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The Substance: A New Horror Film Exploring Beauty and Identity
A new trailer for “The Substance” has recently been released, offering a glimpse into what promises to be a gripping and unsettling horror experience.
The film features Demi Moore in the role of Elisabeth Sparkle, a faded celebrity whose career takes a downturn when she is dismissed from her role on a fitness television show by the studio head, portrayed by Dennis Quaid. This unexpected turn of events drives her into a spiral that leads her to experiment with a mysterious drug aimed at rejuvenation.
This drug provides Sparkle with an opportunity to become the youthful and glamorous Sue, played by Margaret Qualley. However, the transformation comes with a significant drawback: the effects are fleeting, forcing her to navigate the complexities of living as two distinct versions of herself.
The trailer captivates viewers with Elisabeth’s reflective moment in front of a mirror, accompanied by a voice-over that poses a thought-provoking question: “Have you ever dreamt of a better version of yourself? Younger, more beautiful, more perfect?”
As suspense builds, viewers are further introduced to a bloodied Sue and witness the haunting image of Elisabeth wiping her lipstick, leaving a smeared mark on her face—a powerful visual metaphor for the film’s themes of beauty and entrapment.
Quaid’s character embodies the malevolent studio head, and his appearances in the trailer add a layer of unsettling commentary on societal expectations of beauty, as he is shown dining and proclaiming, “Pretty girls should always smile.”
Directed by Coralie Fargeat, “The Substance” made an impression at the Cannes Film Festival, where it garnered a lengthy standing ovation lasting 13 minutes along with accolades for Best Screenplay. The film marks a bold move for Demi Moore, who, at 61, embraces a fully nude portrayal, prompting discussions about the exploration of vulnerability and body image in cinema.
The film is slated for theatrical release on September 20, making it one to watch for fans of horror and psychological thrillers alike.
Source
extratv.com