Why did Demi Moore star in The Substance?.

Demi Moore has always been an incredibly popular actress. Although her personal life hasn't always gone well, she has worked hard and continuously proved her status. However, calling many bright works in Demi's recent years is difficult. Just recently, people started talking about her again, and immediately everyone wondered why Demi Moore starred in The Substance: after all, the film was not very straightforward. 

Overall, the topic of Demi Moore in The Substance is popular. Some liked Demi and the film's message, while others considered it a failed project. Moreover, preparing for the role in The Substance was also not easy for Demi Moore. All in all, it created not the most positive feedback but an incredibly strong resonance. And Demi Moore is back in the TOP discussions. 

How did Demi Moore prepare for The Substance?

First, it's important to note that The Substance is not Demi's first bright work. Various shoots have brought the actress different fees and opportunities. Often, the preparation for them took away a lot of energy and resources. But Demi has always loved such challenges. 

Looking back, it's worth mentioning that the actress's career began in the '80s. Her breakthrough role was Molly Jensen in the film 'Ghost' (1990), which brought her worldwide fame. In the following years, she solidified her status as a star, starring in films such as 'Indecent Proposal' (1993) and 'G.I. Jane' (1997).

However, since the early 2000s, Moore's career has been on the decline. Her roles became less noticeable, and the actress appeared on screen less frequently. Many critics and fans wondered if she could return to her former success.

'The Substance': a new chapter in her career

In 2024, Demi Moore returned to the big screen with a leading role in the film 'The Substance', directed by Coralie Fargeat. This film became a turning point in her career, receiving recognition from critics and audiences. At the Cannes Film Festival, 'The Substance' was awarded the prize for Best Screenplay and received a 13-minute standing ovation after its premiere. Many critics noted that this role is what brought Demi Moore back to the big screen.

It is also important to mention the script and story of the film. 'The Substance' is a satirical horror-thriller that openly explores the theme of obsession with youth and beauty in modern society. The main character, Elizabeth Sparkle (Demi Moore), is an Oscar-winning actress and host of a popular fitness show. 

On her 50th birthday, she learns from producer Harvey that she is being fired due to her age. In despair, Elizabeth turns to a mysterious drug called 'The Substance', which creates her younger and perfect version - Sue (Margaret Qualley). However, the use of the drug leads to unpredictable and frightening consequences, questioning true desires and the standards imposed by society.

How did critics react? 

The film received widespread acclaim from critics. On Rotten Tomatoes, 'The Substance' has a 90% approval rating from critics and 70% from audiences. On Metacritic, the film received a score of 77 out of 100 from critics and 7.6 out of 10 from viewers, corresponding to the description 'generally favorable reviews'.

Many noted that Demi Moore's performance in this film is one of the best of her career. A reviewer from People magazine writes: 'Moore's performance is a crescendo of panic and despair that is simultaneously acerbically sarcastic and absurdly funny.' The Associated Press adds: 'If there is criticism of the film, it lies in the fact that the satire and caricature here are a bit excessive... But this excess is part of what makes the film so engaging.'

For Demi Moore, participating in 'The Substance' became not only a professional but also a personal step. The actress has often faced societal pressure regarding appearance and age. In interviews, she confessed that for many years she struggled with insecurity and the urge to conform to imposed beauty standards. The role of Elizabeth Sparkle allowed her to explore these themes on screen and share her experiences with the audience.

In her memoirs 'Inside Out' (2019), Moore candidly discussed her struggle with eating disorders and how the industry imposed certain appearance standards on her. Participating in 'The Substance' became an opportunity for her to rethink her journey and accept herself as she is.

Success or Not?

The success of 'The Substance' did not only come from positive reviews. The film earned Demi Moore a nomination for an Academy Award for Best Actress, her first such recognition in her nearly 44-year career. In addition, she was awarded at the Critics Choice Awards 2025 in the category 'Best Actress'. Upon receiving the award, Moore noted that this film has become 'a healing balm for the very problem the film raises.'

Overall, 'The Substance' became an important milestone in Demi Moore's career, demonstrating her acting prowess and ability to return to the top after a hiatus. The film touches on relevant themes of societal pressure on women regarding appearance and age, encouraging viewers to reflect on true values and self-acceptance. The film's success and critical acclaim confirm that Demi