Demi Moore Discusses The Emotional Impact of ‘The Substance’ and the Self-Inflicted Struggles We Endure
Demi Moore recently opened up about her role in the film ‘The Substance,’ which earned the Best Screenplay award at its Cannes debut earlier this year. In her reflections, Moore described the body horror film as a poignant commentary on the self-inflicted violence that individuals, especially women, often perpetrate while striving to conform to unattainable beauty ideals.
During a recent interview with The Guardian, she remarked, “What really struck me was the harsh violence against oneself. It’s not merely what is inflicted upon us; it’s what we inflict upon ourselves.”
Directed by Coralie Fargeat, ‘The Substance’ is set to hit theaters on September 20 and follows the life of an exercise guru who’s gradually losing her public appeal. Following an abrupt dismissal from television executive Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she turns to a dangerous black market drug that temporarily revitalizes her youthful appearance, portrayed by Margaret Qualley.
Moore, who has candidly spoken about her experiences with the entertainment industry’s pressures, particularly regarding ageism and sexism, connected deeply with the film’s themes. She reflected on her personal battles with body image and how disordered eating and excessive exercising have led her to harm herself. “What I did to myself… what I made it mean about me. Really examining that violence, how brutal we can be toward ourselves,” she shared.
Although ‘The Substance’ centers around its female protagonists, Moore emphasized that its themes resonate with men as well. “Self-judgment, the relentless pursuit of perfection, and the urge to erase our ‘flaws’ are experiences that aren’t limited to women,” she explained. She pointed out that everyone grapples with moments of self-criticism and the constant desire to fix perceived imperfections, often exacerbating the issue. “When we tie our self-worth to our appearance, we set ourselves up for emotional turmoil,” she added.
Describing the filming experience, Moore called the project “liberating.” She mentioned that from her perspective, embodying a character who is not glamourized was freeing. “It was a very challenging film, very raw, and vulnerable to produce. Yet, I felt less pressure than Margaret, who needed to look stunning. I knew my character wouldn’t be presented in an idealized way, which felt liberating,” she revealed.
Moore’s journey with ‘The Substance’ represents not only her artistic expression but also an opportunity for self-acceptance and growth. As the film prepares to make its way to audiences, its deeper messages about beauty, self-criticism, and acceptance reverberate more than ever.