By KABIR [3rd May,2025]
Coralie Fargeat’s The Substance has stirred up plenty of buzz as one of 2024’s most provocative and grotesque films. A sharp commentary on youth, beauty, and the body horror genre, the film blends practical effects with an unsettling premise. Beyond its on-screen shocks, the production itself has a number of fascinating behind-the-scenes stories. Here’s a deeper look into some of the most surprising facts about the making of The Substance.
A Sudden Loss and a Swift Replacement
One of the film’s more poignant behind-the-scenes stories involves the late Ray Liotta, who was originally cast in The Substance. Sadly, Liotta passed away in May 2022 before filming began. The production quickly moved to cast Dennis Quaid in his place. In a thoughtful nod, Liotta’s name still appears in the film’s “Thank You Notes” in the closing credits, as confirmed by IMDb.
Quaid, stepping into a character drenched in grotesquery, reportedly committed to the role in his own memorable way — by consuming nearly two kilograms (about four pounds) of shrimp for a particularly stomach-turning scene, according to IMDb trivia.
Demi Moore’s Bold Transformation
At the heart of The Substance is Demi Moore, who plays the aging celebrity Elisabeth Sparkle. Moore underwent an astonishing physical transformation for the role, utilizing heavy prosthetics and makeup to depict the decaying version of her character. As highlighted in The Economic Times, Moore was also open about her initial nerves surrounding filming nude scenes at 59, but credited her co-star Margaret Qualley for creating a supportive and safe environment on set.
Margaret Qualley’s Prosthetic Work
Interestingly, Qualley herself revealed a unique behind-the-scenes detail: the breasts seen in the film were prosthetics, crafted by renowned French makeup artist Pierre-Olivier Persin . This attention to prosthetic detail contributed to the film’s intentionally exaggerated and surreal body horror aesthetic, further blurring the line between what’s real and what’s fabricated.
The Dark Premise and Its Sinister Rules
The Substance revolves around a chilling concept — a clandestine drug that allows users to create a younger, alternate version of themselves. However, this miracle comes with strict, horrifying rules. The two versions must alternate control of the body every seven days, sharing the same consciousness. The film uses this premise to explore themes of vanity, control, and identity, while delivering visceral horror imagery throughout, as documented on IMDb.
The Shrimp Scene That Shocked Audiences
One of the most talked-about moments in the film is a scene where Dennis Quaid’s character, Harvey, eats between three to five pounds of shrimp. The scene’s unsettling nature led to mixed reactions, with some viewers describing the eating sound effects as “negative ASMR” and “torturous” .
A Gorefest Powered by Practical Effects
Director Coralie Fargeat is no stranger to practical gore, following up on her work in Revenge (2017). For The Substance, she leaned even harder into practical effects, opting for old-school body horror over CGI. According to Yahoo, the film utilized an astonishing 36,000 gallons of fake blood. This commitment to physical effects heightened the film’s visceral impact and gave it a distinctly 1980s horror vibe, reminiscent of classics like The Fly and The Thing.
The Reception and Future Prospects
Premiering at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, The Substance quickly earned a reputation as one of the festival’s most shocking entries. Critics praised Fargeat’s bold vision, Moore’s fearless performance, and the film’s unrelenting commitment to its grotesque aesthetic. While no official sequel plans have been announced, Fargeat has hinted in interviews that the world she’s built within The Substance has the potential for future expansion.
With its shocking visuals, unnerving premise, and fearless performances, The Substance has secured its place as one of the year’s most talked-about horror films — both for what happened on screen and the compelling stories behind it.
Box Office Success
Despite its niche genre, The Substance achieved commercial success. Released by Mubi, it grossed between $77–82 million worldwide against an $18 million production budget, making it Mubi’s highest-grossing film .
Critical Acclaim
The film received positive reviews and won Best Makeup and Hairstyling at the 97th Academy Awards, along with numerous other accolades. Moore’s performance won her a Golden Globe Award, Critics’ Choice Award, and Screen Actors Guild Award, and a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Actress .
The Substance stands as a testament to the power of bold storytelling and the willingness to tackle uncomfortable truths. Its blend of horror, satire, and social commentary has left an indelible mark on the cinematic landscape.
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Hi, I’m KABIR, a passionate blogger & web story creator dedicated to sharing insightful content on entertainment, sports, trends, science, history etc. With a focus on quality, authenticity, and value, I aim to inform, inspire, and engage readers through every post. Welcome to my corner of the web.