The substance transforms Sparkle into a self-absorbed but youthful version of her older self, who then threatens to destroy them both. French writer and director Coralie Fargeat shared what kind of actress was necessary for this role.

She explained, “The part needed to be embodied by an actress who was a symbol herself.” Fargeat noted that she recognized, “Those kinds of actresses would be frightened by jumping into something that confronts them with their own phobias.”

What made Moore ideal, however, was that she’d already faced the fears her character battles, including the self-hatred and turmoil they bring. The director felt that the actress was suited for the role because “she has processed all that in a peaceful way.”

Yet, there are contrasts between the star and Sparkle; the character strips away layers of herself seeking men’s approval, while at 61, Moore is at ease with herself. Fargeat emphasized that the film taught an important lesson: chasing something you believe is better can lead to losing what you already have.

Moore also explained her motivation for taking the role. In an interview, she said, “What you described is what moved me when I read the script, because it was such a unique way to be exploring this issue of aging, of societal conditioning, of what I also see as the pressure of the male-idealized woman that we as women have bought into.”

She appreciated seeing a physical representation of the self-inflicted violence in our thoughts, as people often attack themselves and distort things. The actress believes there is power in understanding that we have the option to make different choices for ourselves.

To keep things light, she added, “And for those who aren’t looking for such a deep message, it’s just entertaining.” Despite her work confronting her body image fears, she is still human and sometimes judges herself harshly. In the past, she’s been accused of altering her body through cosmetic surgery.

Moore’s Struggles with Aging and the Criticism She’s Gotten over the Years

In a recent interview about her latest film, Moore was taken aback when her stylist, Brad Goreski, sent her photos via text. The actress showed her humanity when she tensed up while viewing the images on her iPad.

When her interviewer inquired if anything was wrong, Moore replied, “I’m not perfect. Sometimes I’ll look at a photo and think, ‘I look old,’ or whatever.” Yet, she shared how she copes, saying, “But I’ve learned to deal with it.”

Making the film didn’t dramatically shift her views on aging, but it deepened her appreciation for who she is. She further explained, “One of the biggest themes of my career is challenging preconceived ideas and limitations.”

Now, Moore feels she is in control of her own story rather than having it dictated by her age. She expressed her disagreement with society’s tendency to define how someone should look or act based on age.

The actress stated, “Your 60s is not what your 60s used to be. There’s a part of me that’s enjoying figuring it out as I go along.” She revealed that her 40s brought more career challenges than she faces now.

At that time, her identity in Hollywood was unclear as no one knew what to do with her. She elaborated, “I wasn’t 30, but I wasn’t 40 in a way that people could comfortably identify me as a mother, etc. There was no place for me.”

When she starred in movies like “G.I. Jane” and “Striptease,” she was consumed with exercise and diet, not only because the roles demanded it. But, after “G.I. Jane,” she felt burnt out and decided to stop working out.

Explaining her decision, she said, “I realised I needed to come from the inside and find a sense of peace. I realised being thin did not equal happiness. [sic]” The star ultimately discovered that she feels and looks her best when she’s happy and doesn’t overexert herself.

Despite her insights, the media’s perspective is different, with reports claiming she spent $3 million on a new body. These false rumors frustrated Moore, who felt battling the tabloids only “perpetuates the myth.”

Things hit a peak when several tabloids alleged she had cosmetic surgery on her knees. The rumors made her question if she should be concerned about her knees. During an interview, the reporter even checked for scars and found none.

Moore remarked, “It’s not just my knees. They say I’ve had multiple face surgeries.” In 2007, while getting a facial, rumors surfaced claiming she was undergoing extensive surgical procedures.

The star has repeatedly insisted she has never had work done on her face, a fact her interviewer confirmed. Additionally, the actress has never undergone liposuction, and speaking to “Today” about being in her 60s, she expressed, “I feel like this is the most exciting time of my life.”

She explained that with her children now adults, she has the “most independence and autonomy to really re-define where I wanna go.” Though she’s unsure what that path will look like, she’s excited to be on it.

Demonstrating the attention Moore receives for her appearance, a doctor recently compared photos of her from 2019 to September 2024 to highlight her transformation. He also mentioned the cosmetic procedures he suspects she’s had.

Moore’s Transformation over Recent Years

On October 28, 2024, Dr. Jonny Betteridge, an aesthetics doctor and founder of JB Aesthetics, shared an analysis on Instagram detailing Moore’s transformation over the last few years. He remarked that she “looks like she’s aging backwards.”

Referring to a 2019 photo, he observed, “Some characteristic signs of aging to the face and neck with skin laxity and volume loss being the predominant features,” with volume loss as the primary concern, according to Betteridge.

He also referenced another photo that it “sparked speculation of her changing appearance.” Comparing those images to one from “The Substance’s” premiere in September 2024, he noted significant differences.

Betteridge pointed out, “Notice how her face has changed from how we saw it a few years ago to now, a much more lifted and tighter appearance. These features are likely attributed to a deep plane face and neck lift.”

He then shared a video from the same period, zooming in on her ear to display what he claimed was a surgical scar, possibly from a facelift. Betteridge also noted that her “eye area has a much smoother contour, and her eyelids are also more visible.”

The doctor attributed these changes to an upper and lower blepharoplasty, a procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the eyelids. He suggested that this is why Demi Moore now appears youthful and wrinkle-free around her eyes.

Betteridge, who offers non-surgical treatments like skin care, Botox, and dermal fillers, believes Moore’s transformation is an example of how skillful plastic surgery can refresh a person’s look without altering their natural appearance.

Seeing the actress during her movie’s premiere, netizens rushed to leave their opinions on her looks. One person said, “She looks younger than her daughters. Magnificent. 🥰.” Siding with Betteridge, an Instagram user claimed, “Demi’s plastic surgeon is a magician.”

Someone else wrote, “Demi and Denis are both super hot. And not for their age just objectively hot. But both are styled/dresses ridiculously. Demi trying to be 25 years old and Denis in, what looks like, an entirely thrifted outfit. [sic]”

A fourth person who supported the actress noted, “It’s crazy how good demi looks. And she’s the mother of all 3!❤️❤️❤️.” Irrespective of people’s differing opinions on her appearance, Moore continues to age happily and gracefully.