One of the most talked-about horror movies in recent years has found a new streaming home. 2024’s The Substance, featuring unforgettable performances from Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley, is set to be added to HBO Max’s library on October 10 as part of their update for the spooky season.
The Substance is a bizarre but captivating horror movie that follows a Hollywood star whose career has seen better days. When she turns 50, Elisabeth Sparkle loses her… well, sparkle. She’s fired from her aerobics TV show because she’s deemed too old to carry on. After a horrible car accident, someone offers Elisabeth a solution to her problems: an experimental product called the Substance, marketed as a magic serum that will turn her life around by making her look younger. She only has to follow the rules to the letter. Per the (bizarre) Rotten Tomatoes synopsis:
Have you ever dreamt of a better version of yourself? You, only better in every way. You should try this new product, it’s called The Substance. IT CHANGED MY LIFE. With The Substance, you can generate another you: younger, more beautiful, more perfect. You just have to share time – one week for one, one week for the other. A perfect balance of seven days each… Easy, right? If you respect the balance… What could possibly go wrong?
Although it’s regarded today as one of the most notable horror releases of the last decade, it wasn’t easy to make or sell. Director Coralie Fargeat frequently jousted with Universal Pictures after test screenings inspired the studio to demand some cuts. Fargeat refused (in her initial agreement, she had final cut privileges) and Universal decided not to release it.
Eventually, the film was bought by Mubi in a very unexpected distribution deal. Though it doesn’t feature a star-studded cast, it was very popular upon release, grossing over $82 million globally. It’s the highest-grossing film to be distributed by Mubi, and it became the platform’s most renowned title after emerging as a buzzworthy Oscar contender.
‘The Substance’ Marks a Defining Moment in Contemporary Horror
Mubi
What makes The Substance stand out is its rare combination of box office success, critical acclaim, and awards recognition — a rare feat for horror films, which are often overlooked at award shows. In early 2024, it became one of the most discussed films to be included on the Academy Awards ballots, earning five nominations in all. Four of those were in major categories: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress in a Leading Role, and Best Original Screenplay. In the end, it ended up winning the Oscar for Best Makeup and Hairstyling. Demi Moore’s loss in the Best Actress category to Anora‘s Mikey Madison is still a controversial topic that any horror fan will be proud to discuss thoroughly and passionately.
- Release Date
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September 20, 2024
- Runtime
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140 Minutes
- Director
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Coralie Fargeat
- Writers
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Coralie Fargeat