A critique on our world
Written, directed, and co-produced by Coralie Fargeat, The Substance is a film released in 2024. It follows the story of a celebrity whose fame appears to be in decline, and who is being influenced to use a drug that creates a younger version of herself. Like all drugs, this particular drug has horrific side effects.
The film centers around Demi Moore’s character, Elisabeth Sparkle, a fading celebrity who is fired from her TV shows by her producer Harvey as a result of her age. Heartbroken by the turn that her life has taken, Elisabeth soon ends up in a car crash that leaves her in a hospital with a nurse who introduces her to “The Substance”, a serum that promises beauty, perfection, and youth.
Shortly thereafter, Elisabeth injects herself with the serum and transforms into a younger version of herself. This version of herself is known as Sue, and she appears from a stitched up slit on Elisabeth’s upper back. The only way for Elisabeth to keep her form is if she and Sue switch every seven days, allowing one body to function efficiently whilst the other body takes time to re-energize through food.
Lovers of The Black Swan, Mother, Gone Girl, Girl, Interrupted, and Pearl will absolutely enjoy The Substance. It is a testament and a reflection of our world. We are obsessed with beauty, perfectionism, and youth.
Not quite sure? Just scroll through your TikTok for a few minutes. We are surrounded by entities that promote beauty, youth, and perfectionism. ‘Try this skincare product.’ ‘Check out this concealer.’ ‘You need this foundation that will erase all your imperfections and raise your GPA.’ ‘This anti-aging eye-cream is perfect for you.’
Every single day, women learn new things to feel insecure about. I didn’t even know what nasolabial folds were until last year, and ever since I found out what they were, I find myself feeling self-conscious every time I think about them.
At times, it feels as though there is a magnifying glass on women that tells them what they need to get rid of and what they should be insecure about. At this point, I honestly feel that we create new insecurities for women every day. In the age of filters and FaceTune, what is left of authenticity?
You cannot even take a picture or a video without being suggested a filter to use that will wipe away all your flaws and smooth your face.
I can’t remember the last time I was scrolling on TikTok and saw real texture on someone’s skin. It is becoming increasingly difficult to be a woman on the internet, and what I am going to write next will most likely be extremely unpopular, or maybe popular. Please don’t hunt me down. This is important discourse that we need to make space for.
Of all my 24 years of existing on this earth, the people who have commented on my body, my face, my skin, my weight, what I need to look like, what I need to change about myself, have been other women. It pains me to write this but it is the truth. I find that instead of uplifting each other, we scrutinize each other. It is even more painful coming from a woman than a man.
If a man comments on my face or body negatively, it doesn’t surprise me in the least, but when these negative comments come from another woman, it pains me even more, because if anyone should understand my plight, it should be you.
The Substance does a beautiful job at portraying the relationship between two women who are both navigating the reality of youth. The focus on the internalized misogyny that some women inflict onto other women is a direct reflection of our society.
Aging is viewed as the thing that all women should fear, when in reality it is the biggest blessing anyone can experience. Aging comes with wisdom, growth, and experience. It is ultimately what allows us to transform and reach our maximum potential.
Elisabeth’s fear of aging is an experience that many women can relate to. She views youth as a tool to gain fame, success, and power. She holds onto it because letting it go means entering a brand new world where she is allowed to be herself without any expectations regarding appearance.
It can be daunting to separate yourself from what the world expects you to be, and more importantly, the expectations you place on yourself. Your value is not your beauty. It is not your youth. It is not your experience. Your value is your soul, and who you are at your core. It is the mere fact that you are a living, breathing human. Your value is that you are flawed. You are beautifully human. You are you. There are billions of people sharing this earth with you, but none of them are you. Your value is that you are you.
The Substance stood out to me because it was a critique of ageism. Although the film focused on the entertainment industry, it is still a story that many women can relate to. Women unfairly lose opportunities as they grow older. They may be overlooked for certain jobs and certain experiences.
It is unfortunate that we perceive women as disposable creatures. My value as a woman will never decrease no matter how old I am. I want other women to understand this. Remove yourself from environments that perpetuate misogynistic and sexist beliefs. You will live a happier life knowing your value does not result from the beliefs of people who have never walked a day in your shoes. In the end, this is what The Substance reminds us. You define yourself. Nobody else does.
