The Substance well explained: keys to understanding the trendy movie

The Substance, directed by the talented French filmmaker Coralie Fargeat, is the film of the year due to its originality, daring and black humor expressed through a unique body horror story. Demi Moore, the film's leading lady, has delivered the best performance of her career, and many see her as deserving of an Oscar. Margaret Qualley, who plays the villain in this story, has done an impressive job and has a bright future ahead of her.

The Substance is a huge box office success globally, however many viewers have not fully understood this story, which is understandable because it has a twisted plot.

Here are three keys to better understand The Substance.

#Main message

During the presentation of The Substance at the Cannes Film Festival in May this year, Demi Moore explained the true message of the film. The actress revealed that the story conveys a reflection on the individual's need for self-acceptance. Many pursue what they believe is the best for them, but when they achieve it they gain nothing and worst of all they lose what they already had. That's what happens to the character Moore plays, Elisabeth Sparkle. She was already beautiful and youthful looking, but to stay relevant in Hollywood she injects herself with a forbidden substance that for a short time gives her the best version of herself, but then everything gets out of control.

#Monstro Elisasue

Monstro Elisasue symbolizes the extreme consequences of the unhealthy pursuit of beauty and success. In the end, Elisabeth merges with Sue, the best version of herself, in the worst way. The two become a single decaying creature representing the self-destruction caused by unbridled ambition. The film criticizes the social pressure on celebrities to maintain a youthful and attractive image, showing how this obsession can lead to horrible results.

Monstro Elisasue points to the unfortunate fate of Elisabeth Sparkle, and also a shocking depiction of the dangers associated with the obsession with youth. This story invites the viewer to reflect on the ethical and personal implications of the desire to remain eternally beautiful in a world that increasingly values outward appearance.

#Recalcitrant male chauvinism

The figure of Elisabeth's boss, a male character who represents machismo in any work environment. This is the key to understanding the power dynamics in the film. His dismissive attitude towards Elisabeth and his preference for a younger version of her, Sue, reveal how women are often singled out and discarded when they reach a certain age. This narrative highlights the patriarchal structures that still exist in the world of work and media.

The bond between Elisabeth and Sue symbolizes the internal conflict that many women face: the struggle between accepting their age and the pressure to conform to imposed standards of beauty. As can be seen, this relationship is expressed within a patriarchal context. As Sue begins to enjoy her new life, there is a clash between the two identities, leading to an escalation of violence and horror. This can be interpreted as a metaphor for how women can be their own enemies in the search for external validation.

#Self-perception

Through Elisabeth's transformation into Sue, the internal struggle women face regarding their self-perception is explored. The film shows how insecurity about the body and aging can lead to drastic and self-destructive decisions. This critique resonates with many everyday experiences where women feel their value diminishing over time.

The use of rejuvenation serum symbolizes the extreme consumerism associated with beauty. The idea that youth can be “bought” reflects a broader critique of how aesthetic products are promoted as quick fixes to deep emotional problems, perpetuating a cycle of personal dissatisfaction.

The Substance expresses itself through body horror as a tool to explore and critique everyday aspects of modern life, focusing on those that affect women in relation to beauty, aging and machismo in the workplace. These critiques resonate with real experiences and generate a dialogue about the challenges many face in their individual realities.