The Substance (2024)

Kernel Score: 80% · 5,742 ratings · Rated R

Genres: Horror, Science Fiction, Thriller

Released: 2024-09-07

Runtime: 141 minutes

Is The Substance worth watching?

Depends on your taste. A grotesque, gloriously nasty body-horror satire about ageing and beauty. It's bold and well acted, and also long and extremely gory. If that sounds fun, it's a hit; if not, stay away.

Watch it if you

  • like body horror and dark satire
  • enjoy bold, over-the-top filmmaking
  • want a film people will argue about

Skip it if you

  • are squeamish about gore
  • want subtle horror

Best for: Late-night horror night

Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.

Where to watch The Substance

  • Stream: Hulu, MUBI
  • Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Fandango At Home
  • Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Fandango At Home

US availability, updated 2026-10-23.

Overview

A fading celebrity decides to use a black market drug, a cell-replicating substance that temporarily creates a younger, better version of herself.

The Substance parents' guide: ages 15+

Parents need to know that this R-rated body-horror satire contains extreme gore, disfigurement, nudity, and drug use.

  • Violence & scariness: Intense — Graphic body horror and disfigurement are central, with reviews noting the film is 'laser-focused on the human body' and its grotesque transformations.
  • Sex, romance & nudity: Strong — An unflinching focus on bodies, beauty, and aging, consistent with the R rating, includes substantial nudity.
  • Language: Moderate — The R rating indicates strong language amid the intense content.
  • Drinking, drugs & smoking: Strong — The plot hinges on a black-market cell-replicating drug ('the substance') and its escalating misuse.
  • Products & purchases: Some — The film satirizes the beauty and entertainment industries' obsession with youth and marketable perfection.

Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.

Movies like The Substance

If you liked The Substance, these are the movies we'd watch next.

  • The Ugly Stepsister (2025) — 83%: Another dark, grisly story about beauty standards.
  • The Invisible Man (2020) — 78%: Sharp horror about being trapped and gaslit.
  • Companion (2025) — 78%: Sci-fi thriller about control and identity.
  • Ginger Snaps (2000) — 76%: Body-horror coming-of-age with a dark sense of humour.
  • Strange Days (1995) — 77%: Edgy sci-fi thriller with a dark urban setting.

Director

Coralie Fargeat

Cast

  • Demi Moore as Elisabeth
  • Margaret Qualley as Sue
  • Dennis Quaid as Harvey
  • Edward Hamilton-Clark as Fred
  • Gore Abrams as Oliver
  • Oscar Lesage as Troy
  • Christian Erickson as Man at Diner
  • Robin Greer as Male Nurse
  • Tom Morton as Doctor
  • Hugo Diego Garcia as Diego - Boyfriend

The Substance FAQ

Is The Substance worth watching?

Depends on your taste. A grotesque, gloriously nasty body-horror satire about ageing and beauty. It's bold and well acted, and also long and extremely gory. If that sounds fun, it's a hit; if not, stay away.

Where can I watch The Substance?

In the US you can stream The Substance on Hulu and MUBI and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV and Fandango At Home.

Is The Substance OK for kids?

The Substance is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that this R-rated body-horror satire contains extreme gore, disfigurement, nudity, and drug use.

What movies are like The Substance?

If you liked The Substance, try The Ugly Stepsister, The Invisible Man, Companion and Ginger Snaps.