The unsettling body horror in “The Substance” has left audiences squirming and is making a significant impact this awards season. Demi Moore has already secured a Golden Globe and a Critics Choice award for her role as fading star Elisabeth Sparkle, and anticipation builds to see if she will add a BAFTA to her accolades.
In the film, the ’90s icon portrays an Oscar-winning fitness guru grappling with the harsh reality of being dropped from her TV show due to her age. In a desperate bid to reclaim her youth, she undergoes a secret medical procedure to create a younger version of herself, unaware of the potential consequences. Moore is joined by Margaret Qualley, who plays her younger self, Sue, with the transformation resulting in some gruesome effects on her body.
Director Coralie Fargeat emphasizes that her visceral narrative serves as an allegory, highlighting the everyday violence and sexism women face. She explains, “The story genuinely reflects a woman’s life in our society, showcasing the violence present at every level since childhood. There are immense pressures that make you feel unworthy if you don’t fit the ideal, leading to a metaphorical prison that generates significant violence.”
A few years ago, “The Substance” might not have been seen as typical awards season material, but horror films are gaining recognition, with titles like “Heretic” and “Nosferatu” also in contention. The film’s exploration of the harsh realities of aging for women, particularly in Hollywood, resonates deeply.
During her acceptance speech at the Golden Globes, Moore, 62, expressed her emotions about winning her first major award after 45 years in the industry, despite her extensive filmography, which includes hits like “Ghost” and “A Few Good Men.” She reflected on a past comment from a producer who labeled her a “popcorn” actress, which led her to believe she was unworthy of recognition. “I bought into that, and it corroded me over time,” she shared, revealing that she once thought her career might be complete.
