The Substance smashed the box office

It may have been the triumphant return of Demi Moore to the big screen or the magnetic charm of Margaret Qualley, Hollywood’s new rising star, but The Substance has indeed become the film of the year. Directed by Coralie Fargeat, the film was released at the perfect time, in a period when art-house horror is experiencing a true renaissance. In Italy, this body horror film grossed over €800,000 and reached 100,000 admissions in its opening weekend, surpassing the results of all other European countries. The Substance even doubled its Spanish debut, which reached only €450,000 and exceeded the excellent UK result of €726,000. These numbers reflect a warm reception from the Italian audience, who flocked to theaters to experience an intense and engaging cinematic journey. Despite the gory scenes and highly explicit images—which may be intense for those not inclined toward the genre—the film has become a central topic in online conversations. It generated memes and trends across social media platforms, amplifying its reach and drawing an even broader audience. This virality has contributed to creating a cultural phenomenon that goes beyond the theater, transforming The Substance into a true media event.

The film stands out for its powerful use of body horror, drawing influence from masters like David Cronenberg, David Lynch, and Brian De Palma, with an iconic and evocative use of blood and special effects. The formal attention to detail in its visuals and set design recalls the aesthetic of masterpieces like The Shining by Stanley Kubrick, with a meticulous orchestration of space that heightens the tension and suspense. Additionally, the film combines tension and irony in a unique mix that echoes Quentin Tarantino’s style in Pulp Fiction, creating a cinematic experience markedly different from traditional films in the genre. In fact, The Substance triumphed at the Cannes Film Festival, winning the Best Screenplay Award, and drew a large audience to theaters, stepping outside the niche of horror enthusiasts. The intense and charismatic performances of the two leads, Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley, have been the focal point of positive reviews from critics and the public alike. This enthusiastic reception has fueled rumors about the awards season, with many predicting possible Academy Award nominations.