Coralie Fargeat’s latest film, ‘The Substance,’ explores the quest for self-identity through the story of aging actress Elizabeth Sparkle, played by Demi Moore. After injecting a mysterious substance, she encounters a younger version of herself, portrayed by Margaret Qualley. The film, recognized with accolades like the Best Screenplay Award at Cannes, delves into extreme themes and the complexities of trust in Fargeat’s collaboration with Moore. Set for release on November 6, it blends horror and humor in a unique aesthetic.
Coralie Fargeat: The Visionary Behind ‘The Substance’
Before her latest film, ‘The Substance,’ Coralie Fargeat had already made a name for herself with two short films and the notable feature film ‘Revenge,’ which premiered in 2018. However, her latest project has catapulted her into the spotlight, earning her accolades such as the Best Screenplay Award at the Cannes Film Festival and significant success with distributor MUBI in the U.S.
At the heart of ‘The Substance’ lies an intriguing question: “Have you ever imagined a better version of yourself?” The film follows Elizabeth Sparkle (played by Demi Moore), a once-celebrated actress now grappling with the harsh realities of aging in a youth-obsessed industry. In a desperate bid to reclaim her former glory, she injects herself with a mysterious substance, which manifests a younger and more glamorous version of herself, portrayed by Margaret Qualley.
While the audience anticipates a downward spiral, the exact nature of the impending chaos remains uncertain. Fargeat crafts a daring cinematic experience that is both feminist and provocative, skillfully guiding viewers through this harrowing journey with exceptional framing and powerful performances, especially from Moore, who delivers a remarkable portrayal.
Creating a Trusting Collaboration with Demi Moore
In an exclusive interview, Fargeat discussed the creative process behind ‘The Substance’ and her collaboration with Moore. She noted that the film’s exploration of extreme themes was a significant aspect of her vision. “The film has been incredibly cathartic for me, pushing boundaries in terms of expression and sincerity,” Fargeat explained. “I fought to maintain that extreme element, knowing it was essential to the film’s DNA.”
The director emphasized the importance of trust in their working relationship. They engaged in in-depth conversations about the film’s nudity and raw themes to ensure Moore felt at ease. Fargeat shared her admiration for Moore’s journey and resilience, having learned about her struggles and triumphs through the actress’s autobiography.
“Trust doesn’t come from nowhere,” Fargeat stated. “We discussed how I wanted to film the nude scenes and the significance behind them, which allowed Demi to understand the visual composition’s importance.”
Fargeat also praised the dedication of both Moore and Qualley during the emotionally charged shoot. “They maintained a strong commitment to the film, even during challenging moments. Their focus on embodying the characters was palpable and contributed to the overall atmosphere of the production.”
As for the visual inspirations behind ‘The Substance,’ Fargeat drew from a range of influential films, including John Carpenter’s ‘The Fly’ and ‘The Thing,’ as well as works by Paul Verhoeven and David Cronenberg. “These films resonated with me for their exploration of bodily themes,” she noted, underscoring the blend of horror and humor that characterizes her film’s unique aesthetic.
‘The Substance,’ directed by Coralie Fargeat, is set to hit theaters on November 6.