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A new body horror film that has been triggering walkouts in cinemas globally due to its graphic violence is now available for home viewing, allowing audiences to experience its content in the comforts of their living rooms.
The film ignited a plethora of reactions from cinemagoers, many of whom took to social media to recount their experiences of enduring the unsettling two-hour runtime as fellow audience members opted to leave the theater mid-screening.
The film making waves is The Substance, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Coralie Fargeat. This provocative piece gained acclaim and recognition at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, where it was praised by The Independent as one of the standout titles, foreshadowing its polarized reception filled with intense thrills likely to elicit both admiration and disdain upon its release.
If you’ve been apprehensive about watching the film in a packed theater setting, you’ll be relieved to find that The Substance has now been made available for streaming on Mubi, providing a more personal viewing experience.
This unsettling film stars Demi Moore, who is set to appear in the upcoming Paramount+ series Landman. It revolves around an aging Hollywood actress who resorts to a black market drug to create a younger duplicate of herself, portrayed by Margaret Qualley, raising questions about identity and the pressures of fame.
After viewing the film, one cinemagoer commented: “My review of The Substance is that people walked out of our screening, and as far as I’m concerned, we don’t have enough movies where that might happen,” while another audience member noted, “Some people walked out of the screening of The Substance we were at last night. One of the most violent films I’ve ever seen.”
One individual added: “I’ve seen thousands of films and it’s very hard to shock me, but this gloriously demented movie was cray-cray on 11. ‘The Substance’ is not for the faint of heart (during my viewing, several people walked out mid film), but is an instant cult classic. You’ve been warned.”
For those who braved the entire film, the experience was deeply unsettling. A user on X/Twitter recounted: “After The Substance ended, the entire theatre was dead silent and motionless as the credits rolled, and then someone just asked, ‘Is everyone OK?’ To which the crowd responded in unison, ‘No.’”
Highlighting the divisive nature of the movie was a post reading: “The Substance is the only time I’ve ever been in a cinema where everybody clapped at the end. Two people walked out 20 minutes in, and three more walked out later.”
It’s unfortunate that some chose to leave early, as they likely missed out on the final act, which features some of the most outrageous and bold scenes in recent cinema history. This climax resonated well with audiences during its Cannes debut, where it received an enthusiastic reception.
This buzz has transformed The Substance into a financial success. After a budget of just $17 million (£13 million), it has already become a profitable venture, grossing approximately $46.3 million (£35.7 million) globally following its $12 million (£9 million) acquisition ahead of its Cannes premiere.
However, for those who still prefer the communal experience of cinema, The Substance is screening in select theaters, which is highly recommended for the full effect of its shocking narrative.
**Interview with Film Critic Clarisse Loughrey on “The Substance”**
**Editor:** Welcome, everyone. Today, we’re joined by film critic Clarisse Loughrey, who has recently reviewed the much-discussed body horror film, *The Substance*. Clarisse, thank you for being here.
**Clarisse Loughrey:** Thank you for having me!
**Editor:** *The Substance* has sparked quite the reaction, with reports of walkouts in theaters around the world. What were your initial thoughts after watching it?
**Clarisse Loughrey:** I found it incredibly daring and visceral. It’s a film that doesn’t shy away from its graphic violence, which is exactly why some viewers are finding it hard to stomach. I believe that’s part of its power; it forces audiences to confront uncomfortable themes regarding identity and the lengths individuals might go to in the pursuit of youth and beauty.
**Editor:** One audience member you quoted mentioned that they appreciated the walkouts, touting it as a sign of a compelling film. Do you agree with that sentiment?
**Clarisse Loughrey:** Absolutely! I think walkouts can indicate that a film is impactful. It challenges viewers and pushes boundaries, which can lead to strong reactions—both positive and negative. In this case, the physical response from the audience speaks volumes about the film’s ability to provoke thought and discussion.
**Editor:** Can you tell us more about the themes presented in *The Substance*?
**Clarisse Loughrey:** The film explores the dark side of fame and the pressures it places on individuals. The dynamic between Demi Moore’s character and her younger duplicate, played by Margaret Qualley, delves deep into issues of identity, self-worth, and societal expectations. It raises important questions about how far one would go to conform to the ideals of beauty and youth.
**Editor:** With such a provocative narrative, how do you think the film has been received differently in a home viewing setting compared to a packed theater?
**Clarisse Loughrey:** Home viewing changes the dynamic significantly. People might feel more comfortable pausing or talking through their reactions without the pressure of a packed theater. For *The Substance*, that personal setting can allow viewers to fully engage with the film’s challenging content without feeling the surrounding judgment. It creates a unique space for reflection.
**Editor:** do you foresee *The Substance* finding a dedicated audience despite its polarizing nature?
**Clarisse Loughrey:** Definitely! Films that evoke strong emotions tend to cultivate dedicated followings, even amidst criticism. With its deep themes and powerful performances, *The Substance* has the potential to resonate with audiences who appreciate bold storytelling.
**Editor:** Thank you, Clarisse, for sharing your insights with us. It seems *The Substance* is a film that will continue to spark conversations long after its viewing.
**Clarisse Loughrey:** My pleasure! I’m excited to see how it unfolds in discussions among film fans.
