The Violence of Control: A Deep Dive into Coralie Fargeat’s “The Substance”

Since its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, Coralie Fargeat’s film The Substance has ignited fervent discussions and reactions. This gripping narrative not only explores the relentless pressure exerted by society’s beauty standards but also offers a bold critique of control through a visceral lens.

Overview: The Story of Elisabeth Sparkle

The Substance centers on Elisabeth Sparkle, portrayed by Demi Moore, a fitness icon and actress reminiscent of Jane Fonda. After being abruptly fired by her misogynistic producer Harvey (played by Dennis Quaid), Elisabeth turns to a black-market treatment called The Substance. This allows her to spawn Sue (Margaret Qualley)—a younger, more desirable version of herself. However, the existence of Sue poses an existential threat, compelling Elisabeth to alternate between herself and her clone every seven days.

Themes: A Critique on Society’s Unrealistic Standards

Fargeat’s film, with its bold visuals and pulsating music, delivers a relentless critique of unsustainable beauty standards. Written following Fargeat’s own personal struggle with feelings of obsolescence after turning 40, the film addresses deep-seated anxieties about self-worth and societal expectations.

The Symbolism Behind The Substance

As Fargeat herself noted, themes present in The Substance have been evolving over time. This resonant story echoes real-world issues, as modern treatments like Ozempic reflect a long history of products used to control women’s bodies.

Inspiration from Body-Horror and Classic Cinema

Fargeat draws inspiration from body-horror pioneers such as David Cronenberg and John Carpenter, melding themes of rebirth and hypersexualization. Additionally, the film’s aesthetic nods to classics like Hitchcock’s Vertigo, underscoring its exploration of identity manipulation.

The Craft: Building Elisabeth Sparkle’s World

Fargeat meticulously crafted each element of the film. From Demi Moore’s extensive preparation for her role, including detailed discussions about nudity and prosthetics, to the deliberate choices in color palettes that symbolically represent different facets of Elisabeth’s journey.

Color as a Narrative Tool

• Yellow Peacoat: Symbolizes Elisabeth’s superhero-like status pre-transformation. A beacon of her former glory, yellow serves as an emblematic reminder of who she once was.
• Pink for Sue: Embodies traditional femininity and societal ideals of beauty, contrasting sharply with the monstrous transformation that follows.

World-Building: A Step Removed from Reality

The film’s distinct setting—one step removed from reality—allows Fargeat to comment on timeless themes. The settings act as symbolic landscapes reflecting Elisabeth’s internal and external battles.

Radical Conclusions: Breaking Free from Control

In its climax, The Substance takes an unexpected turn towards a visceral conclusion that embodies the film’s central critique of control. Fargeat emphasizes how extreme circumstances can lead to profound liberation and self-acceptance.

The Power of Body Horror in Female Storytelling

Fargeat believes body horror offers female directors a powerful tool for expression. Her affinity for genre storytelling reflects her personal journey towards finding her voice within the cinematic landscape, historically dominated by male perspectives.

Conclusion: A Catalyst for Change

The Substance is more than just a film; it’s a commentary on societal norms and an exploration of identity. By confronting uncomfortable truths about control and beauty standards, Fargeat invites audiences to reconsider the foundations upon which these constructs are built.

The conversation around The Substance continues as audiences engage with its powerful themes and thought-provoking narrative. This bold film serves not only as entertainment but also as a catalyst for broader societal reflection and change.