The film “The Substance,” directed by Coralie Fargeat and starring Demi Moore as a Hollywood icon, will be submitted for the Golden Globes—but in a surprising category. It’s being proposed for nomination in the musical/comedy genre rather than drama.
As the November 4 deadline for Golden Globe submissions approaches, the film’s classification has become a key issue. On one hand, “The Substance” is a tense horror film with many bloody scenes. On the other hand, it serves as a sharp satire of the television industry, where youth and beauty are often prioritized.
The deciding factor is the category where Moore would have the best chance of nomination or even victory. If the film were promoted as a drama, she would have to compete against stars like Angelina Jolie in “Maria,” Nicole Kidman in “The Good Bad Girl,” Saoirse Ronan in “The Escape,” and Tilda Swinton in “The Neighboring Room.”
In contrast, the comedy genre presents a less daunting competition for Moore, with a couple of relative newcomers: “Anora” featuring Mikey Madison and Carla Sophia Gascon in “Emilia Perez.”
What is “The Substance” About?
Elizabeth Sparkle has always dazzled with her beauty, but time has not been kind to her. Eventually, she stopped receiving film offers and had to shift to working in a fitness show. After turning 50, her pompous and inappropriate boss Harvey decided to fire her. Her only chance to reclaim her former glory lies in a mysterious injection offered by an unknown lab. With no other options, she agrees to the experiment and receives the drug, which creates a new persona—young and ambitious Sue—who is indifferent to how Elizabeth feels.
