As a woman who has spent far too many years of my life trying to fit into societal ideals of beauty, I found “The Substance” to be a profoundly impactful and thought-provoking film. Coralie Fargeat masterfully portrayed the destructive nature of self-loathing and the relentless pursuit of perfection that so many women (and men) endure.
Some SPOILERS are ahead for The Substance.
Occasionally, a movie such as “The Substance” captivates me so deeply that instead of exiting the theater with a contented grin, I emerge feeling as if the images I’ve watched have seared my skin like a sunburn. This somber contemplation lingers as I walk to my car, reminding me of the profound impact movies can have on us. While I don’t wish for every cinema visit to be this intense, when it happens, I hold those experiences dear and appreciate the magic of films even more.
The gruesome body horror film “The Substance” received a top rating of five stars in TopMob’s review, and has garnered widespread acclaim from critics. However, its intense nature makes it difficult to watch. In fact, there were moments during the screening that I considered leaving, and even covered my face out of fear. Watching “The Substance” reminded me of the shocking twist in “Midsommar” or the emotional rollercoaster of “Bones And All.” Yet, it transcends mere gore or nudity. It delivers a profound message about self-love that I will carry with me for a long time. The film still gives me chills when I think about it, and though it was harrowing while I was engrossed in its grip, I am glad I saw it for the valuable lesson about self-love it imparted.
The Substance Tackles Fear Of Aging With A Powerful Concept
The film titled The Substance instantly grabbed my interest due to its focus on Demi Moore’s character, Elisabeth Sparkle, who is a renowned Hollywood actress and the long-time host of a popular aerobics program. In an unexpected turn of events, her character gets fired from her job on her 50th birthday, and the producers announce they will replace her with a younger performer. However, Elisabeth discovers a secret drug known as “The Substance” that can make her appear young every fortnight. She acquires this enigmatic substance and transforms into Margaret Qualley’s character, Sue, on these occasions, swapping between being aware in her own body and relinquishing it for Sue’s flawless youthful physique.
The setup I discovered is remarkably potent, as it vividly demonstrates how effortlessly someone like Elisabeth in Moore’s portrayal might focus on their past selves instead of embracing the present. Our society often overemphasizes and idolizes young women and their physical appearances, leading many women around Elisabeth’s age to undervalue their current selves while idealizing their youth. Watching The Substance made me keenly aware that this perspective can unknowingly undermine our authenticity, especially through its striking visual representation.
But, At No Point In The Substance Did I Prefer Sue
In the movie “The Substance,” directed by Coralie Fargeat, throughout the film, I never wanted Elisabeth Sparkle’s character to transform into Sue; rather, I wished for her to continue her journey as herself. Although it was clear that Elisabeth struggled with self-acceptance and felt overshadowed by Hollywood’s past glamour, I yearned to see her step boldly into her future, staying true to herself – to witness her going on the date she receives an invitation for early in the film and embracing the radiance I perceived within her.
Indeed, Elisabeth Sparkle’s character in this horror movie didn’t provide the lighthearted, mid-life transformation I had hoped for. Instead, she sacrificed her time and physical self for a younger version of herself. Throughout the movie, I found myself questioning… Why does she yearn to relive her early years? Why does she strive so hard for perfection when she’s already stunningly beautiful now? This seems like an extraordinarily intense way to live. After all, being young means fewer wrinkles, but earning those lines through life experiences is a privilege.
It’s Demi Moore… she’s gorgeous and iconic, obviously. Why doesn’t she see that? This element of the movie made me look further into my own inner monologue and how I can have empathy and appreciation for others’ beauty, and can find myself being more critical of my own. It’s easy when we look in the mirror at ourselves everyday, but goodness me, did The Substance communicate the violence of not treating one’s self image with care with a sharp syringe full of green goo as it moves into its body in the horrific second half.
The Substance Reminded Me About How Vital Self Love Is
In addition, The Substance left me fascinated by my response since I’m currently in my twenties, and surprisingly, I found a strong connection with Demi Moore’s character. Reflecting on this, I believe I would have identified with her even earlier, during my teenage years as well. It seems that every woman can resonate with Elisabeth Sparkle, as societal pressures make us feel inadequate regardless of our age or physical appearance. Margaret Qualley’s Sue represents an unattainable ideal – a socially-constructed, photoshopped image that emerges from self-loathing within Elisabeth. This portrayal was heartbreaking for me, as it shows how effortless it is for women to overlook their own beauty and strive for this damaged ideal. Early in the film, I found myself yearning to embrace my body and disregard any harmful words or thoughts about it, as the true beauty lies within authenticity.
In “The Substance,” as elegantly depicted, the character of Sue is not only brought to life but also sustained at the cost of Elizabeth’s self-love. As the movie delves deeper into its gripping body horror narrative, it becomes evident that Sue draws from Elizabeth’s beauty to persist and survive, a sight that sent chills down my spine. (Yes, the movie really takes a dark turn!) I won’t delve into the specifics of the climax, but by the end of “The Substance,” Elizabeth yearns for her own face in a way that is both haunting and disheartening.
After watching “The Substance,” I’ll be looking at my reflection with more compassion – an unusual response, given its over-the-top campiness, gruesome scenes, and sheer absurdity. Yet, it somehow manages to stir this emotion. It’s hard to imagine any future horror films surpassing this one for these very reasons.
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2024-10-26 18:07