Demi Moore’s latest film, *The Substance*, premiered at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival and has garnered significant attention following its screening at the Toronto International Film Festival. The 62-year-old actress delivers a raw and vulnerable performance in the film, a fact highlighted by the considerable discussion surrounding its nude scenes. Moore’s performance was further recognized with a Golden Globe win for Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy at the 2025 awards. In her acceptance speech, as reported by *USA Today*, she stated, “And so 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.”
*The Substance* follows Elisabeth Sparkle, a fitness guru whose aerobics show is abruptly canceled on her 50th birthday. Desperate, she encounters a laboratory offering a substance promising to transform her into an enhanced version of herself. Moore portrays Sparkle, delving deep into the character’s emotional landscape. In an interview with *Deadline*, Moore explained her preparation for the role, emphasizing the emotional work required to connect with Elisabeth’s desperation, pain, rejection, fear, and self-loathing.
The film’s release sparked online discussion surrounding Moore’s nude scenes, which she herself downplayed, stating they are “the least part of the movie.” However, she expressed disappointment at the media’s focus on this aspect, feeling it was “shaming and diminishing” to the film’s deeper themes. For Moore, the role presented a significant departure from her previous work, pushing her well outside her comfort zone. She described the film as “a wild ride” and a risky undertaking that ultimately proved rewarding. The role, she noted, allowed her to explore not just the societal pressures of aging and the male gaze, but also the internal battle women face with self-judgment and the unattainable pursuit of perfection.
The film boasts a stellar supporting cast including Margaret Qualley as Sue and Dennis Quaid as Harvey, Elisabeth’s callous boss who effectively ends her career. Harvey’s actions serve as a catalyst for Elisabeth’s journey and her subsequent encounter with the transformative substance.
*The Substance* was released in theaters on September 20, 2024, and is currently available for streaming on Mubi (with a subscription) and for purchase on Amazon Prime for $19.99 (or via a free trial).