Stream 'The Substance': 2025 Viewing Guide

Four months after its triumphant premiere at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival—where it garnered a 13-minute standing ovation and the Best Screenplay award—Coralie Fargeat's darkly comedic body horror film, The Substance, has arrived in US theaters. The film's critical acclaim continues, earning it five Oscar nominations, including nods for its stars, Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley. IGN awarded it an 8/10, calling it a "sick, twisted, and squirm-inducing parable" that critiques celebrity culture's obsession with youth and beauty.

Curious about how and where to watch The Substance online? Read on.

How to Watch The Substance Online

The Substance

Currently, The Substance streams exclusively on Mubi, not Netflix or Hulu. Mubi is a subscription service, but they offer a seven-day free trial. If a subscription isn't for you, you can also rent or buy the film from various digital platforms, including Prime Video and Apple TV+.

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The Substance on Blu-ray

The Substance [4K UHD + Blu-ray + Digital]

Demi Moore delivers a career-best performance as Elisabeth Sparkle, a former A-lister fired by studio head Harvey. She becomes entangled with "THE SUBSTANCE," a mysterious drug that transforms her into the younger Sue (Margaret Qualley).
$42.98 save 42% $24.96 at Amazon

Looking to expand your horror collection? The Substance is available now in 4K. For more information on physical releases, check out our complete guide to upcoming Blu-rays.

What Is The Substance About?

The Substance is a satirical body horror-thriller written and directed by Coralie Fargeat. Mubi's official synopsis: "Elisabeth Sparkle (Demi Moore), a former A-lister past her prime, is drawn to a mysterious new drug. One injection, and she's reborn—temporarily—as the gorgeous, twentysomething Sue (Margaret Qualley). The only rule? Split your time: one week in one body, then one week in the other. No exceptions. Easy, right?"

The Substance Cast

Written and directed by Coralie Fargeat, The Substance stars:

• Demi Moore as Elisabeth Sparkle
• Margaret Qualley as Sue
• Dennis Quaid as Harvey

The Substance Rating and Runtime

The Substance is Rated R for strong bloody violent content, gore, graphic nudity, and language. The film runs 2 hours and 20 minutes, including credits. There is no post-credits scene.

For more from IGN, check out our lists of the biggest movies of 2024.