Streaming "The Substance" in 2025: Where's the Buzz?

Coralie Fargeat's darkly comedic body horror film, The Substance, initially premiered at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, where it garnered a 13-minute standing ovation and the Best Screenplay award. Following its successful festival run, it secured a US theatrical release and has since accumulated numerous accolades and Oscar nominations, including nods for its stars, Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley. IGN awarded the film an 8/10, describing it as a "sick, twisted, and squirm-inducing parable" criticizing celebrity culture's obsession with youth and beauty.

Streaming and Viewing Options for The Substance

The Substance is currently streaming exclusively on Mubi. While Mubi is a subscription service, a seven-day free trial is available. Alternatively, the film can be rented or purchased through various digital platforms, including Prime Video and Apple TV+.

Physical Media Release: The Substance on Blu-ray

A 4K UHD + Blu-ray + Digital release of The Substance is also available, featuring Demi Moore's acclaimed performance as Elisabeth Sparkle.

Plot Summary: What is The Substance About?

The Substance, written and directed by Coralie Fargeat, is a satirical body horror thriller. Mubi's official synopsis describes the story of Elisabeth Sparkle (Demi Moore), a fading celebrity, who becomes involved with a mysterious new drug. One injection transforms her into the youthful Sue (Margaret Qualley), but with the condition of alternating between the two identities weekly.

Cast and Crew

• Director/Writer: Coralie Fargeat
• Elisabeth Sparkle: Demi Moore
• Sue: Margaret Qualley
• Harvey: Dennis Quaid

Rating and Runtime

The Substance is rated R for strong bloody violence, gore, graphic nudity, and language. The film's runtime is 2 hours and 20 minutes, and it does not contain a post-credits scene. For more film reviews and news, explore IGN's coverage of the biggest movies of 2024.