10 Disturbingly Brilliant Quotes From ‘The Substance’
“Pretty girls should always smile!”
The Substance is a bold, body-horror drama that dives into themes of beauty, identity, and the destructive pursuit of perfection.
What sets it apart, beyond its fearless performances, is the writing. The quotes from The Substance are sharp, unsettling, and darkly poetic. Each line feels like a dagger: brutally honest, psychologically layered, and packed with social commentary.
Here are our 10 favorite quotes from The Substance:
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Elisabeth Sparkle (Demi Moore): “There’s been a slight misuse of the Substance.”
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The Substance advertisement: “Have you ever dreamt of a better version of yourself? Younger, more beautiful, more perfect.”
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Elisabeth Sparkle (Demi Moore): “The balance must be respected.”
Man on the phone: “So respect it.”
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Man on the phone: “What has been used on one side, is lost on the other side. There’s no going back.”
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Sue (Margaret Qualley): “Gross, old, fat, disgusting!”
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Sue (Margaret Qualley): “I need a better version of myself. Please give me a better version of myself, please! Please! Come on!”
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Elisabeth Sparkle (Demi Moore): “You have to…”
Sue (Margaret Qualley): “CONTROL YOURSELF!”
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Harvey (Dennis Quaid): “Pretty girls should always smile!”
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The Substance (voice) (Yann Bean): “You can’t escape from yourself.”
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Harvey (Dennis Quaid): “People always ask for something new. It’s inevitable. At 50, well, it stops.”
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