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Our take
The Substance is an adult body-horror film about a fading star who takes a black-market youth drug that splits her into a younger self. Expect extreme gore, full nudity, sexual content, and frequent f-word language. Ageism and body image are the whole point. This is not a teen scare. Keep it for older teens and adults who can handle graphic horror
Story (may spoil tone)
A fading celebrity decides to use a black market drug, a cell-replicating substance that temporarily creates a younger, better version of herself.
AMU ages are independent editorial opinions. They are not legal classifications and are not issued by the Classification Board, the MPAA, or any other official classification body. Official labels on this site, such as PG or R, come from those bodies or our data sources, not from AMU. AMU guides are not a substitute for official classification. Cuts and details can differ by version. Use them as one input only. You decide what is right for your family.
Details
Violence The later acts turn into chaotic, bloody set pieces as the experiment c…
The later acts turn into chaotic, bloody set pieces as the experiment collapses
Language Frequent strong language, including the f-word, in workplace rants and…
Frequent strong language, including the f-word, in workplace rants and panic
Sex / nudity Extensive full nudity and sexualised body display, mixed with graphic b…
Extensive full nudity and sexualised body display, mixed with graphic body horror
Drugs / alcohol The plot turns on a black-market injectable drug. Drinking is mentioned…
The plot turns on a black-market injectable drug. Drinking is mentioned in passing
Frightening Sustained body-horror dread, with grotesque transformation and a monste…
Sustained body-horror dread, with grotesque transformation and a monster-like climax
Self-harm / suicide No self-harm found in this title
No self-harm found in this title
Sexual violence No sexual violence found in this title
No sexual violence found in this title
Child peril / abuse No child peril found in this title
No child peril found in this title
Bullying / discrimination Co-workers mock her age and push to replace her with someone younger
Co-workers mock her age and push to replace her with someone younger
Gore / death / weapons Very graphic wounds, mutation, and blood. This is among the goriest mai…
Very graphic wounds, mutation, and blood. This is among the goriest mainstream horrors of the year
Dangerous behaviour Characters inject an unknown street drug and ignore medical warnings. D…
Characters inject an unknown street drug and ignore medical warnings. Do not copy
Eating disorders / body image The whole story is about hating an ageing body and chasing a younger, t…
The whole story is about hating an ageing body and chasing a younger, thinner look
Mental health Obsession, isolation, and self-loathing drive the experiment more than…
Obsession, isolation, and self-loathing drive the experiment more than a clinical portrait
Gambling No gambling found in this title
No gambling found in this title
Grief / bereavement No grief found in this title
No grief found in this title
Talk after watching
- The film attacks beauty standards in show business. What pressure does it show?
- A miracle product promises a better body. Why is that bargain dangerous?
- How does the movie treat ageing as something to hide rather than live with?