The film "Substance" (directed by Coralie Fargeat) is making a remarkable record in the independent art film industry. According to the integrated computer network for movie tickets by the Korean Film Council, "Substance" surpassed 500,000 viewers as of 10 a.m. on the 24th, with a cumulative audience of 508,854.

It surpassed the 500,000 mark on the 74th day since its release on the 22nd. Only four independent art films with a restricted rating have surpassed 500,000 viewers in domestic release history. These films are "Lust, Caution" (2007 / 1,936,074 viewers), "The Banquet" (2007 / 896,698 viewers), "The Grand Budapest Hotel" (2014 / 835,692 viewers), and "Substance."

The film has been released on IPTV, and the theater premium has disappeared. Despite having an average of 255 screening locations per day and 1.25 screenings per location until the 23rd, it maintains an average seat occupancy rate of 14.5%.

The momentum at the box office is not over yet. "Substance" has been nominated for major categories in the 97th Academy Awards on March 3rd (local time, March 2nd at 7 p.m.). It is nominated for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress, Best Screenplay, and Best Makeup. Particularly, Demi Moore has emerged as a strong contender, having won the Golden Globe for Best Actress for the first time in her 45-year acting career.

"Substance" is a nonstop bloody thriller depicting a fierce confrontation between oneself and a better version of oneself. It has been nominated for 286 film awards worldwide and has won 115 awards.

<Photo courtesy of Challan>