The Substance (2024) let's talk about it
The Substance (2024), directed by Coralie Fargeat, is a horror-thriller that delves into themes of body image, identity, and society’s obsession with youth and beauty. Starring Demi Moore as Elizabeth Sparkle and Margaret Qualley as Sue, the film centers on a mysterious new product, “The Substance,” which promises users a youthful and perfected version of themselves. However, users must share their lives with this "new self" on a strict schedule, which leads to disturbing consequences when boundaries blur, and control over identity slips away. The film critiques the entertainment industry’s fixation on physical perfection and explores the lengths to which people go to retain youth, often at personal cost. Fargeat, who also directed Revenge (2017), uses striking visuals and practical effects to intensify the surreal and unsettling atmosphere. With bold color schemes and minimal dialogue, the movie relies heavily on visual storytelling, further emphasizing its focus on externa...