The Substance by Coralie Fargeat is a unique offering for those looking for something different to watch during the spooky season. This film is not your typical ghost or axe murderer horror, but rather falls into the category of body horror, reminiscent of David Cronenberg’s work. The storyline follows Elisabeth Sparkle, played by Demi Moore, a fading Hollywood star who is ousted from her fitness TV show. In a bid to reclaim her position in showbiz, she undergoes a bizarre rejuvenation treatment with unexpected consequences.
Winner of the Best Screenplay award at the Cannes Film Festival 2024, The Substance is best experienced in the cinema. However, for those who wish to revisit Coralie Fargeat’s body horror, there is information available about the film’s release on home media.
For viewers in the US, tickets for The Substance can be purchased on AMC Theatres and Fandango websites, while in the UK, tickets are available at Vue, Cineworld, and Odeon cinemas. The film is still screening in cinemas, but for those who prefer to watch it from the comfort of their homes, it will be available on the Mubi streaming service on Thursday, 31 October 2024.
The Substance made its debut in theatres in the US and UK on 20 September 2024 through Mubi, a distributor specializing in arthouse and independent films. Despite being an arthouse film, Coralie Fargeat’s body horror has been a box office success, making it the most successful film distributed by Mubi.
While there is no confirmed date for The Substance to be released on digital platforms, viewers can already pre-order the film on Amazon Prime Video US. However, the availability for purchase or rental is yet to be determined. For those who prefer physical copies, The Substance is scheduled for release on DVD and Blu-ray on 1 July 2025, as per the Amazon UK listing. Pre-orders are currently open, but the release date is subject to confirmation by Mubi.
In conclusion, The Substance offers a chilling and unique take on horror, with Demi Moore delivering a standout performance. Whether you choose to watch it in cinemas or on streaming services, this film is sure to leave a lasting impression on viewers.
