Demi Moore | Source: youtube.com/@mubii
In her latest horror film, “The Substance,” Demi Moore takes on the role of Elisabeth Sparkle, a once-famous star. She turns to an underground drug—a cell-replicating substance—that creates a temporary, younger version of herself.
The movie has stirred intense reactions, with some viewers even walking out of the theater. These strong responses have sparked a viral frenzy on social media, with many calling the film “insane.”
Moore anticipated that her new film would spark division among audiences. Reflecting on the project in a recent interview, she
shared, “When I read ‘The Substance’ I thought, wow, this could be really amazing — or it could be a [expletive] disaster. So, of course, I had to say yes.”
Demi Moore attends the Los Angeles premiere of “The Substance,” 2024
The veteran actress went on to compare this movie to one of her earlier works, saying, “I feel like ‘Ghost’ was very similar, but I think when we push ourselves out of our comfort zone and it makes us afraid it always makes us a little better. Even if it fails.” She then
pointed out, “The reviews for ‘Ghost’ were disastrous.”
Demi Moore attends a special screening and Q&A for “The Substance” on September 25, 2024, in London, England.
The reception for the new film has been nothing short of polarizing with the trailer subtly showing the horrifying scenes. While some viewers are captivated, others find it too overwhelming. Reports suggest that audience members have been leaving theaters during Moore’s latest movie.
Reactions on X (formerly known as Twitter) have been mixed, with some viewers praising the film while others find it hard to stomach. Traumatized viewers voluntarily walked out because they were unable to handle the movie’s graphic nature.
Demi Moore on the set of “The Substance,” in 2024 | Source: YouTube/MUBI
One viewer, who seemed to embrace the film’s unsettling nature, expressed their enthusiasm,
“Three people walked out of #TheSubstance in my theater. Sounds like mission accomplished to me. One of the best horror flicks of the last few years. […] Extremely well acted [sic] flick. Demi Moore deserves an Oscar nod. Wild stuff.”
Demi Moore attends a photocall at the 77th annual Cannes Film Festival on May 19, 2024, in Cannes, France. | Source: Getty Images
Adding to the discussion, another user shared their own experience at a less crowded screening, observing,
“Listen. A lot of times, a movie comes out, and these over the top [sic] articles are released. However, ‘The Substance’ is truly a wild […] ride. […] In our theater of 5 people (Monday matinee), 2 of them walked out. That being said, I’m glad I stuck w/til the end.”
In contrast, some viewers highlighted how the film’s intensity tested their limits. ”
My review of ‘The Substance’ is that people walked out of our screening and as far as i’m concerned we don’t have enough movies where that might happen [sic],”
commented one user.
A more personal reaction came from another moviegoer, who wrote,
“My date wouldn’t let me drive him home after ‘The Substance’ because “we haven’t been seeing each other long enough” for him to throw up in front of me. He literally just walked home in the rain to vomit with dignity. Five star movie [sic].”
The conversation surrounding “The Substance” continues to heat up, with more moviegoers flooding social media to share their thoughts. One YouTube user stated,
“Believe me, it’s INSANE,”
while another described it as a jaw-dropping experience, admitting to being
“lost for words”
as their friend questioned,
“[Expletive] am I watching [sic].”
Margaret Qualley on the set of “The Substance,” in 2024 | Source: YouTube/MUBI
Someone even called it one of the most
“Insane movies I’ve ever watched in my 32 years of living.”
Despite the film’s intensity, some still urge others to “definitely go see it at the movies!”
Meanwhile, another user praised it as an
“Incredible film that highlights many important lessons for this modern generation.”
Buzz around ‘The Substance’ isn’t slowing down, with one moviegoer reflecting,
“I don’t want to spoil ‘The Substance’ but that was the best theater experience I’ve ever had. The entire audience was screaming and laughing and twisting in our seats.”
Dennis Quaid and co-stars on the set of “The Substance,” in 2024 | Source: YouTube/RottenTomatoesTrailers
Amidst the excitement, Moore herself weighed in on one of the most disturbing moments. During an interview on “Late Night with Seth Meyers,” she recounted a particularly gruesome scene involving actor Dennis Quaid
The movie star cautioned, “I will just warn everyone, the scene with Dennis eating the shrimp is by far the most violent scene in the whole movie. He ate four pounds of shrimp, tearing the heads off with sound effects.”
Dennis Quaid on the set of “The Substance,” in 2024 | Source: YouTube/MUBI
In addition to Demi Moore and Dennis Quaid, who plays Harvey, the buzzworthy film also features
cast members, including Margaret Qualley as Sue, Tiffany Hofstetter as The Stylist, Hugo Diego Garcia as Diego, and Oscar Lesage as Troy, among others.
Notably, the final scene brings the viewers back to Elisabeth’s Walk of Fame star, where the film had first showcased her rise to fame and gradual fall from grace. It all culminates in a chilling conclusion, as her struggle ends with her disappearance, leaving only a street cleaner to erase any trace of her existence.
“The Substance” pushes the boundaries of horror, leaving audiences shocked, divided, and unable to look away. With its intense scenes and unforgettable ending, it’s clear this film will remain a topic of conversation for a long time.