SPOILER ALERT: This articles discusses plot details of “ The Substance ,” in theaters now. The final act of Coralie Fargeat’s “The Substance” has the internet in shock, and might just be one of the wildest 20-minute rides in recent times. Special effects artist Pierre Olivier Persin explained that Fargeat wanted to use practical effects, instead of digital CGI, where possible.
“70-80% of what you see is practical,” Persin told Variety. Demi Moore plays Elisabeth Sparkle, a faded Hollywood superstar relegated to hosting fitness videos reminiscent of the 1980s. Sadly, the producers want someone younger and search for a new host to replace her.
Overhearing the conversation, Elisabeth comes across an opportunity to try a drug that promises to enhance her into a better version of herself. But it comes with strict and specific instructions. Elisabeth injects herself with the slime-green substance, and ends up birthing a younger version of herself – Sue, played by Margaret Qualley .
Sue lands the fitness job, and the town becomes obsessed with her. Meanwhile, every seven days, without exception the two need to switch. And of course, things go downhill as Sue gets a taste for the adulation, the success and the youthfulness.
As Sue sticks around for longer than her seven days, Elisabeth starts seeing the consequences, beginning with a dead and aging finger. It only gets worse. By the end, Sue needs to stay in her body longer so she can host the New Year’s Eve party c.