The Substance

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High impact violence, blood and gore

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Why this classification?

None Very mild
impact Mild
impact Moderate
impact Strong
impact High
impact
Themes
Violence
Language Moderate impact
Drug use None
Nudity Strong impact
Sex Moderate impact

None
Very mild impact
Mild impact
Moderate impact
Strong impact
High impact

More information about the content of this film

See more information about the content of this film | Warning: May contain spoilers

The Substance is a U.S. horror film that follows 50-year-old Elisabeth Sparkle as she grapples with growing older, turning to an injectable laboratory substance to generate a younger, better version of herself – with horrific consequences.

Themes

The film contains body horror and science fiction themes, and features scenes of exaggerated and copious blood and gore, as well as extreme close-ups of medical procedures including injecting and stitching. Other thematic content deals with issues of self-worth, ageing and ageism. There is also a depiction of a car accident.

Violence

The film contains bloody violence, including a scene in which a character is beaten to death, and other violence involving copious blood detail.

Sex

The film contains extended sequences of sexualised imagery, and a pre-coital scene in which an amorous couple kisses and gropes.

Language

The film contains use of the word “f**k” and its derivatives, as well as the words, “shit”, “bitch”, “ass” and “damn”.

Nudity

The film contains numerous depictions of non-sexualised nudity, including full-frontal female nudity with genital detail obscured by pubic hair. There are also scenes of breast nudity, and male and female buttock nudity.

Industry details

Classification date

29 August 2024

Year of production

2024

Classification

R 18+

Consumer advice

High impact violence, blood and gore

The Substance

Why this classification?

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More information about the content of this film

Industry details