things predictably get bonkers from there.
Basically Elisabeth takes "The Substance" and splits into two versions of herself: her older self and a younger version played by Margaret Qualley. The idea is they are supposed to swap weeks being "active" but of course things go south real fast. It becomes a twisted and gory exploration of obsession with youth and beauty. It's intense it's disturbing and some are calling it strangely liberating all at the same time.
Demi Moore Oscar Favorite? 'The Substance' Gets Major Awards Buzz (But Be Warned It's Gory!)
Here is the surprising part despite being a full-on body horror movie 'The Substance' is actually getting serious Oscar attention. Demi Moore is considered a frontrunner for Best Actress! Yes seriously. She has already picked up wins at Critics Choice SAG and Golden Globes which are big indicators for the Oscars.
The movie itself is nominated for a total of five Academy Awards including Best Picture Best Original Screenplay Best Director and Best Makeup & Hairstyling. That's pretty amazing for a film that pushes boundaries as much as 'The Substance' does. It just goes to show you sometimes movies that are daring and different can really grab people's attention especially during awards season.
Critics are praising Moore's commitment to the role and Qualley's equally intense performance. The film is definitely making a statement and people are taking notice even if it is a wild ride.
Prepare Yourself It's Not for the Faint of Heart: 'The Substance' is Body Horror to the Extreme
Now let's be clear 'The Substance' is not a movie for everyone. Reviews warn that it is "shockingly gross" "stomach-churning" and "a body horror nightmare." We are talking gore guts and things that might make you squirm. One reviewer even mentioned it being like "Carrie" but even more intense. Think blood guts and body parts you have been warned.
But that extreme nature is also part of why it's getting so much attention. It is a movie that confronts you with the messy physical reality of bodies and aging something society often tries to hide. Some find this confrontation disturbing but others find it cathartic even liberating. It is definitely a conversation starter and a movie you won't easily forget even if you want to.
Where Can You Watch 'The Substance' and Decide for Yourself? Streaming Options Revealed
Intrigued? Want to see what all the fuss is about? Good news 'The Substance' is actually available to watch right now. Here is where you can find it:
- Mubi: Streaming for free if you are a Mubi subscriber. Perfect if you already have a subscription to this streaming platform focused on art house and independent films.
- Digital Rental/Purchase: Available to rent or buy on digital platforms like:
- Amazon Prime Video
- Fandango At Home
- Apple TV
So you have options! If you are brave enough to dive into the body horror and see what Demi Moore's Oscar buzz is all about 'The Substance' is just a click away. Just be sure you are prepared for a movie experience that is definitely out of the ordinary.