The shock film from Cannes (Best Screenplay winner) with body-horror elements takes a darkly funny look at the shelf life of female beauty in Hollywood. This is a must-see for fans of daring, thought-provoking cinema that pushes boundaries and confronts society’s toxic fixation on youth and perfection – though you’ll need a strong stomach for this one.
Genre: body horror, dark comedy, drama
Language: English, subtitles: Dutch
Elisabeth Sparkle, star of an aerobics show, is fired on her 50th birthday, because of her age. Shattered and demoralized, she returns home, only to receive an extraordinary offer. A mysterious lab proposes an injection of a miraculous substance that promises to transform her into “the best version” of herself: younger, more beautiful, and seemingly perfect.
At its core, The Substance delivers a powerful commentary on society’s obsession with youth and perfection. With elements of surrealism and shocking body horror, this film fearlessly tackles the toxic standards women face.
It’s the latest film from Coralie Fargeat (Revenge), featuring an unmissable comeback performance by Demi Moore (G.I. Jane), alongside rising star Margaret Qualley (Once Upon a Time in Hollywood) and seasoned actor Dennis Quaid. This visually striking satire has been hailed as a European answer to Barbie by De Filmkrant, blending dark humor with eye-popping style.
This film is recommended by the Student Film Committee because: “It’s an absolutely shocking experience, which really makes a point about the toxic pursuit of perfection and idealized body standards. You’ll spend every second of the movie on the edge of your seat.”
WARNING: This film contains graphic scenes of body horror and is not for the faint-hearted.
Awards
At the Cannes Film Festival, The Substance was nominated for the Palme d'Or and won Best Screenplay. It also took home the People’s Choice Award at the Toronto International Film Festival.
Reviews
“While dissecting the world’s ridiculous beauty ideals, Fargeat directs her sensational feat with pungent audacity, fearless humor, and dysmorphic body horror.” Screen Rant
“’The Substance’ gets more wonderfully appalling as it goes along, but it’s impressive from its first moments, and it never lets up.” San Francisco Chronicle
“While horrifying on the outside, Fargeat’s latest hit tells a heartbreaking story on the inside. For that, it’s a must-see this year.” We Got This Covered
Ticket information
This film will be shown at Filmhuis De Zwarte Doos. Buying a ticket online in advance is mandatory if you want to attend this film. You can buy a ticket by clicking on the black “order” button on this page.
Please note: you can only buy a ticket online; tickets cannot be purchased with cash or bank card at the ticket counter.
For more general information about tickets, refund policies, etc., please click here.
Please be on time
The screening of the film starts at 19:30 sharp (no pre-film advertisements) and the cinema hall opens at 19:10. We kindly ask you to be at the ticket counter at least 10 minutes prior to the start of the film. This is to ensure the film starts and ends on time.
The Studium Generale film program is created in collaboration with the Student Film Committee and Natlab.