THE SUBSTANCE

Directed and written by Coralie Fargeat, this thriller film premiered in September 2024, featuring a strong cast including Margaret Qualley, Demi Moore, and Dennis Quaid. The story centers on Elisabeth Sparkle, a Hollywood actress who’s shined on screens for years. Elisabeth is proud of her fame, but there’s a problem: she’s aging. On her 50th birthday, her producer tells her, “We’re looking for someone younger,” echoing her own growing anxieties about her age. Amid her internal turmoil, Elisabeth finds herself drawn into a strange and terrifying journey. After an accident lands her in the hospital, a healthcare worker suggests that she might be able to live as a “better version” of herself. Tempted by the idea, Elisabeth takes the first step on this mysterious path, opening a kit she’s been given. Following its instructions, she essentially “splits” her spine, creating her younger alter-ego, Sue. Now, Elisabeth will live one week as her 50-year-old self and the next as Sue, each...