The first trailer for Margaret Qualley’s highly anticipated body horror film, “The Substance,” has been released, and horror enthusiasts are buzzing with excitement. The film, which also stars Demi Moore and Dennis Quaid, has already garnered significant acclaim, winning the Best Screenplay award at this year’s Cannes Film Festival.
In “The Substance,” Moore plays Elisabeth Sparkle, a star of an aerobics show who faces the harsh reality of ageism when she is fired on her 50th birthday. Upon returning home, she encounters a miraculous “substance” that promises to make her “younger, more beautiful, more perfect.” The teaser trailer has already captivated audiences, offering a glimpse into the film’s eerie and unsettling atmosphere.
Directed by Coralie Fargeat, known for her work on “Revenge,” the film has drawn comparisons to the works of David Lynch and David Cronenberg, two masters of the horror genre. “The Substance” is set for a cinema release in the UK and US on September 20, thanks to distributors Mubi.
Horror fans have taken to social media to express their eagerness to see the film. One user on X (formerly Twitter) wrote, “The Substance is easily my most anticipated film now I can’t fucking wait.” This sentiment is echoed by many others who are eagerly counting down the days until the film’s release.
Clayton Davis, the senior awards editor of Variety, has also praised the film, stating that it includes “the best performance of Demi Moore’s career y’all.” This high praise has only added to the anticipation surrounding the film.
The film has already received rave reviews, boasting a 93% score on Rotten Tomatoes. The critics’ consensus on the site reads, “Audaciously gross, wickedly clever, and possibly Demi Moore’s finest hour, ‘The Substance’ is a gasp-inducing feat from writer-director Coralie Fargeat.”
Margaret Qualley, who co-directed the music video for Bleachers’ single “Tiny Moves” earlier this year, has also been in the spotlight. In the video, Qualley performs a dance sequence she choreographed, showcasing her versatility as an artist. Her involvement in “The Substance” has only heightened the film’s profile, with fans eager to see her performance.
At the Cannes Film Festival, “The Substance” generated significant buzz, receiving a standing ovation reported to have lasted as long as 13 minutes. The film’s graphic violence and nudity have sparked plenty of conversation online, with many intrigued by its bold and provocative content.
Following the film’s premiere, a first-look clip was released, depicting Demi Moore’s character as she is first introduced to the drug that can create her supposed younger “clone.” While the 44-second teaser is unnerving, it doesn’t contain any of the graphic content that has made “The Substance” such a standout at Cannes. However, a newly-released still from the film hints at what viewers can expect, showing a nude woman with stitches up her back lying on a floor, while a cloaked figure stands over her.
Demi Moore has spoken about the challenges of shooting some of the film’s more intense scenes, admitting, “It was a very vulnerable experience and just required, I think, going into it with a sensitivity and a lot of conversation. I think finding that common ground of mutual trust [helps].”
Production company Mubi has confirmed that “The Substance” will be getting a cinema release in the UK, although further information is yet to be released. As the release date approaches, the excitement among horror enthusiasts continues to build, with many eager to see how the film’s intriguing premise and talented cast come together on screen.
In the realm of horror cinema, “The Substance” promises to be a standout, offering a unique blend of body horror, psychological thrills, and social commentary. With its talented cast, acclaimed director, and provocative storyline, the film is poised to make a significant impact when it hits theaters.
As the horror community eagerly awaits the release of “The Substance,” the film’s trailer and early reviews suggest that it will be a must-see for fans of the genre. With its bold themes and compelling performances, “The Substance” is set to be one of the most talked-about films of the year.
Source: Variety, Rotten Tomatoes, Mubi
