Demi Moore stars in the new film The Substance as an aging Hollywood actress dealing with the pressures of always wanting to look younger. The movie, which was a hit at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, also stars Margaret Qualley and Dennis Quaid. The teaser for this body horror film was released on July 11.

Demi Moore’s Character Faces Pressure to Stay Young

In The Substance, Demi Moore plays Elizabeth Sparkle, an insecure aging actress who uses a black-market drug to transform into her younger self, portrayed by Margaret Qualley. The teaser shows Moore’s character looking into a mirror, contemplating a better version of herself as Dennis Quaid’s voice asks, “Have you ever dreamt of a better version of yourself?”

Watch the The Substance trailer HERE!

The one-minute, 5-second teaser includes unsettling scenes like a disturbing shower sequence, Quaid’s character eating aggressively, and the use of drugs. Quaid’s character tells Moore, “Pretty girls should always smile,” just before showing her bleeding face. The teaser ends with Moore smearing red lipstick on her face, and Qualley giving a sly wink and smile.

The Substance Impresses at Cannes Film Festival

The Substance received an 11-minute standing ovation at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival in May. It also won the Best Screenplay Award. The film is produced by Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner, who have been nominated for the Oscars five times. It is written by Coralie Fargeat, known for her action thriller Revenge.

North American Release Details

Mubi has acquired the distribution rights for The Substance in North America. The film will be released exclusively in theaters on September 20.

For more updates on The Substance, tune in to Vviptimes.