Here’s How to Watch ‘The Substance’ at Home
I’m sure you’ve seen the images already: Margaret Qualley splattered with blood, or Demi Moore’s agony while she’s smearing on makeup while gazing in a mirror. They’re both (honestly, two of the least disturbing) moments from the new body-horror film from director Coralie Fargeat, The Substance.
Starring Demi Moore as Elisabeth Sparkle, a TV star who is fired for the unforgivable crime of aging, The Substance takes such horrors head-on. Sparkle gets her hands on a black-market drug that promises to give her a younger version of herself, played by Margaret Qualley. What could go wrong?!? The Substance tackles issues of ageism, misogyny, and self-hatred. It’s relentless in its portrayal of society’s disposable treatment of women and our fear of mortality. But there’s a reason this is one of our favourite horror flicks of the year—it’s every bit as entertaining as it is terrifying.
Can I Stream The Substance at Home?
The Substance premiered on May 19 at the Cannes Film Festival. The film garnered a positive critical response, and Fargeat won an award for Best Screenplay. It received a theatrical release from Mubi on 20 September. Horror fans angling for a week of horrible sleep can still catch it on the big screen. That said, you’ll have to wait for the time being to watch the film at home, as there is no streaming date yet.
Where Will The Substance Be Available to Stream?
Since The Substance was acquired by Mubi for distribution, it has been given a worldwide theatrical release. We can presume that Mubi will make The Substance available on its streaming service once it’s available. You can try a seven-day free trial or sign up for £11.99 a month to gain access to its film library. Aside from Mubi, you should (hopefully) see The Substance available to rent or buy via the usual suspects—Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, and YouTube—within the next couple months.
In the meantime, check out Esquire US's interview with Fargeat. “I’m more than thrilled to have such a positive reaction, because I put myself in danger with that film,” she told us of the glowing critical reaction. “It was like five years of work. It was sticking to my conviction...making my choices and following my intuition that the movie had to be really bold.”
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