The Substance

What’s it about?

A middle-aged actress uses a mysterious substance to create a younger version of herself when she is fired from her job hosting a popular daytime aerobics show.

The facts

• Directed by Coralie Fargeat
• English language
• Runtime: 141 minutes
• Stars Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley in the lead roles.
• Nominated for the Palme d’Or 2024

Why did it get this rating?

This film was classified by Te Mana Whakaatu - Classification Office. You can find out more about classification process and ratings here.

Bloody body horror and other content that may disturb

The film contains disturbing science fiction and body horror themes. Many scenes contain a lot of blood, and gory bodily injury.

• A middle-aged woman ‘births’ a younger clone from a gaping wound that tears down her back.
• There are close-ups of wounds and medical procedures which involve the use of large needles to exchange blood and other bodily fluids, including spinal fluid.
• An intact food item is extracted from a woman’s belly button and internal organs spill out of a woman’s catsuit when it is unzipped.
• A woman’s body ages rapidly and becomes decrepit.
• A young woman’s body begins to decay and disintegrate in a bloody and horrific manner.
• A young woman ‘births’ a grotesque mutant monster when she seeks to create an even younger clone of herself.

Sexual Material

The bodies of two women are shown in close-up detail. The women are either naked in a stark white bathroom, or dancing suggestively in tight-fitting aerobics outfits.

A woman and a man kiss and fondle each other but the scene ends before any sexual activity takes place.

There are regular sexual references including sexist and ageist comments about women and women’s bodies.

Violence

A lengthy and brutal fight between two women results in strong, bloody injuries. One woman repeatedly smashes the other’s head into a mirror turning it into a bloody pulpy mess.

Offensive language

Highly offensive words such as “f*ck” and its derivatives are mentioned occasionally. The word “b*tch” is used derogatorily towards women.

Helplines

If you are struggling with what you have seen on-screen please reach out for help. If you or someone you know needs to talk:

• 1737
• Safe to talk
• Lifeline
• Youthline

Further information

• Why are ratings and content warnings important for me and my whānau?
• Blunt object body horror The Substance is bloody, feminist catharsis in action (AV Club)