The Substance, the latest from Revenge writer/director Coralie Fargeat, was a smash hit at Cannes Film Festival yesterday, with either a 9-minute, 11-minute or 13-minute standing ovation (depending on who you ask) – any of which is pretty damn impressive. And from the latest teaser trailer, we can sure see why.
Starring Margaret Qualley, Demi Moore and Dennis Quaid, The Substance has been described as a ‘feminist body-horror thriller’, with a plot synopsis reading:
It generates another you. A new, younger, more beautiful, more perfect you. And there’s only one rule: You share time. One week for you. One week for the new you. Seven days each. A perfect balance. Easy. Right? If you respect the balance…what could possibly go wrong?
If that doesn’t get you hyped, the first look stills released late last week (seen below) sure will – who doesn’t love some grisly gore combined with stunning costumes?
At the time of writing, The Substance is currently out in front on the Cannes jury grid – could we be seeing a second female-directed French body horror take the Palme d’Or after Julia Ducournau‘s Titane did back in 2021? The odds certainly look good, but can The Substance take the horror crown in the same year as David Cronenberg’s The Shrouds? Only time will tell!
The Substance has been picked up for worldwide distribution by MUBI, and will release theatrically later this year. Keep your eyes peeled for more updates as we get them.
