The Substance star Demi Moore shared multiple behind-the-scenes images of one of the best-reviewed horror movies of 2024. Written and directed by Coralie Fargeat, The Substance follows Moore’s character, Elisabeth Sparkle, who begins to take a mysterious substance that promises to transform her into an enhanced version of herself. In addition to Moore, the cast of The Substance also includes Margaret Qualley and Dennis Quaid.

Demi Moore took to Instagram to share four images of herself looking completely unrecognizable in prosthetic makeup in The Substance. In the caption, Moore writes, “Been holding onto these gems from [The Substance] and today feels like an appropriate day to share them. Happy Halloween from Elisabeth Sparkle.” The first two slides in the post are selfies that Moore took while in all of her prosthetics for The Substance. Moore can also be seen posing with her dog while still in the prosthetics. Then, the final image shows her face covered in blood while they were filming the finale.

Why Moore Had To Wear So Many Prosthetics In The Substance
The Substance Features Many Moments Of Body Horror

In The Substance, Elisabeth is an actor who is seemingly no longer getting roles in movies, and is now starring in a Jane Fonda-inspired aerobics show instead. However, on her 50th birthday, Elisabeth is fired. In the aftermath, she learns about a black market serum that is advertised to transform its users into a younger, more attractive version of themselves. Elisabeth decides to use the serum, and Sue (Qualley) is born.

Related 9 Ways Elisabeth & Sue Are Different In The Substance In The Substance, Elisabeth and Sue are presented as being the same person, yet the characters have many important differences separating them.

Per the rules laid out in The Substance, Elisabeth and Sue must switch back and forth every week to maintain balance. However, Sue, who has a brand-new show and has become a huge star, decides not to switch back to Elisabeth. This leads Elisabeth’s body to become more and more disheveled every week until she finally looks like she does in the images Moore posted.

Our Take On Moore’s Prosthetics In The Substance
They Enhance The Body Horror Of The Movie

The creative team behind the movie created prosthetics that look so real, and are very effective in showing the audience just how much abusing The Substance’s serum has affected Elisabeth’s body. The Substance’s dedication to realistic effects and disturbing moments of body horror is a major reason why it is being praised as one of the best horror movies of the year. Therefore, it’s great to see that Moore fully embraced her role in the movie, and is giving viewers a closer look at the behind-the-scenes of The Substance.

Source: Demi Moore/Instagram

Elisabeth Sparkle, a fading celebrity, turns to a mysterious drug that promises to restore her youth by creating a younger, more beautiful version of herself. But splitting time between her original and new body leads to horrifying consequences as her alternate self, Sue, begins to unravel her life in a disturbing body-horror descent.Director Coralie Fargeat Release Date September 20, 2024 Studio(s) Working Title Films , A Good Story Runtime 140 Minutes Writers Coralie Fargeat Cast Demi Moore , Margaret Qualley , Dennis Quaid , Gore Abrams , Hugo Diego Garcia , Olivier Raynal , Tiffany Hofstetter , Tom Morton , Jiselle Burkhalter , Axel Baille , Oscar Lesage , Matthew Géczy , Philip Schurer Character(s) Elisabeth Sparkle , Sue , Harvey , Oliver , Diego , Alan , The Stylist , The Doctor , Girl , The Photographer , Troy , Bob Haswell , Mr. Scream Expand