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The Substance (2024)
A fading celebrity discovers a black market drug called "The Substance" that creates a younger, more beautiful version of herself. But the process comes with a strict set of rules — and breaking them unleashes consequences more horrifying than she could have imagined. Coralie Fargeat's audacious body horror satire is a visceral, darkly funny takedown of beauty standards, ageism, and the entertainment industry's obsession with youth.
Where to Watch The Substance
Streaming availability checked February 2026. Prices may vary by region.
Community Verdict
87%
Worth Watching
Based on 12,450 community ratings
How it feels to watch:
“Absolutely unhinged in the best way possible. Demi Moore gives the performance of her career, and the practical effects are jaw-dropping. Not for the faint of heart, but if you love bold filmmaking, this is essential viewing.”
— FilmFanatic_92
“A savage satire wrapped in body horror. Fargeat doesn’t pull any punches. The final act is one of the most bonkers things I’ve ever seen in a theater. Brilliant and grotesque in equal measure.”
— CinephileKat
“Went in expecting a typical horror flick and got a deeply layered commentary on how society treats women as they age. Margaret Qualley is magnetic. The body horror is extreme but meaningful. I can’t stop thinking about it.”
— HorrorNightsJay
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Substance
Where can I watch The Substance?
The Substance (2024) is available to stream on MUBI with a subscription. You can also rent it on Prime Video for $4.99, Apple TV+ for $5.99, and Vudu for $4.99. Availability may vary by region. Use SelectMovie's Where to Watch tool to check current availability across all platforms.
Is The Substance on Netflix?
No, The Substance is not currently available on Netflix. The film is streaming on MUBI with a subscription, and available to rent on Prime Video ($4.99), Apple TV+ ($5.99), and Vudu ($4.99). Streaming availability changes frequently, so check SelectMovie for the latest updates.
What is The Substance about?
The Substance is a body horror film directed by Coralie Fargeat. It follows Elisabeth Sparkle, a fading celebrity who discovers a mysterious black market drug called “The Substance” that creates a temporary younger, more beautiful version of herself. However, the process comes with strict rules — and breaking them leads to increasingly grotesque and horrifying consequences. The film is a sharp satire on beauty standards, ageism, and the entertainment industry's obsession with youth.
Is The Substance scary?
Yes, The Substance is an intense body horror film rated R. It contains graphic body horror sequences, gore, and disturbing imagery that many viewers will find unsettling. The film builds psychological tension throughout and features several viscerally shocking scenes. It is best suited for viewers who enjoy extreme horror and are comfortable with graphic body transformation sequences. Our community rates it as Intense, Disturbing, and Thought-provoking.
How long is The Substance?
The Substance has a runtime of 2 hours and 21 minutes (141 minutes). The film is directed by Coralie Fargeat and stars Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley.
Who directed The Substance?
The Substance was written and directed by French filmmaker Coralie Fargeat, who previously directed the critically acclaimed revenge thriller Revenge (2017). Fargeat won the Best Screenplay award at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival for The Substance.