The Substance
The Substance is a psychological thriller directed by Coralie Fargeat and deals with deep themes such as beauty, identity and society's expectations. Margaret Qualley and Demi Moore play the lead roles. The film tells the dilemma between the glamour and destructive effects of Hollywood, and especially emphasizes the effects of beauty standards on women.
The story has a narrative full of symbols and combines realism and surrealism. Fargeat explores how social values affect individuals by focusing on visual elements and music rather than dialogue. Hollywood is depicted as both a dream and a prison in the film; it offers a strong critique by exalting those who conform to the ideal of external beauty and devaluing those who do not.
The Substance script has a deep narrative about the conflict between the perception of beauty and the individual with social norms. Coralie Fargeat kept the dialogues to a minimum while highlighting the storytelling with symbols. In the film, Hollywood is treated as a center of attraction and a "prison" at the same time. It is used as a powerful metaphor to show how a magnificent star falls from grace over time and how those who do not conform to society's standards of beauty are ostracized.
Fargeat's script, written from a feminist perspective, deals with the idea that beauty can be perceived as a prison in society. The transformation story of the main characters symbolizes their internal struggles and their confrontation with social pressures. In particular, Elisabeth Sparkle, played by Demi Moore, is both a victim of social standards and a figure who resists these standards. Sue, played by Margaret Qualley, draws attention as a symbol of innocence and conformity to norms.
The script also does not provide an in-depth character analysis of the past, instead the story is conveyed through symbols and visual clues. Colors are specifically chosen to convey the emotional states and internal transformations of the characters. For example, Elisabeth's yellow jacket symbolizes her heroism and transformation, while Sue's pink outfit represents innocence and traditional femininity.
The film offers a strong social critique of both individual freedom and the perception of beauty.
