Motion Picture Rating (MPA): Rated R for strong bloody violent content, gore, graphic nudity, and language.
Sex & Nudity
- Severity Level: Severe
- The film contains several scenes of graphic female nudity.
- There is brief male rear nudity, which is the only male nudity present.
- Characters engage in sexual situations, including making out and suggestive dance performances featuring topless dancers.
- Sexual dialogue is present throughout the film.
Violence & Gore
- Severity Level: Severe
- The movie features strong gore, injury detail, and mutilation with close-up images that are particularly grisly.
- Scenes include self-harm and blood transfusions depicted graphically.
- A character performs stitches on another’s back in a prolonged scene that shows the stitching piercing the skin.
Profanity
- Severity Level: Moderate
- Strong language is used frequently, including terms like ‘f*‘ and other milder profanities such as “selfish bitch.”
Alcohol, Drugs & Smoking
- Severity Level: Moderate
- The film depicts characters injecting themselves with an unnamed drug and smoking cigarettes.
- Alcohol consumption is shown in various scenes.
Frightening & Intense Scenes
- Severity Level: Severe
- High-impact injury details are presented alongside disturbing depictions of food consumption.
- An unexpected vehicle crash scene is designed to shock viewers.
- The second half of the movie escalates in intensity and disturbing content.
The Substance” presents a complex narrative intertwined with themes of body horror and societal scrutiny regarding female body image. It employs graphic visuals and intense scenarios to explore these themes while maintaining a satirical edge. Given its severe content across multiple categories, it is recommended for mature audiences only.
