The Substance Streaming Guide: Where To Watch Demi Moore’s Controversial Body Horror Hit Right Now

The Substance, the sensational and critically acclaimed body horror film of 2024, has captivated audiences and critics alike with its visceral critique of the entertainment industry's obsession with youth and beauty. As of today, December 18, 2025, the film is widely available across major streaming and video-on-demand (VOD) platforms following its successful theatrical run and initial premium digital debut. If you are looking to watch the shocking performance by Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley, you have several accessible options to stream, rent, or buy the movie, ensuring you can experience the film's intense, R-rated commentary on body dysmorphia and self-sabotage.

Directed by French filmmaker Coralie Fargeat, The Substance is a landmark piece of modern horror that blends satirical dark comedy with gruesome, unflinching practical effects. The film’s powerful themes have made it one of the most talked-about movies of the year, leading to high demand for its digital release. Whether you prefer a subscription service or a one-time rental, this guide details every current viewing option for this must-watch cinematic experience.

The Substance (2024) Essential Profile: Cast, Crew, and Plot Summary

The success of The Substance is built on the shoulders of its uncompromising vision and stellar performances, particularly from its two lead actresses. The film’s narrative is a dark fable about the pressures of celebrity culture and the relentless pursuit of an unattainable ideal of beauty.

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• Original Title: The Substance
• Release Year: 2024
• Genre: Body Horror, Satirical Horror, Drama
• Director & Writer: Coralie Fargeat
• Theatrical Release Date: September 20, 2024
• Rating: R (for strong bloody horror violence, disturbing material, sexual content, and graphic nudity)
• Runtime: 140 minutes

Main Cast & Key Entities

The film features a small but powerful ensemble cast, with Demi Moore delivering a career-defining performance.

• Demi Moore as Elisabeth Sparkle (A fading celebrity, the original self)
• Margaret Qualley as Sue (Elisabeth’s younger, "perfect" alter-ego created by The Substance)
• Dennis Quaid as Harvey (Elisabeth’s toxic, ageist TV producer)
• Coralie Fargeat (Director and Writer, known for *Revenge*)
• Benjamin Kracun (Cinematographer)

Plot Synopsis (Spoiler-Free)

Elisabeth Sparkle, a former Hollywood star now hosting a low-rated fitness show, is brutally fired by her producer, Harvey, who claims she is too old. Desperate to reclaim her youth and career, Elisabeth turns to a mysterious black market product called "The Substance." This substance promises to generate a new, younger, and more beautiful version of oneself—a literal "better" self named Sue. The catch: the two selves must share time and resources. When Sue (Margaret Qualley) achieves instant fame and starts to live her own life, the original Elisabeth begins to suffer a grotesque deterioration, leading to a terrifying and visceral body horror spiral.

Where to Stream The Substance in the US, UK, and Globally

The streaming landscape for The Substance is straightforward, with the film having secured major deals for its post-theatrical run across key territories. The film is no longer considered a Premium Video on Demand (PVOD) exclusive and is now part of subscription libraries.

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United States (US) Streaming Platform: Max

For viewers in the United States, the primary and most accessible platform to watch The Substance is Max (formerly HBO Max). The movie officially debuted on the platform on October 10, 2024, strategically timed for the Halloween season, and remains available as part of the standard Max subscription library.

• Platform: Max (HBO Max)
• Cost: Requires a Max subscription.
• Availability: Currently streaming in the standard library.

United Kingdom (UK) and Canada Streaming Platform: MUBI

In the UK and Canada, the streaming rights for The Substance were acquired by the arthouse and independent film streaming service, MUBI. This aligns with the film's strong reception on the festival circuit, including its premiere at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival where it won Best Screenplay.

• Platform: MUBI
• Cost: Requires a MUBI subscription.
• Availability: Currently streaming in the standard library.

Australia Streaming Platform: Stan

Australian viewers can access The Substance through the local streaming service Stan. The film was added to the Stan library, following its international digital rollout.

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• Platform: Stan
• Cost: Requires a Stan subscription.
• Availability: Currently streaming in the standard library.

Alternative Ways to Watch: Rent or Buy on VOD

If you do not subscribe to Max, MUBI, or Stan, you can still easily access The Substance through traditional Video On Demand (VOD) services. The film was released digitally on October 31, 2024, and is available to rent or purchase.

This "transactional VOD" (TVOD) option is perfect for those who want a one-time viewing without a monthly commitment. The film is generally available for purchase at a price point around $19.99 and for rental at a lower fee, though prices may vary by retailer.

Major VOD Retailers Where You Can Find The Substance:

• Amazon Prime Video
• Apple TV / iTunes
• Google Play Movies / YouTube
• Vudu / Fandango at Home
• DIRECTV

These platforms offer the film in high-definition formats, including 4K, for the best viewing experience of its intense visual effects.

Why The Substance Became a Streaming Must-Watch: Topical Authority & Themes

The Substance is more than just a horror movie; it is a profound, often uncomfortable, examination of societal pressures, making it a powerful piece of topical cinema. The film’s critical success and strong word-of-mouth stem from its unflinching exploration of highly resonant themes.

The Fear of Aging and Celebrity Culture

The central theme revolves around the entertainment industry's obsession with youth and the subsequent fear of aging experienced by women in the public eye. Elisabeth Sparkle’s desperation is a direct critique of a culture that discards women once they are no longer deemed "marketable." The film uses the body horror genre to literalize the internal struggle and self-hatred that this culture breeds.

Body Dysmorphia and Self-Sabotage

The relationship between Elisabeth and Sue is a terrifying metaphor for body dysmorphia and self-sabotage. Sue is the perfect, younger self, but her existence slowly and painfully destroys the original Elisabeth. This duality explores the psychological damage caused by the relentless pursuit of beauty and the idea that our "ideal" self can become our greatest enemy.

The Body Horror Revival

Director Coralie Fargeat has cemented her place in the modern body horror canon. The film’s graphic and practical effects place it firmly alongside classics of the genre, using physical transformation and mutilation to comment on social issues. Fans of the genre who enjoyed the visceral nature of *Titane*, *Raw*, *Crimes of the Future*, or *The Fly* (1986) will find a new essential viewing in The Substance.

The film’s intensity is precisely why it is being discussed for awards and why it had a theatrical re-release in some markets, proving that its shocking content is best viewed on the biggest screen possible, or at least in the highest quality available on Max, MUBI, or your chosen VOD service.