After watching the scene in “The Substance” where Elisabeth Sparkle, played by Demi Moore, repeatedly applies and wipes off lipstick in front of a mirror — a chilling metaphor for identity, erasure and self-loathing — I couldn’t have imagined that critics and awards voters would embrace it.

If it feels like it’s been a long time since you’ve seen Demi Moore lead a movie prior to The Substance, you’re on to something, because it has. The actress has never gone c