The Substance

10:30pm - Saturday, Jan 4, 2025

The Substance

Deliriously entertaining and ruthlessly satirical, writer-director Coralie Fargeat’s explosive Cannes sensation THE SUBSTANCE is a be-careful-what-you-wish-for fable for the ages. Demi Moore gives a career-best performance as Elisabeth Sparkle, a former A-lister past her prime and drawn to the opportunity presented by a mysterious new drug. All it takes is one injection and she is reborn – temporarily – as the gorgeous, twenty-something Sue. The only rule? Time needs to be split: exactly one week in one body, then one week in the other. No exceptions. Easy, right?

Fargeat's (REVENGE) satirical work of body horror has emerged as one of the biggest box-office wins of 2024, and is now the highest-grossing genre film ever directed by a female filmmaker, and is currently nominated for a whopping five Golden Globe Awards (including Best Musical or Comedy Motion Picture, Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy, Best Supporting Actress, and Best Director). With Margaret Qualley, Dennis Quaid.

“A total knockout. Without a doubt the performance of Demi Moore’s career. Had viewers gasping, shrieking, laughing, and cheering all the way through." (Vogue)

"For my money, one of the best things you can do this season is to run to see the French director Coralie Fargeat’s 'The Substance' while it is still playing on the big screen." (The New Yorker)

“Jaw-dropping. Coralie Fargeat works with the flair of a grindhouse Kubrick in a weirdly fun, cathartically grotesque fusion of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde and 'Showgirls'.” (Variety)

Monday, December 9
Doors 9:00 pm | Movie 9:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

THE SUBSTANCE (Coralie Fargeat, 2024 / 142 mins / 18A) A fading celebrity takes a black-market drug: a cell-replicating substance that temporarily creates a younger, better version of herself.


*Minors OK. Must be 19+ w/ID for bar service.
*Rio Theatre Groupons and passes OK for any single film only. Please redeem at the door.
*We recommend purchasing your tickets in advance at www.riotheatretickets.ca. If a screening or live event is not sold out, the remaining tickets will be available for in-person purchase at the Rio Theatre’s Box Office prior to showtime (subject to availability).
*Our box office is typically open 30 minutes before showtime. All seating is General Admission; please arrive 20-30 minutes prior to showtime to ensure great seats, and time for treats at concession.
*If you are looking to redeem either a Rio Theatre gift certificate or Groupon to any regular Rio Theatre screening: You can either email us in advance and give us a “heads up,” or do it at the box office prior to showtime.

*All Rio Theatre tickets are final sale. No refunds or exchanges.