The Substance had already created a buzz on the international film circuit, particularly after winning Best Screenplay at the Cannes Film Festival.
Directed by Coralie Fargeat, the satirical body horror film stars Demi Moore as an aging actress whose pursuit of youth through a mysterious treatment takes a terrifying turn.
Known for its unsettling visuals and sharp critique of beauty standards, the film had audiences talking long before it reached Philippine shores. When it finally premiered in Manila on Sept. 19 at Shangri-La Plaza Mall, it left viewers both fascinated and disturbed.
Moore delivers a compelling performance as Elisabeth, a former A-lister desperate to regain her youth. Her life spirals downward after being fired from a fitness TV show by studio head Harvey (played by Dennis Quaid).
The plot intensifies when Elisabeth uses a drug that temporarily turns her into a younger version of herself, portrayed by Margaret Qualley, but with a chilling condition: she must split time equally between her old and young bodies. As the film progresses, the horrors of this arrangement begin to unravel.
The Manila premiere definitely got people talking. Some loved its boldness, while others found the body horror elements too much to handle. But if you’re a fan of movies like Death Becomes Her or The Fly, this one’s right up your alley. It’s dark, twisted, and definitely not your typical horror film – it’s a reflection on vanity and the lengths people will go to stay young.
Fargeat’s direction is bold, with stunning visuals and practical effects that heighten the grotesque transformation sequences. Moore’s portrayal of a woman desperate to cling to youth resonates, while Qualley and Quaid provide strong supporting performances.
The film’s central message about the dangers of vanity and the pursuit of eternal youth is both timely and unsettling, making The Substance a standout in the body horror genre. Its success at Cannes and Moore’s commanding presence ensure that this film will continue to generate buzz as it opens in Philippine cinemas on Sept. 25.
The Substance is produced by CreaZion Studios, a Southeast Asian production company known for globally acclaimed titles such as Priscilla, When Evil Lurks, and The Breaking Ice.
