If you didn’t manage to see The Substance in cinemas, what excuse do you have? (Other than that, well, it’s a two-plus-hour body-horror extravaganza, which isn’t necessarily everyone’s cup of tea.) If you did manage to see The Substance in cinemas, there’s a good chance you’re dying to put yourself through it – in all its gory glory – for another round. Well, to both camps we bring glad, gooey tidings: you’ll be able to stream it on Halloween night in the comfort of your own home, where you can pause and leg it to the (starkly white-tiled) bathroom if you need a quiet spew.
Mubi released the film in cinemas, and now has confirmed that it’ll be streaming for Mubi members on its own platform on 31 October – a Halloween treat for all the sickos out there. Whether you watch it pre- or post-dinner (surely not during) is up to you. In case it somehow passed you by, the film – from French filmmaker Coralie Fargeat – stars Demi Moore as ageing A-lister Elizabeth Sparkle, who’s unceremoniously dumped from her hit fitness show when she turns (gasp!) 50. Soon after, she comes across an underground treatment known as The Substance – a shady (if beautifully packaged) kit that will create a younger version of herself. Margaret Qualley’s Sue emerges, living out the life Liz no longer feels she can. But when the strict rules of how The Substance should be used are broken, things go seriously haywire.
After winning the Best Screenplay award at Cannes, it remains to be seen if The Substance can make a dent in awards season – possibly with a nod to Demi for her wildly committed (and often devastating) performance. Either way, prepare to come under the influence of The Substance this Halloween. One rule: if you’re watching it while polishing off any trick-or-treat leftovers, make sure you... respect the balance.