The Substance

The Substance (2024) - Quotes

Audience Score
71
Review Score
85

Self-Control is Essential

Taglines: You have to control yourself.

Life-Changing Transformation Awaits You

Taglines: It'll change your life.

Questioning the Consequences of Compliance

Taglines: If you follow the instructions, what could go wrong?

Aspiring for a Better Self

Taglines: Have you ever dreamt of a better version of yourself?

Identity Confusion Among Friends

Monstro ElisaSue: [as the New Year's Eve special descends into chaos] Don't be scared! It's still me!
Elisabeth Sparkle: It's me!
Monstro ElisaSue: I'm Elisabeth! I'm Sue!

A Conversation About Beauty Secrets

Sue: [as the TV Host asks Sue what her beauty secret is] I don't know. Uh...
Elisabeth Sparkle: Say it! Say it!
Sue: Let me think.
Elisabeth Sparkle: Say it! Tell them who your little beauty secret is!
Sue: I guess...
Elisabeth Sparkle: [undresses her housecoat; flashes her television] I would just show them right here. Here's your little beauty secret.
Sue: [as Elisabeth throws eggs at her television] I guess I just try to be myself. To be sincere and grateful for all that I have. And to always remember to leave with my heart.

Self-Control and Its Importance

Elisabeth Sparkle: You have to...
Sue: CONTROL YOURSELF!

Unexpected Encounters at the Diner

Man at Diner: It's long, isn't it?
Elisabeth Sparkle: Excuse me?
Man at Diner: Seven days.
Elisabeth Sparkle: [realizing he is also using The Substance] Did you follow me here?
Man at Diner: I was just curious to find out how things were going for you. Each time you feel a little more lonely, don't you think?
Elisabeth Sparkle: I don't know what you're talking about. I'm fine. Everything's fine.
Man at Diner: It gets harder each time, to remember that you still deserve... to exist! That this part of yourself is still worth something! That you still matter!
Man at Diner: Has she started yet? Eating away at you?

Confrontation Between Oliver and Elisabeth Sparkle

Oliver: Hey, Sue!
Elisabeth Sparkle: FUCK OFF!

Respecting the Balance

Elisabeth Sparkle: The balance must be respected.
The Substance: So respect it.

Casting Director Comments on Beauty and Skills

Fred: You haven't changed a bit! You're still the most beautiful girl in the whole wide world!
Casting Director: Too bad her boobs aren't in the middle of her face instead of that nose!
Oliver: I am actually quite handy if you ever need me to be an aid. I have got a big hammer, you know what I mean!

The Importance of Smiling in Business

Harvey: Sue! These are the Shareholders, they are dying to meet you! Is everything okay? So SMILE! That's what we want tonight! Pretty girls should always SMILE!

Pride in a Created Masterpiece

Harvey: [to the shareholders, about Sue] You will not be disappointed. She's my most beautiful creation. I have shaped her for success.

Admiring Beauty and Kindness in Others

Harvey: [to Sue] Gorgeous. With a pure heart. People are gonna love that!

Desperation for Youth in Television Casting

Harvey: [on the phone in the bathroom; laughs; laughs as he walks out] I don't care if I see every fucking young girl in this fucking town in the next few weeks. Look, I made it simple. We need her young. We need her hot. We need her now. How the old bitch has been able to stick around for this long, that's the fucking mystery to me. Oh, Oscar winner, my ass. When was that back in the 30s? What, for King Kong? No, I don't give a fuck what we promised her. This is network TV, not a fucking charity. Find me someone new. NOW! Hey, did you know that a woman's fertility starts to decrease by the age of 25? How old is Jennifer? Ha ha. You better get busy.

Expressions of Joy and Longing

Monstro ElisaSue: I'm so happy to be with you tonight. I've missed you all so much...

Desire for Self-Improvement and Transformation

Sue: [in a panic] I need a better version of myself. Please give me a better version of myself, please! Please! Come on!

A Promise to Return Soon

Sue: [to Elisabeth] I won't be out late, so just wait for me. Don't eat too fast.

Sue's Enthusiastic Call to Action

Sue: Hi everybody. I'm Sue. And it's time to Pump It Up!

Misuse of the Substance Acknowledged

Elisabeth Sparkle: There's been a slight misuse of the Substance.

Acceptance of Self in Relationships

Elisabeth Sparkle: [to lifeless Sue] You're the only part of me I don't hate.

Challenge Accepted: Show Me Jurassic Fitness

Elisabeth Sparkle: [watching Sue dismiss her career on a TV interview] Jurassic Fitness? I'll fucking show you. You wanna see some Jurassic Fitness? You want it? Come on, come get your fucking Jurassic Fitness!

The Cost of Choices and Consequences

The Substance: What has been used on one side, is lost on the other side. There's no going back.

Unlocking Your Better Self Through Transformation

The Substance: Have you ever dreamt of a better version of yourself? Younger, more beautiful, more perfect. One single injection unlocks your DNA, starting a new cellular division, that will release another version of yourself. This is the Substance. You are the matrix. Everything comes from you. Everything is you. This is simply a better version of yourself. You just have to share. One week for one and one week for the other. A perfect balance of seven days each. The one and only thing not to forget: You. Are. One. You can't escape from yourself.