MUBI, the global film distributor and streaming service, has unveiled a compelling behind-the-scenes featurette for Coralie Fargeat’s The Substance, a provocative body-horror film making waves in the film industry. The 30-minute video provides an exclusive look into the film’s creative process, spotlighting its bold direction, cinematography by Benjamin Kracun, and innovative special effects crafted by Pierre-Olivier Persin and his team. Commentary from Fargeat offers deeper insight into the collaborative artistry that brought this unsettling vision to life.
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The Substance has quickly earned its place among the year’s most talked-about films, with six nominations at the 2025 London Film Critics Circle Awards, including Best Film and Best Director. Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley have been recognized for their powerful performances, while the film’s make-up artistry has received special acclaim. Additionally, it boasts 11 long-list entries for the 2025 EE BAFTA Film Awards, with categories ranging from Cinematography to Production Design.
Critics across the United States have lauded the film, earning it over 95 nominations and 35 wins from regional groups. Praises have poured in for its technical achievements, including Best Special Effects and Best Sound, as well as for its performances and gripping screenplay. With its layered narrative and visual intensity, The Substance stands out as a remarkable achievement in contemporary cinema.
Produced by Working Title Films, The Substance is written, directed, and co-produced by Coralie Fargeat, known for her acclaimed thriller Revenge. The film stars Demi Moore as Elisabeth Sparkle, a former fitness star grappling with aging and professional decline. Joining her are Margaret Qualley and Dennis Quaid, whose performances add depth to this darkly satirical tale of transformation and desire.
The story follows Elisabeth as she turns to a mysterious drug, The Substance, which transforms her into her younger self, Sue (Margaret Qualley). With a strict rule of alternating weeks between bodies, the dual lives quickly spiral out of control. The film critiques the relentless pursuit of youth and perfection, blending horror and satire to deliver a striking commentary on societal beauty standards.
Explosive and thought-provoking, The Substance solidifies Coralie Fargeat’s reputation as a fearless filmmaker. With its provocative themes, gripping performances, and stunning visuals, the film challenges viewers and sparks conversation, making it one of the year’s unmissable cinematic events.
