Classic Movies Live – Season 6, Episode 2: The Substance
January 22, 2025
This week on Classic Movies Live, we’re talking about another big winner from 2024’s Cannes Film Festival!
From director Coralie Fargeat, The Substance tells the story of Elisabeth Sparkle, an aging Hollywood star who, after being dismissed from a popular exercise show, begins taking a black market experimental drug called the Substance in a desperate bid to regain her former glory. Intoxicated by fame after the Substance gives her a second chance at youth, Elisabeth soon finds herself at odds with the younger persona granted to her by the experimental drug…
The Substance is a brilliant showcase for Demi Moore, Margaret Qualley, and Dennis Quaid, who all shine in Fargeat’s award-winning screenplay. Part body-horror, part comedy, part poignant social commentary, The Substance is a blunt instrument with a little bit of something for everybody. So which parts did our hosts latch onto? Tune in today as Pierre and Jeff discuss another prospective Best Picture nominee… live!
This episode features a brief discussion of the LA fires. If you’d like to learn more about how to donate to those in need, check out this article from the LA Times.
This episode is dedicated to the memory of Julie Wisehart.
