Margaret Qualley REVEALS How She Took ‘New Risks’ For Her Role In Horror Sci-Fi The Substance

As a lifestyle expert with a keen eye for artistic growth and personal transformation, I find Margaret Qualley‘s journey in The Substance absolutely captivating. Her choice to step out of her comfort zone and tackle such a complex and challenging role is a testament to her dedication as an actress.


Margaret Qualley, known for roles in films like the Oscar-winning comedy/fantasy Poor Things, Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood (2019), and others, is venturing into unfamiliar territory with her latest project, The Substance. In an interview with PEOPLE, the actress explained why taking on the role of Sue, a character younger than her co-star Demi Moore’s Elisabeth Sparkle, presented unique challenges for her.

In the movie, her character is shown in a very sexualized manner, yet it’s challenging to portray due to its complexity, which is precisely what Qualley aims for. She mentioned that throughout her career, she has deliberately chosen paths other than this. The film, filled with graphic scenes of body horror and numerous explicit moments, depicts the two women who share a single consciousness injecting themselves with an illicit serum.

The actress acknowledged that the role would be a significant test for her, but she also conceded that nudity and explicit content were crucial for the storyline. She further stated that tackling such a challenge was an exciting prospect for her as it was essential to fully realize the story.

Essentially, an actor should continually challenge themselves to remain captivating and thrilling. She expressed that by confronting what may cause personal unease or apprehension, one can grow more profoundly. Rather than viewing it as fear, she considers it as exposure of one’s vulnerability.

In her continued appreciation for the film, Qualley discussed its relatability and the similarities between her character and Mia Farrow’s (Sue). Both Elisabeth and Sue strive for youth, popularity, and acknowledgment – traits that society often values highly. As she put it, “We’ve all selected and emphasized certain aspects of ourselves to show the world, in an attempt to portray ourselves as we want others to perceive us.

As a devoted admirer, I found it fascinating that my character, Sue, portrays an image to the world that may not entirely align with my true self. Yet, the traits I conceal reside deeply within me. To provide some context, the film centers around a celebrity whose fame is waning, who chooses to experiment with an illicit drug – a substance capable of replicating cells and thus creating a younger, improved version of herself for a limited period.

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2024-09-22 19:37