Demi Moore Body Horror Shocker ‘The Substance’ to Open TIFF Midnight Madness Section

As a seasoned movie buff with a deep appreciation for the twisted and the bizarre, I’m thrilled to pieces about this year’s Toronto International Film Festival Midnight Madness lineup! The sheer diversity of concepts and talent on display is truly something to behold.


Brace yourself, Canada, “The Substance” is coming.

I’m excited to share that the shocking and gruesome film featuring Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley, brilliantly directed by Coralie Fargeat, will be opening the Midnight Madness segment at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival.

In this story, Elizabeth Sparkle (Moore), a renowned actress and an Oscar laureate, faces the harsh reality of aging in Hollywood. As her prospects begin to dwindle, she finds herself confined to hosting a morning fitness program. Desperate for a way out, Sparkle’s life takes a turn when she encounters a secretive figure who presents her with an intriguing proposition: a chance to enhance her appearance and regain her past glory. Without revealing any plot twists, Qualley joins the narrative as the idealized reflection of Moore. However, they soon discover that sharing the spotlight isn’t as simple as they thought in Fargeat’s darkly imaginative tale.

Additionally, the roster includes director Joseph Kahn presenting “Ick,” an homage to ’80s monster movies featuring Brandon Routh, once TV’s Superman, and Mena Suvari from “American Beauty.” In “Else” by Tibault Emin, a terrifying premise unfolds as a disease causes humans to merge with their surroundings.

As a cinephile, I’m excited about two upcoming found-footage projects. The first one is “Dead Mail” by Joe DeBecker and Kyle McConaghy, which was a hit at SXSW. This film transports us back in time with its vintage midwestern feel and tells a chilling story set in the Post Office department. I can’t wait to see what dark secrets are hidden within those walls.

As a movie critic, I’m thrilled to share that Tim Robinson from “I Think You Should Leave,” Kate Mara, and Paul Rudd are set to bring Andrew DeYoung’s directorial debut to life in a film titled “Friendship.” Produced by the creators of the hit quarantine sensation “Barbarian,” this intriguing project follows my own quiet existence as I live out my days. However, things take an unexpected turn when a charismatic weatherman, played by none other than Paul Rudd, moves into the neighborhood. Suddenly, my mundane life begins to unravel in ways I could never have imagined.

TIFF kicks off Sept. 5. See the full Midnight Madness program below.

As a film enthusiast with a strong interest in international cinema, I’m thrilled to share my excitement about the upcoming premiere of several intriguing films at various film festivals around the world.

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2024-07-25 17:17