Demi Moore Breaks Out of Her Comfort Zone in New Movie ‘The Substance’

The intriguing new film “The Substance,” directed by Coralie Fargeat, explores body horror in a way that is both emotionally challenging and physically demanding for its stars, Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley. Their journey during the making of this film has been a rollercoaster filled with moments of vulnerability and courage.

During a Zoom conversation, Qualley humorously reflected on the unconventional scenarios they faced while filming. “I don’t mind Demi Moore naked on me. Like, it’s just not a problem. There’s so much worse in the film,” she remarked, eliciting laughs from Moore and highlighting the camaraderie that developed between the two actresses. Moore agreed, pointing out that in some ways, those moments felt safer compared to others they experienced on set.

Scheduled to hit theaters on Friday, “The Substance” has already generated significant buzz. After receiving a remarkable 13-minute standing ovation at the Cannes Film Festival and winning the Midnight Madness People’s Choice Award at the Toronto International Film Festival, it is poised to make waves in the horror genre this year. Moore’s fearless performance has also positioned her as a contender for the Best Actress Oscar.

In “The Substance,” Moore embodies the character of Elisabeth Sparkle, a middle-aged TV fitness celebrity dismissed by her male boss, played by Dennis Quaid, in favor of a younger counterpart. In her quest to reclaim her youth, Elisabeth turns to a black-market drug that promises to unveil her “younger, more beautiful, more perfect” self. This leads to an intense transformation where Elisabeth undergoes a brutal procedure that produces her younger version (Qualley). Bound by strict rules, the two women must switch bodies every week, creating a complex and eerie relationship.

Qualley’s character, who takes on the name Sue, quickly rises to fame as Elisabeth’s replacement, but her disregard for the established rules ignites a gruesome conflict between the two. The film’s climax is a wild, gore-filled showdown that challenges both the characters and the audience.

Qualley shared her admiration for Moore, expressing how it has been exciting to witness audiences react to Moore’s “unexpected” portrayal of Elisabeth. “That’s how I feel about Demi’s career,” she said, acknowledging the diverse roles Moore has taken throughout her journey as an actress. Moore, now 61, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to play such richly developed characters that pushed both her and Qualley outside their comfort zones.

Throughout the film’s rigorous 5½-month shooting schedule, both actresses spent considerable time in prosthetics, particularly as Moore’s character undergoes a shocking transformation. Moore’s commitment included up to six hours of prosthetic application, blending both physical and emotional challenges. She found empowerment in the nude scenes, where she had to confront her vulnerabilities, stating that the focus was on expressing flaws rather than highlighting her features in a conventionally appealing way.

For Qualley, a memorable yet daunting scene involved leading a provocative dance class, challenging her personal comfort regarding her body. “Being a woman and having your relationship to your body is so specific, based on the cards that you’re dealt,” she reflected. Despite finding the experience outside her typical realm, Qualley overcame her hesitations, embracing the challenge of feeling attractive while performing a routine that did not come naturally to her.

Although their characters share limited screen time, Moore and Qualley supported each other throughout the filming process. They provided emotional reinforcement, often exchanging knowing glances during challenging scenes, reminding each other of their resilience.

The themes of “The Substance” delve into ageism and sexism, transcending the film’s Hollywood setting to address universal issues related to body image. Moore highlighted the heightened scrutiny that public figures endure, making the exploration of self-judgment and self-worth particularly relevant. She emphasized the cultural shift needed in the perception of value, stating that individual change can drive broader societal transformation.

Qualley acknowledged that while she doesn’t identify entirely with her character, many can resonate with Moore’s depiction of Elisabeth. The film uses exaggeration as a means to underline harsh truths about societal perceptions of women and aging.

Conclusively, Moore articulated the underlying hope of the film—to inspire awareness and encourage shifts in how society values individuals, regardless of age or appearance. Through personal reflection and collective awareness, both actresses hope to contribute to a positive change in societal attitudes.

Source: USA Today