Demi Moore has been a household name in Hollywood for decades, known for her stunning performances and captivating on-screen presence. But her role as Elisabeth Sue in the hit horror movie The Substance took her career to new heights, earning her critical acclaim and a rare Oscar nomination for a horror film.
The Substance, directed by Coralie Fargeat, tells the story of Elisabeth Sparkle, a faded actress-turned-fitness-instructor who takes a fictitious drug that spawns a younger, “better” version of herself – with graphic and violent results. The film also stars Margaret Qualley as Sue, the younger version of Elisabeth.
But did you know that before Margaret was cast, another well-known actress was in consideration for the role? In a recent interview with BuzzFeed, Pretty Little Liars star Lucy Hale revealed that she had auditioned for The Substance.
Although she didn’t specify which role she had her eye on, it’s safe to assume that Lucy tried out for the role of Sue, which eventually went to Margaret in the finished film. Lucy shared that for every “yes” to an audition, there are countless “no’s” that actors have to face. But she remains positive and determined, saying, “I should probably go back in journals and look at all the things I’ve auditioned for.”
The Substance was a huge success, earning five Oscar nominations, including a Best Actress nod for Demi Moore. This was a rare feat for a horror film, and it speaks to the powerful performances of the cast, especially Demi as Elisabeth.
However, director Coralie Fargeat initially had reservations about casting Demi in the role. In an interview with the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, she revealed that she didn’t want to entertain the idea of Demi playing Elisabeth because she would have to confront her worst phobia. But when Demi’s name came up in conversation, Coralie couldn’t resist the idea.
Demi was determined to land the role and even gifted Coralie with a copy of her memoir, Inside Out, to prove that she understood the character and the themes of the film. And her dedication paid off, as she delivered a powerful and haunting performance as Elisabeth.
Meanwhile, Margaret has also shared some behind-the-scenes secrets about her role as Sue. She revealed that even after she was cast, she still didn’t quite measure up to what Coralie had in mind for the character physically. This meant that she had to wear prosthetics throughout the film, even before the gruesome finale.
The Substance has been praised for its unique and thought-provoking storyline, as well as the exceptional performances from its cast. It is available to stream now on Mubi, and if you haven’t seen it yet, it’s definitely worth a watch.
The film’s success and critical acclaim have solidified Demi Moore’s status as a versatile and talented actress. She has proven time and time again that she is not afraid to take on challenging and unconventional roles, and her performance in The Substance is a testament to that.
The Substance is just one of many horror films that have received recognition from the Oscars, and it’s about time that the genre gets the recognition it deserves. Demi’s nomination for Best Actress is just one example of the incredible performances that have been overlooked in the past.
In fact, there are many other horror performances that deserved love from the Oscars, including Demi’s co-star Margaret Qualley. But with the success of The Substance, we can hope that more horror films and performances will be recognized in the future.
In conclusion, Demi Moore’s portrayal of Elisabeth Sue in The Substance is a testament to her talent and dedication as an actress. She took on a challenging role and delivered a powerful performance that earned her critical acclaim and a rare Oscar nomination for a horror film. The Substance is a must-watch for any horror fan, and it’s a reminder that the genre deserves more recognition in the film industry.
