Demi Moore has captivated audiences once again with her powerful performance in The Substance, a film that explores themes of aging, self-worth, and societal expectations. After premiering at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival and receiving widespread acclaim at the Toronto International Film Festival, the movie has garnered even more attention, culminating in Demi’s Golden Globe win for Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy at the 2025 awards.
During her acceptance speech, Demi reflected on her journey, saying:
“Today, I celebrate this as a marker of my wholeness and of the love that is driving me, and for the gift of doing something I love and being reminded that I do belong. Thank you so much.”
Here’s everything you need to know about The Substance, from its intriguing plot to Demi’s reflections on her role.
What Is The Substance About?
According to the official synopsis, The Substance follows Elisabeth Sparkle, a renowned fitness guru who faces a devastating turning point on her 50th birthday.
- Premise: Elisabeth’s world crumbles when she’s fired from her aerobics show by her boss, Harvey. In her despair, she encounters a mysterious laboratory that offers her a transformative substance promising to enhance her life.
- Themes: The film explores aging, societal beauty standards, and the internal battle for self-acceptance, wrapped in a narrative filled with emotional depth and unexpected twists.
Who Does Demi Moore Play in The Substance?
Demi Moore stars as Elisabeth Sparkle, the film’s protagonist.
Demi on Preparing for the Role
In an interview with Deadline, Demi revealed that her preparation for the role was more emotional than physical:
“The prep that went into it first and foremost was really emotional and internal… connecting to the desperation, pain, and rejection Elisabeth faces.”
The character’s journey challenged Demi to confront societal pressures and personal insecurities:
“It tackled the subject matter of aging and the idealized woman that many women have bought into, as well as the harsh judgment we place on ourselves.”
What Did Demi Say About Her Nude Scenes?
Demi Moore as Elisabeth Sparkle in ‘THE SUBSTANCE’
— Film Updates (@FilmUpdates) September 6, 2024
In theaters September 20.
pic.twitter.com/u7CtAqN7Ek
The film includes some nude scenes that sparked discussions online. Demi addressed the buzz, saying the focus on nudity overshadowed the film’s deeper messages:
“It’s the least part of the movie. It’s sad that it’s being presented in a way that’s shaming and diminishing.”
She emphasized that The Substance is a “wild ride” that pushed her out of her comfort zone, offering a role that balanced vulnerability with strength.
Who Else Stars in The Substance?
The cast includes:
- Margaret Qualley as Sue, a key figure in Elisabeth’s journey.
- Dennis Quaid as Harvey, Elisabeth’s crude boss who nearly derails her career by favoring a younger star.
Their performances complement Demi’s portrayal, adding layers of complexity to the story.
When Was The Substance Released?
The film hit theaters on September 20, 2024, and is now available for streaming:
- MUBI: Watch with a subscription.
- Amazon Prime: Purchase for $19.99 or use a free trial to stream.
Final Thoughts
The Substance is more than just a movie—it’s a thought-provoking exploration of aging, self-acceptance, and the societal pressures women face. Demi Moore’s bold and raw performance not only earned her a Golden Globe but also solidified her place as one of Hollywood’s most fearless actresses.
Have you watched The Substance yet? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
