The Substance facts for kids

The Substance is an exciting 2024 film created by Coralie Fargeat, who wrote and directed it. The movie tells the story of Elisabeth Sparkle (Demi Moore), a famous actress whose career is slowing down. Her boss (Dennis Quaid) lets her go because he thinks she's too old for her role.

Elisabeth then finds a secret formula that promises to make her young again. When she uses it, a much younger version of herself, named Sue (Margaret Qualley), appears. But this amazing change comes with some very unexpected and wild side effects!

The film was made by companies from France, the United Kingdom, and the United States working together. Coralie Fargeat was inspired to make this movie by how society sometimes pressures people, especially women, about how they look as they get older. She spent two years writing the script, making sure every detail was perfect, even with not much talking in the film.

Demi Moore was chosen for the main role after many talks, and Margaret Qualley joined the cast next. The music for the film was composed by Raffertie, and it also includes a fun song called "Pump It Up!" covered by DJ Endor.

Film Premiere and Success

The Substance first showed at the 77th Cannes Film Festival on May 19, 2024. At this big event, Coralie Fargeat won the award for Best Screenplay for her amazing writing.

The movie was released in cinemas in the United Kingdom and the United States by Mubi on September 20, 2024. Later, it came out in France on November 6, 2024.

Box Office and Awards

The Substance was a big hit! It earned $77 million around the world, even though it only cost $18 million to make. It became the highest-earning film ever for the company Mubi.

The movie also received many awards and great reviews from critics. It was nominated for five 97th Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and won the award for Best Makeup and Hairstyling. It also got five nominations at the 82nd Golden Globe Awards, including Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy.

Demi Moore's acting was highly praised. She won a Golden Globe Award, a Critics' Choice Award, and a Screen Actors Guild Award for her role. She was also nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress.

Meet the Cast

Margaret Qualley, Coralie Fargeat, and Demi Moore at TIFF 2024

Here are some of the main actors and the characters they play:

• Demi Moore as Elisabeth Sparkle
• Margaret Qualley as Sue
• Dennis Quaid as Harvey
• Edward Hamilton Clark as Fred
• Gore Abrams as Oliver
• Oscar Lesage as Troy
• Christian Erickson as man at diner
• Robin Greer as male nurse
• Tom Morton as doctor
• Hugo Diego Garcia as Diego, boyfriend
• Yann Bean as The Substance voice

See also

In Spanish: La sustancia para niños