Demi Moore Delivers Oscar-Worthy Performance in Coralie Fargeat’s Body Horror ‘The Substance’

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_{“The Substance” is more than just blood and guts — it’s got a career-topping performance by Demi Moore, who is worthy of serious Oscar consideration in the upcoming Academy Awards 2024}

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_{In Coralie Fargeat’s daring body horror film, Moore delivers possibly her most daring role ever. A dark exploration of youth, beauty, and the relentless demands on women in Hollywood, it’s a visual stunner with jaw-dropping prosthetics and an engrossing narrative. It’s already generating buzz after debuting at Cannes Film Festival 2024, and now adding Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) to the mix, it’s become a fan (and industry) favorite and could be on the road to the Oscars 2024.}

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_{But how do you describe the experience of watching such an audacious film? Imagine if movies were people. Then picture “Death Becomes Her” meeting “The Fly” at a swanky West Hollywood nightclub. A night of passion ensues, leading to a child — “Titane” — who grows up to marry “The Witches” during a wild Las Vegas trip. Their chaotic love child might resemble “The Substance”.}

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_{Told in three evocative chapters, “The Substance” follows Elisabeth Sparkle (Moore), the star of a hit aerobics show, who finds herself unceremoniously fired on her 50th birthday. When she’s offered a mysterious serum that transforms her into the most beautiful, “perfect” version of her 20-year-old self, Elisabeth’s life takes a surreal and unsettling turn.}

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_{Moore hasn’t always had the opportunities to stretch her acting abilities — until now. Under Fargeat’s visionary direction, her haunting and multifaceted performance proves just how much range she has. A moment in the movie involving Moore putting on, and continuously removing lipstick is undoubtedly the most extraordinary scene she’s ever filmed.}

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_{But here’s the hard truth: getting Moore the Oscar nomination she deserves will be no easy feat. A nomination for her bold, fearless portrayal would be one of the Academy’s coolest choices ever, rivaling Marisa Tomei’s surprise nomination and win for the comedy “My Cousin Vinny” (1992). In addition, convincing Academy voters to embrace this 140-minute roller coaster — with its wild themes and ambitious performances — will require a Herculean effort from Mubi, the film’s distributor, and its awards strategists.}

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_{One notable factor: Moore, now 61, embodies the type of comeback tale AMPAS loves to recognize. She first rose to prominence in the 1980s with films like “St. Elmo’s Fire” (1985) and “About Last Night” (1986), but her star skyrocketed when she landed the iconic role of Molly Jensen in “Ghost” (1990). Despite a Golden Globe nomination, she was eventually overlooked by the Oscars, despite the film winning two Academy Awards, including Best Supporting Actress for Whoopi Goldberg.}

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_{Since then, Moore has taken on a wide variety of roles — from a JAG attorney in “A Few Good Men” (1992) to a chief risk management officer in J.C. Chandor’s “Margin Call” (2011). She’s also experienced her fair share of critical flops, like “The Scarlet Letter” (1995) and “G.I. Jane” (1997).}

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_{One industry voter we talked to spoke highly about Moore’s career and mentioned how impressed they were with her unwavering support of ex-husband Bruce Willis. Following Moore’s Variety cover story, “The Substance” made its North American debut at TIFF as the Midnight Madness premiere selection, prompting strong word-of-mouth and five additional screenings — a testament to the demand.}

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_{While the race for the TIFF People’s Choice Award is competitive (and utterly wide open), don’t be surprised if this dark horse contender places in the top three, or even takes home the award.}

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_{In terms of technical achievements, the film’s best shot at Oscar glory might lie in the makeup and hairstyling category, which is crucial to Moore’s various and psychedelic transformations. If history is any indication, a nomination here could boost her chances. Since 2020, of the 20 nominated movies for makeup and hairstyling, 10 of them also picked up correlating acting nominations.}

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_{Yes, genre bias and the film’s graphic nature are significant hurdles. But I urge Academy voters: Take the time (and anti-nausea medication) to see “The Substance” on the big screen. Let Fargeat’s vision challenge your perceptions of Hollywood. One thing is for sure — you won’t be bored.}

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_{About the movie: Demi Moore gives the performance of her career as Elisabeth Sparkle, an 80s-esque TV fitness instructor who, on her 50th birthday, is fired by her misogynistic boss, Harvey (Dennis Quaid). At a loss, Elisabeth is introduced to a mysterious drug, 'The Substance.' The serum forces Elisabeth to "birth" a younger, more "perfect" version of herself, Sue (Margaret Qualley). They must swap identities every seven days, one in a comatose state while the other lives life.}

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_{“The Substance” is darkly funny, intense, and extremely graphic. It’s a shocking, masterful assault on the senses, making it one of the most assured and powerful genre films of the year.}

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