When Dennis Quaid, veteran actor sat down for an interview on October 14, 2024, he didn’t dodge the most talked‑about moment of his latest film. He openly dissected the infamous shrimp‑eating sequence from The Substance, the body‑horror thriller that’s been buzzing the festival circuit and the box office alike.
Background and Production
The film, directed by Coralie Fargeat, premiered at the Cannes Film FestivalCannes, France on May 25, 2024, where it snagged the coveted Best Screenplay award. The project is an international co‑production between France, the United Kingdom, and the United States, backed by Working Title Films.
The budget sat between $17.5 million and $18 million, with shooting spanning 108 days from May 9 to October 2022. Primary locations included Pinewood Studios in Buckinghamshire, England, and on‑location shoots in Los Angeles, California. Co‑producers Eric Fellner and Tim Bevan oversaw the transatlantic logistics.
The Shrimp‑Eating Scene Explained
Approximately 47 minutes into the 2‑hour‑21‑minute runtime, the film delivers a dinner tableau that has lingered in viewers’ minds. In the scene, Quaid’s character Harvey, a sleazy studio executive, is negotiating a deal with Margaret Qualley’s younger version of the protagonist, Sue. Instead of a casual bite, Harvey devours a plate of shrimp with an unsettling gusto.
Quaid told the press, "It looks simple on paper, but the texture, the sound, the way it’s filmed — it’s meant to be deeply unsettling as part of Harvey’s predatory nature." Production notes reveal the sequence required 17 takes to capture the exact blend of ‘discomforting sensuality’ that Fargeat envisioned. The shrimp themselves weren’t ordinary seafood; food stylist Elise Muller crafted a konjac‑jelly‑and‑beetroot hybrid that mimicked the glossy sheen of raw shrimp while staying safe for repeated consumption.
Makeup department head Sarah Rubano explained that Quaid’s hands were coated with a specially formulated compound to simulate the sticky sheen of shrimp juice. The result? A shot that feels almost tactile, forcing audiences to confront Harvey’s metaphorical appetite — he literally consumes his victims.
Critical Reception and Box‑Office Performance
Since its September 20, 2024 theatrical rollout across the United States, United Kingdom, Latin America, Germany, Canada, Turkey, India, and the Netherlands, The Substance has amassed a 7.2/10 rating from 346,000 IMDb users and a 99% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes. Reviewers have highlighted the film’s satirical jab at Hollywood’s obsession with youth, while also praising its body‑horror craftsmanship.
- Opening weekend global box office: $4.2 million.
- Strongest markets: France ($850,000) and the United Kingdom ($1.2 million).
- Total theaters: 1,842 worldwide, with a run slated through December 20, 2024.
Letterboxd users frequently cite the shrimp scene as the most memorable—or most bile‑inducing—moment. One reviewer wrote, “somehow the nastiest thing in this film was Dennis Quaid eating shrimp,” while another noted, “very mindful very Demi Moore.”
Awards Trajectory
Beyond Cannes, the film has already racked up 142 wins and 287 nominations on the international circuit. The Academy has placed Demi Moore on its shortlist for Best Actress at the 97th Oscars scheduled for March 2, 2025. Industry analysts believe the film’s bold visual language and the buzz around its thematic critique could translate into additional nods in categories like Best Original Score and Best Makeup & Hairstyling.
Future Availability and Streaming
After its theatrical run, MUBI will carry The Substance on its streaming platform starting October 11, 2024, with a wider digital release slated for January 31, 2025. The early streaming window has already sparked a second wave of discussions on social media, as viewers who missed the cinema experience can finally dissect the shrimp moment frame‑by‑frame.
Quaid, who previously starred in the 2021 drama Broke, sees a thematic through‑line between his past role and Harvey. “Both characters are about consumption—one of money, one of people—but Harvey is far more terrifying because he doesn’t even realize he’s a monster,” he said.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has the shrimp‑eating scene become such a focal point?
The scene distills the film’s central metaphor—Harvey’s gluttony as a reflection of his predatory industry practices. Its visceral execution, from the specially crafted shrimp to the 17 takes needed, makes it a standout moment that audiences instantly remember and discuss.
What impact did Cannes winning Best Screenplay have on the film’s release?
The Cannes award gave the film a prestige boost, helping secure wider distribution deals in Europe and North America. It also amplified media coverage, contributing to its strong opening‑weekend numbers in key markets like the UK and France.
How does The Substance comment on Hollywood’s beauty culture?
By centering the plot on a black‑market cell‑replicating substance that lets star Demi Moore swap consciousness with a younger version every seven days, the film satirizes the industry’s obsession with staying forever young and the moral compromises that accompany it.
When will the movie be available for home viewing?
After its theatrical run ends on December 20, 2024, The Substance will appear on MUBI starting January 31, 2025, giving subscribers exclusive access before any broader VOD release.
Is there any chance the film will receive an Oscar nomination for Best Picture?
Industry buzz is strong, especially after the Cannes win and the film’s solid box‑office performance. While Best Actress for Moore is the most likely nomination, analysts are watching closely for possible nods in categories like Original Score and Makeup & Hairstyling, which could bolster a Best Picture run.
