The film opens with a series of striking images, including a fried egg being injected with a mysterious liquid that causes the yolk to split and give birth to a second egg. This surreal imagery sets the tone for the rest of the movie, which delves into the disturbing world of cosmetic procedures and the pressures society places on women to maintain their youth and beauty.
The story centers around Elisabeth Sparkle (Demi Moore), a former Hollywood star who is struggling to come to terms with her fading looks. Desperate to regain her former glory, she turns to a mysterious substance called “The Substance,” which promises to create a younger, more beautiful version of herself. However, as Elisabeth soon discovers, the substance comes with a dark and twisted side.
After injecting the fluid, Elisabeth’s body splits open and out emerges a radiant and youthful woman named Sue (Margaret Qualley). Sue quickly takes over Elisabeth’s life, replacing her on her fitness show and winning the hearts of her fans. But as the days turn into weeks, Elisabeth begins to realize that Sue is not all that she seems. Sue starts to bend the rules of the procedure, staying in her younger form for longer than instructed, and Elisabeth’s body begins to age rapidly as a result.
Fargeat’s film is a visually stunning and thought-provoking exploration of the lengths to which people will go to achieve beauty and perfection. The body horror elements are grotesque and disturbing, but they also serve as a metaphor for the psychological toll that society’s expectations can take on women. Moore and Qualley give excellent performances as the two sides of Elisabeth’s psyche, and Fargeat’s direction is audacious and visually arresting.
While the film is not without its flaws, with some scenes that could have been trimmed and a few supporting performances that are a bit too over-the-top, it is still an exciting and memorable cinematic experience. Fargeat’s film is a powerful indictment of the beauty industry and the pressures it places on women, and it is sure to leave a lasting impression on viewers.
