Filmmaker Coralie Fargeat's new film, 'The Substance,' features Demi Moore as Elisabeth Sparkle, an aging Hollywood actress navigating the brutal realities of sexism and age discrimination.

This feminist body-horror film blends sci-fi thriller elements, addressing societal expectations while showcasing the intense physical and emotional demands placed on women.

The plot revolves around Elisabeth's desperate attempt to reclaim her youth through an experimental drug known as 'The Substance,' which creates a younger version of herself named Sue, portrayed by Margaret Qualley.

As Sue gains success and glamour, she begins to drain Elisabeth's vitality, leading to a tense and symbiotic relationship that underscores the film's themes.

The film critiques beauty standards and self-hatred, reflecting Moore's own experiences in Hollywood and the pressures women face regarding their appearance.

Following a press screening in Berlin, viewers noted the film's brutal portrayal of beauty standards, echoing Elisabeth's isolation and struggle.

Acclaimed at the Cannes Film Festival 2024, 'The Substance' received applause during screenings and won a screenplay award, highlighting its impact.

Fargeat relates personally to the film's themes, confronting her own mortality as a woman in her 40s and addressing the violent impacts of societal pressures.

The film employs a distinctive visual style, utilizing techniques like wide-angle lenses and extreme close-ups to reflect the protagonist's struggles.

Transitioning from a vibrant media world to a darker reality, the narrative merges elements of horror and satire, showcasing the exploitative nature of celebrity culture.

Moore's performance is both tragic and hopeful, drawing on her real-life experiences in Hollywood and highlighting the ongoing challenges of aging in the industry.

Fargeat emphasizes the trend of horror films addressing social issues, asserting that body horror serves as a powerful medium to express societal violence against women.