The Substance
7.8/10
jumps
6
gore
10
dread
8
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Where to watch: Streaming on Mubi (US, subject to change)
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How it scared people
The vibe
Fargeat's body-horror parable about an aging star and the younger self she injects into existence goes exactly as far as you fear, then several miles further. A neon-bright, deliberately vulgar scream at beauty standards with a finale that plays like Carrie staged by Troma.
The Substance (2024) Parents Guide
| MPA rating | Rated R |
|---|---|
| Runtime | 141 minutes |
| Jump scares | 3/5 — moderately scary, with a handful of strong sequences |
| Gore | 5/5 — extreme gore — not for the squeamish |
| Dread | 4/5 — heavy atmosphere — expect it to sit with you afterwards |
| Themes | graphic bodily transformation; psychological distress |
The Substance is rated R by the MPA. We score it 3/5 for jump scares, 5/5 for gore and 4/5 for lingering dread, over 141 minutes. Weigh the gore first: extreme gore — not for the squeamish. Older teens and adults, mostly on the strength of what it shows.
We rate what the film does — scares, gore, dread — not scene-level content like language or nudity, which we don't track.
Before you press play
- How scary is The Substance?
- On our intensity scale, The Substance rates 6/10 for jump scares and 8/10 for dread. It is moderately scary, with a handful of strong sequences.
- How gory is The Substance?
- The Substance rates 10/10 for gore — expect extreme gore — not for the squeamish.
- How long is The Substance?
- The Substance runs 141 minutes (2h 21m).
- What is The Substance rated?
- The Substance is rated R by the MPA. On our own scale it rates 6/10 for jump scares, 10/10 for gore and 8/10 for dread — the R tells you what it was certified, those tell you what it will do to you.
- Where to watch The Substance (2024)?
- As of our last update, The Substance is streaming on Mubi in the US. Availability changes, so check your service before settling in.
