The Substance: An Exploration of Feminist Critique in Cinema

The Substance, directed by Coralie Fargeat, is a provocative body horror film that dives into themes of aging, societal beauty standards, and the objectification of women, particularly within the entertainment industry. The narrative centers on Elisabeth Sparkle, portrayed by Demi Moore, an aging Hollywood star who resorts to a black market drug, The Substance, to regain her youth. This leads to the creation of a younger clone, Sue, played by Margaret Qualley, setting off a series of events that judge the relentless chase of youth and the industry's treatment of aging actresses.

At its base, The Substance examines the fear of aging and the desperation to remain relevant in a society that often discards women as they grow older. Elisabeth's transformation into Sue symbolizes the extreme measures taken to cling to youth and the subsequent loss of identity that can occur. This narrative mirrors real world pressures faced by women in Hollywood, where aging can lead to reduced opportunities and visibility.

The film offers a devastating critique of societal beauty standards, highlighting the grotesque lengths to which individuals might go to exceed perfection through instinctive imagery and body horror elements. The film maker, Coralie Fargeat, underscores the self loathing and physical toll in the pursuit of beauty. The extreme close ups and horrific prosthetics serve to magnify the absurdity and destructiveness that these standards cause.

Elisabeth's dependence on taking The Substance, can be interpreted as a metaphor for addiction, not only to youth but also to societal validation and fame. Her struggle against herself, personified through her alter ego, Sue, embodies addictive behaviors and self destruction. This internal conflict highlights the dangers of losing oneself in the relentless pursuit of external approval.

The Substance takes a feminist lens to critique the entertainment industry's treatment of women, particularly the ageism and sexism that pervade Hollywood. By focusing on Elisabeth's experiences, the film sheds light on the systemic issues that lead to the oppression of aging actresses and the unrealistic expectations placed upon them. This perspective invites viewers to question and challenge the industry's standards and practices.

The director, Coralie Fargeat utilizes a range of cinematic techniques to reinforce the film's themes. The use of high definition imagery inspects women's bodies, emphasizing societal fixation on perfection. The film's references to horror classics like The Shining and Vertigo enhance its thematic depth, creating a dialogue with past works that have explored similar issues. The chaotic climax serves as a culmination of the narrative's critique, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.

The Substance is a thought provoking film that challenges viewers to reflect on societal attitudes toward aging, beauty, and the treatment of women in the entertainment industry. Through its compelling narrative and striking visuals, it offers a poignant commentary on the lengths to which individuals might go to conform to oppressive standards, ultimately serving as a cautionary tale about the pursuit of perfection and the loss of self that can accompany it.

In my personal view, The Substance is a cinematic work that effectively illustrates the notion that beauty is not necessarily tied to age, encouraging reflections such as, “Elizabeth was so beautiful, she had no need for The Substance.” This film provided me with a deeper understanding of the perspectives held by many middle aged women who perceive themselves as lacking beauty, despite external affirmations to the contrary, and the harsh self criticism that can lead to their emotional distress. I would assign this film a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, due to the poetic manner in which it conveys these themes.

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ABOUT MIRANDA

Miranda is a 10th grade student at Centner Academy. She is passionate about the things she chooses to do, and she strives for personal growth. She is interested in writing because she finds it is a free way to express her thoughts, and it is a way to stay informed of what is going on in the world. She is a first time journalist, and is looking forward to writing articles for the pollinator post.