Demi Moore’s return to the big screen in “The Substance” is being celebrated as a powerful comeback, with co-star Dennis Quaid hailing it as an “incredible third act” for her career.
The film, described as a body horror pic by filmmaker Coralie Fargeat, has garnered praise at its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, with Quaid also applauding Fargeat’s directorial prowess.
The trio, following a remarkable 13-minute standing ovation at the Cannes Film Festival, which is the longest of the 77th edition thus far, also received enthusiastic applause as they entered the festival’s press room today.
“The Substance” is described as a feminist take on body horror, centered around a revolutionary product named The Substance, which pledges to rejuvenate individuals into a superior, youthful form. However, there’s a catch.
Demi Moore portrays an iconic TV aerobics host who is sidelined due to her age. Upon taking the drug, she gives birth to a younger version of herself, portrayed by Margaret Qualley, who assumes Moore’s former role as a seductive exercise show host.
Said Moore on selecting the script,
“I look for things that push me out of my comfort zone; the opportunity to make a better person and actor.
This touched on so many themes that we all face, we seek validation and belonging. By doing (the movie) it takes us to extremes and allows us to step into it in a unique way.”
“Through the process of the film, I think I came out with greater acceptance of myself than I am,” said Moore.
Star of ‘The Substance’ Demi Moore talks nudity in the film and highlights the importance of “mutual trust” and “communication”.
She describes co-star Margaret Qualley as a “great partner” who she felt “very safe with” #Cannes2024 pic.twitter.com/BxWnfN6eVo
— Deadline Hollywood (@DEADLINE) May 20, 2024
Moore was asked by a reporter about being canceled for her age.
“I don’t think I share that perspective of being canceled,” she responded. “My particular perception is that regardless of what is going on outside of you, the real issue is how you are relating to the issue.”
Moore continued,
“What I love in what Coralie wrote, as this is about the male perspective we bought into of women…even the newer, better version (of my character) gets the opportunity, but is still looking for the same validation.”
Fargeat said,
“My point was to stress our body; as women we’re defined as how we’re viewed in society; the violence we direct to ourselves is the violence around us.”
Moore clarified that the movie isn’t “anti-men” but rather “anti-jerk.” Meanwhile, Dennis Quaid, portraying a chauvinistic TV network boss, shared that he dedicated his performance to Ray Liotta, who was initially cast for the role before his passing.
Quaid said,
“Forty is the age when women are put out to pasture, whereas men keep on going. I’m glad to see a subject like this that people are afraid to talk about…all thes barriers are getting broken.”
He added,
“I think this movie in 20 years will still speak to us,” said Quaid.
“The Substance” marks the first collaboration on screen between Moore and Quaid, both of whom rose to fame in the 1980s.
However, Margaret Qualley, who displayed a case of the giggles and wore a notable hat during the Kinds of Kindness press conference, was notably absent during this morning’s presser for “The Substance.” Moore mentioned that Qualley had to depart to return to a film set.
