Demi Moore stars in Coralie Fargeat’s “The Substance,” a provocative film exploring aging and identity, which received a standing ovation at the Cannes premiere.
The latest film of Demi Moore, “The Substance,” directed by French filmmaker Coralie Fargeat, debuted at the 77th Festival De Cannes to significant acclaim. According to various media sources, including Variety and Deadline, the standing ovation lasted between nine and thirteen minutes.
Demi Moore’s Role and Challenges
During a press conference, Moore, 61, discussed her role as an aging actress and the experience of filming nude scenes. She emphasized the necessity of vulnerability and sensitivity for her character, acknowledging the rawness required to effectively convey the story.
Plot Overview
“The Substance,” with Moore in the lead, tells the story of Elisabeth Sparkle, a movie star turned TV fitness instructor. As reported by Vanity Fair, Sparkle discovers her show’s producers plan to replace her with a younger actress. In a desperate attempt to reclaim her youth and career, she uses a “black market,” “cell-replicating substance” to transform into a younger version of herself, portrayed by Margaret Qualley. The film’s synopsis, available on IMDb, poses the question: “Have you ever dreamt of a better version of yourself? You. Only better in every way.”
The official Cannes website describes the product, “The Substance,” as promising a perfect balance between Sparkle and her younger self, Sue. They must alternate living one week each, maintaining this balance to avoid catastrophic consequences. The storyline delves into the complexities and unforeseen challenges that arise from this arrangement.
Main Cast and Characters
The primary cast includes:
- Demi Moore as Elisabeth Sparkle
- Margaret Qualley as Sue
- Dennis Quaid as Harvey
Additional cast members listed on IMDb are:
- Hugo Diego Garcia as Diego
- Joseph Balderrama as Craig Silver
- Oscar Lesage as Troy
- Gore Abrams as Oliver
- Matthew Géczy as Bob Haswell
- Philip Schurer as Mr. Scream
Future Availability and Distribution
As for viewing “The Substance,” it may take some time before it becomes widely available. Films premiered at festivals like Cannes often seek distribution deals post-screening. The filmmakers have not disclosed any agreements with distributors, leaving the film’s release date uncertain.
The enthusiastic reception at Cannes highlights the film’s potential impact, with Moore’s performance and the unique plot generating significant buzz. The themes of aging, identity, and the desire for self-improvement resonate deeply, and the film’s innovative approach to these topics is poised to capture audience interest upon wider release.
Source:
Saman Shafiq (May 21, 2024). ‘The Substance’ gets a standing ovation at Cannes: What to know about Demi Moore’s new movie. USA Today. https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/movies/2024/05/21/demi-moore-the-substance-movie/73786224007/. Accessed May 22, 2024
Header image credit:
Demi Moore at Huffington Post Pre-Inaugural Party, 20 January 2009
Cliff from I now live in Arlington, VA (Outside Washington DC), USA, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
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