Note: This article contains spoilers forThe Substance.
The Substance, directed by Coralie Fargeat, tears into the sexist expectations of the entertainment industry, specifically Hollywood, while delivering a terrifyingly nasty body-horror experience. It surprised absolutely no one, then, when its two starsDemi MooreandMargaret Qualleypaid homage to the movie while presenting an award at last night’sGolden Globes. The Golden Globes are a glitzy, booze, and food-filled night celebrating the best of last year’s film and TV offerings. WhileThe Substancewas nominated in several categories, the pair couldn’t help but make the most of the opportunity to reprise their roles from the film while presenting the Best Television Male Actor award.
When Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley took to the stage to present the award, Moore immediately turned to her co-star and asked, “What are you doing here?” Moore plays failing actress Elisabeth Sparkle inThe Substance. To rejuvenate her career, she takes a mysterious substance which causes a younger, “better” version of herself (played by Qualley) to burst out and have a career of her own. But, when the pair don’t respect the balance of the substance, things quickly get out of hand. “What do you mean, ‘what am I doing here’ Demi?” Qualley said in response. Moore replied, “This is my week,” to which Qualley responded, “But, it’s the Golden Globes, so…” Moore continued, uttering the iconic line from the movie:
“But you have to respect the balance, right?”
‘The Substance 2’ Gets Quickly Shut Down by Director
Fans were hoping for some kind ofThe Substancesketch at this year’s Golden Globes, although this wasn’t quite what they were expecting. Some thought the show would go to the extreme lengths to bring out Monstro Elisasue, the deformed, grotesque amalgamation of both characters who appears in the film’s finale. While that might have been a big ask, we’re still really happy the pair had some fun joking about the movie during the show. Their dilemma was brought about by both of them being nominated for their performances in the film. While Qualley missed out on an award,Demi Moore won, marking her first major awardwin in over 30 years.
Demi Moore’s ‘The Substance’ Is Great, but It’s Another Example of the Golden Globes' Flaw
While horror fans have reason to celebrate ‘The Substance’ being nominated for five Golden Globes, the genre still has a ways to go.
Following the tremendous success ofThe Substance, fans are now desperate for a sequel. Will Monstro Elisasue start a new career in Hollywood? Or, will other dwindling celebs use the substance, with similarly disastrous consequences? We’ll never know, because Coralie Fargeat has adamantly shut down any rumors of a potential sequel.
Shortly before the Golden Globes, Fargeat was askedabout returning to direct a sequel.The question was given a very rapid and blunt response. While a lot of directors will answer such a question with, “Well, if the right idea hits, then we’ll see,” Fargeat was having none of it. “Oh no, oh no,” the director began. “The point of this movie is to present fresh things to the world. Like no sequels, no prequels, no number two, no number three.“The Substanceis currently streaming on Mubi.
The Substance
Elisabeth Sparkle, renowned for an aerobics show, faces a devastating blow on her 50th birthday as her boss fires her. Amid her distress, a laboratory offers her a substance which promises to transform her into an enhanced version of herself.
