As far as the nudity goes, the scene where there are a ton of naked women on stage and the camera cuts to a little girl watching from the crowd only for the monster to vomit a boob on stage and THEN the little girl’s mom covers her eyes was so brilliant to me. Nudity as long as it’s beautiful is okay but if it’s grotesque or “old” then our eyes should be covered. I also love the idea that Sue is disgusted by Elisabeth because Elisabeth is disgusted with Elisabeth. And if Elisabeth loved herself, likely so would Sue. But if Elisabeth loved herself… Sue would have never been made in the first place. Thank you for this spoiler review! Great as always.
Seriously, what the heck is with parents taking their children to shows like that? I mean, do movies like Showgirls and Striptease actually think that this is appropriate for- ohhhhh......
there was very little explanation as to what was going to happen to her and the help line seemed to be narcissistic. I suppose there would be no horror movies if people weren’t making bad decisions but she injected herself with this vial of stuff with very little information. It was like having a child and expecting that to make you younger.
@@ruprect8858 I don't think the intention was that the substance is deceptive or omitting information. In theory, if the rules are followed, there's no ill side effects. The problems only arise when its abused, and that's where the Faustian bargain occurs. I think Coralie Fargeat is just establishing the rules succinctly, with no fluff, trusting us to accept them so we can participate in the experiment. And the simple, bold-type, bluntness is part of the joke of the heightened, totally unnuanced world (the same way the billboard just says "New Show" with no helpful information at all, or how the men constantly say the quiet part out loud with no self-awareness). It kind of reminded me of what the world looks like in They Live when you have the truth-revealing glasses on.
@@looney1023 You think she knew that she would give birth to a full size human from her spine? Communication was minimal but i suppose if there were councillors ready to help them through the transition then there would not have been a good horror movie.
@@ruprect8858Well that’s her issue for doing something so drastic with little information. However, the flash drive could’ve shown her more than what was shown to us.
I mean of she knew that she would born a other body from her back, and his body would age for every second sue abuse her time, she would not have done it
Never have I seen a more on the nose portrayal of female self-hatred. This film really illustrated the brutality of the small violences we inflict upon ourselves everyday. As someone who works in an industry where the standard is impossible to reach, The Substance shook me to my core and was a sobering look at the war within ourselves. I have had multiple cosmetic procedures and am in a constant war with the mirror. Many nights I have spent in an identical self-resignation as Demi’s attempt to leave the house for a simple outing. I cannot recall witnessing anything that has validated our pressured feminine experience quite like Fargeat’s sophomore masterpiece. Phenomenal groundbreaking cinema in every aspect.
Really, I found the writing/casting with the female leads great and plausible, but not necessary or exclusive. Struggling with looks and age is familiar to most anyone these days, not just women. At any rate, I didn't feel like the film provided me new insights into the female psyche. I rather felt like the film understands culture and I felt seen in my own struggle. (Just came home from the cinema, and today is my 46th birthday.)
@@CC3GROUNDZERO Yes, it's everyone, but the weight falls on women, and especially in the entertainment industry, almost exclusively. Women getting yeeted from shows due to being a certain age, being yeeted from serious jobs like tv newsreading because of age, while in both circumstances men who look just as old and often way worse for their respective ages, are retained and praised for the experience age brings. Women are routinely put down for how they look and judged as unworthy based on how they look, NOT what they bring to the table in the workforce or in the rest of life.
@@littleblackpistol Sure, true all of that. I'd just add that especially in something like newsreading or any other TV jobs, other factors weigh far more heavily, for example having the correct political attitude. Age or looks or qualification doesn't matter for anyone unless they faithfully toe the party line. So in that sense, I do not have much of any sympathy for those people who lose their jobs in those fields for reasons of sexism or ageism or a combination thereof, because those people don't have their heart and mind in the right place to begin with. This is one of the things that I found rather difficult to sympathize with in the film's main character. After all, she's an aerobic trainer/model on TV. And after she gets to look young again, she can't think of anything better to do with that youthful energy and looks than to get the same job again?? I seriously don't think that she's supposed to get the viewers' sympathies. She's a vain and vapid person. Helpless, yes. Addicted to her looks because of her career choice, and yes, also in particular because she's a woman, yes. But other than that, screw her. Again: she's an aerobic trainer/model on TV. She banked on her looks all her life, with great success. There's fairly little to have pity with here, let alone to respect or sympathize or even empathize.
She did what afforded her lifestyle in the first place, I'd like to to ask yourself, what other jobs would she be qualified for? If she wanted to break out of her routine and life she had before I don't think she would have even gotten the drug in the first place. For her this is the only thing she sees herself worth in.
I'm also convinced that Dennis Quaid's character slurping the shrimp and leaving the shells behind is a visual analogy for Elisabeth/Sue and how all this is ultimately so men can consume her body. She becomes the empty shell to let Sue out.
Also that the powerful/successful men can be/do essentially whatever they want and flaunt it, all the while expecting the women to follow completely opposite standards to even think about getting somewhere in the industry. I don't necessarily agree with that sort of feminist/toxic hierarchy blanket belief, but for the purposes of juxtaposition in the movie, it works.
He has no table manners and doesn’t wash his hands after using the restroom while Elizabeth’s judged for AGING, something that happens to literally everyone. It’s almost a commentary too on how men have fewer grooming/cleanliness expectations put on them compared to women and sometimes even actively avoid them…
Can we all take a moment to appreciate the way they portrayed the trailer?! Gave absolutely NOTHING away. Set an unsettling tone and that’s it! Came back last night from it. Wow, what an amazing film! Best body horror/suspense/dark comedy I’ve seen in years. Fantastic performances all around, cinematography and the use of practical effects were masterful. When the final chapter name popped up I just started laughing in the best way but not at the expense of how grotesque, sad and relatable the underlining themes were. Great explanation video! Thank you
I’m a male who has suffered from body dysmorphia and had a toxic relationship with the gym and bodybuilding culture. I grew up a skinny and non-athletic kid and in my early twenties i struggled a lot with my body image and trying to fit a certain male physique that was more desirable in the queer community. So beyond the crazy insane horror stuff (which I loved), the themes presented in this movie really resonated with me, so the critique on society’s view and discrimination on physical beauty is much more universal than just women (even though the two main characters are women). Realizing this really made me love the film even more.
True. Don't forget the nurse was male and he warned Elizabeth in the coffee shop the younger self will eat away at you. So, the male perspective was represented.
I agree, I dislike how this is only being seen as a female centric movie. Yes I understand that women deal with this issue more, but it definitely is a movie that people that have had body shaming, and body dysmorphia affect them, should see. Men, especially in the LGBT community definitely have pressure to live up to a certain look, and age just like in the film. I mean even 2 of the back up dancers on "pump it up" are men with ripped bodies. I think it's becoming a universal experience now to be honest.
I agree with this I'm also skinny but i suffer from Anna rexcia and also I'm in recovery form drugs due to wanting to be thin like the men I was with wanted me to "heroine chic." So I kept using and now I even still don't eat even without the drugs it's very difficult I also can relate how gay men are all about a certain body type or the type of people they think are attractive I mean you see it in films modeling p o r n and all sorts of other things so yeah im like yeah it's difficult but now im in therapy trying to actually work on my problems and how I see myself and im learning how to live myself also
"Usually female and almost always the main character, a Mary Sue is often an author's idealized self-insertion, and may serve as a form of wish fulfillment." also quite fitting
At the end when the monster sprays blood on the audience it’s like saying “blood on your hands”. It’s Harvey’s fault that Elisabeth feels self hatred which causes her to “kill herself”and thus her blood is on his hands. (or in this case covering his body) It’s also the audience’s fault as the public view of celebrities creates unbearable pressure on Elisabeth. So her blood is also on their hands. Also, the little girl in the crowd dressed up as sue symbolizes how in this day and age young girls look up to these kinds of standards and are exposed to them at an alarmingly young age (through social media etc.) The little girl probably watched the hypersexualized tv show that sue was in and then even wanted to be her (dressing up as her) There were also many The Shining references: the carpet in the studio, the bathroom at the beginning of the movie, the titles (The Shining, The Substance) Another symbol is the fly. I believe the fly symbolizes Elizabeth and how she views herself. The fly is first seen on the back of Harvey’s neck. This is similar to how Elisabeth is clinging onto Harvey not wanting to get kicked out of the show. In his eyes however she is nothing but a pest, dirty and needed to be exterminated. We then see the same fly drowning in a yellow liquid as Harvey leaves Elisabeth signaling her death as a celebrity. When Elisabeth goes to the substance collection area there is a yellow sign on the wall advertising extermination services with a fly. This is very fitting considering this place is just like an extermination center for flies (elisabeth’s aged self). I also believe the yellow trench coat that elisabeth wears is like the fly doused in the yellow liquid. She only wears the yellow trench coat when she is out in public showing that she is like the dead fly or dead celebrity. Anyways absolutely loved this movie and I also love your channel Emma! Your videos are so entertaining and informative and I always click your videos when they pop up on my recommended ❤
I loved this. It’s like Cronenberg threw up the Barbie movie while David Lynch watched. Excellent deep dive! So glad you made this bc I have no one to talk to about it!
My fiancé and I watched it together and the reveal of that thing at the end actually made us cry. I felt so bad for poor Elisabeth and everything she went through 😔
I got so emotional when she was putting on her dress and the earrings , she just wanted to be seen and valid , ugh Demi Moore did amazing with her performance
That scene where Elizabeth is getting ready to meet Fred but keeps trying to "fix" herself and ultimately gives up and stays at home was such a gut punch. Many women have felt that way. Not even to go to a date, but just go out with friends when they're not feeling "pretty enough", so they just don't go. I have done that. And to see that, being played by one of the most beautiful actresses in the world, who is still beautiful and hot and has a perfect body (her only fault, according to society, is her age), was even more impactfull. Brilliant film
You brought up some points I definitely didn't think about. Great theories! The biggest thing that stuck with me was the fact Elizabeth still chose to continue even though she saw what it was doing to her. People everyday give themselves unnecessary heath complications for the quest to be perfect, but whats the point if you yourself cant even enjoy it?
I resonated with that a lot! that realisation that wanting to keep up with expectations are ruining you both mentally and physically, but you just cant quit cause you yearn to be loved that way. it was portrayed so beautifully
When the very old Elisabeth locks herself in the bathroom from Sue's lover, she's filmed from below while screaming to the door, same framing from the scene in the bathroom from The Shining
Everyone with any shred of self awareness is aware that beautiful people get treated differently. Just as rich people get treated differently just as famous people get treated differently just as important people get treated differently. It'd be shocking if it was a character that was being treated well being aware of those not being treated well.
The star earrings remind me of Jem and the Holograms, where Jerrica would transform into Jem (who also wore an iconic shiny pink outfit). Whether or not it was intended by the filmaker, the connection to duality within oneself is something that crossed my mind.
I also noticed that! Also the metallic hot pink & metallic leotards that the other dancers wore was exactly the leotard colors that were worn in the 80's. The carpet & red hallway was the almost exact replica of The Shining's decor. This has many other nods to other movies.
This film hit me so hard. I struggle with body image and set me entire worth in my physical body sadly. SO many moments I personally resonated with- especially the date scene. I recently did something nearly the exact same way- I even cancelled on someone last minute the same way. I found this movie extremely powerful and also difficult to watch but it really hit me. The scene where Sue is absolutely murdering Elisabeth just felt like a giant representation of how brutal myself (and everyone) can be on ourselves. The way she went at herself seems like the physical representation of how evil I can be in my mind towards myself
Exactly. It also showed me how futile and destructive the self hatred is, how it's grip destroys more than anything else. That this downward spiral leads only to worse. In a way it was empowering.
That part about "comparing herself to herself" is SO RELATABLE!! I am always doing that shit. It's sad that we can't just be happy with who we are NOW. I can't wait to take my 16 yr old daughter to see this with me 😂
I so much prefer this type of movie review where you share your thoughts, theories and opinions . I personally do not watch movie reviews to decide if I should go see something. I watch to hear the dissection and interpretation of what I just watched. Well done 👏🏼
Saw this yesterday and really, really enjoyed it. What a righteous and audacious swing from Fargeat, Moore, Qualley, and the various makeup artists. Would love to watch it again with an unsuspecting crowd just to witness everyone's reactions as the film becomes more unhinged and grotesque.
I started sobbing in the movie when Demi said the “I hate myself” line, and even you repeated it now I got teary eyed. Such a phenomenal film. I also loved the short of the little girl crying in the final act watching the Monstroso as it bled onto her, basically metaphorically showing us how we raise you girls to want to become a Sue and ultimately it just traumatizes you, and that’s what she has to look forward to as she grows up in the eye of the patriarchy. Especially because she is SO young and we see her mother brought her to this show, which showcases partially nude dancers onstage solely for the benefit of the male gaze, especially the CEOs in the audience.
This is just my own thought apart from all the fantastic details you pulled out here. A lot of other reviewers have clearly linked the story arc to the classic Jekyll and Hyde, but I don't see a lot of folks talking about how this is also a variation on the Portrait of Dorian Gray. There's the young, beautiful, perfect person hiding the dark reality of what's she's doing to her true self locked away in a closet. She needs it, it's her true self, but it's something she can't even bear to look at. And in the end, when her beautiful self overreaches, all that's left is a monstrous husk that falls apart and dies.
Two interesting things that I noticed: at the end of the show both Elisabet and Sue say "take care of yourself", the same phrase Isabella Rossellini character uses when she gives the potion to Meryl Streep in "death becomes her" (I adore this film), the blood in the final scene can relate to Carrie (Sissy Spacek).
I just got out of seeing it and was so impressed. The two leading ladies were amazing! The scene where she kept going back to the mirror to "fix" something was so devastating, my heart broke for her. Don't know if anyone else noticed, or I guess thought about, how Elisabeth just ordered the substance and it seemed like there was no exchange of money? While I may be thinking too hard about the logistics, I think it's even more impactful and sinister if the substance was being offered and targeted to anyone.
That part almost made me cry cause i've been there several times, starting out with hair done and full face a makeup. Then picking out one thing after another until i'm back at square one and just decide not to go out. It definitely was an eye-opener and I see myself in a whole new way just because of that one scene.
there was a comment from the young version of the doctor who said that elizbeth was "a great candidate" after examining her, which leads me to believe that it's not offered to just anyone but that there's some kind of recruitment process that we as the audience will never be privy to. as for no payment being exchanged, I have a lot of thoughts on this. in the very first scene of the movie we're shown someone off screen testing the substance on an egg. why? why not a live subject, like a rat for example? of course in the meta, it can't be a live subject because that would spoil what the substance does for the audience. but it seems like the candidates are being recruited as some form of human trial, which of course is highly illegal. there are clearly lots of problems with the use of the substance, but if the company can secretly distribute and collect data on the use of their drug, they can refine it. the movie did not dive deeply into this as it definitely had another message and vision to push, but I think just enough of this strange exchange was shown to hint at truly insidious human experiments that * have * taken place in our own world. i only just walked out of this movie a couple hours though so I am still mulling it over! EDIT: I just remembered that when Elizabeth first calls to obtain the drug, she says she wants to place an order and the first thing the person on the phone asks is for her address, but all parts of the substance are delivered and picked up at a third party location so her address seems like a meaningless piece of information. unless someone is somehow keeping tabs on Elizabeth/sue. for example, we know that the old man/young doctor that recruited her was following elizabeth at some point after she activated sue
I saw this in a semi crowded theater and it was great seeing everyone squirm in their seats 😂😂 such a unique film, I loved how they played around with the wide shots -it would make rooms or people look obscure and it made me feel uncomfortable. Like that lunch scene with Harvey - it looked almost like a fisheye view!
15:45 i think the fact that she survives without a scratch is one of the things that breaks her down. it’s her birthday, and she’s had people telling her all day that she is no longer pretty enough, young enough, sexy enough. then she ends up in a hospital gown being thoroughly examined (notably by two men) only to be told she’s perfectly fine, thank god she’s still got her looks, and for the doctor to even recognize her. being horribly disfigured by the accident would no doubt be painful for her, yes, but in a way it would almost be easier for her. it would be this tragic accident that she could point to as the end of her career. a pity, sure, but she could put the blame on something other than herself.
@@out_spockenWE heard “one person degrade her”. She’s lived the rest of her life before the movie starts, we don’t know what else she’s heard before that moment
I'm glad you mentioned Basketcase. The monstro reminded me of that and The Elephant Man. This movie had so many influences that were woven together so perfectly. Mulholland Dr and Requiem for a Dream were the most prominent ones that stood out to me.
I went to see this last night with my best friend and when I tell you the movie got so crazy we were all just in shock and laughing and just truly enjoying ourselves. I absolutely loved this film and I’m so glad I went to see this in the movies
just saw it in theaters and was mesmerized from beginning to end, fargeat’s visual style as a director is up there with the best for me and id have to say this is the most INSANE film i have ever seen
I love the ending where the audience literally gets blood all over them. They do not escape untouched by what goes into the "substance" of these shows.
I wonder if it was just me but I noticed in the end how it was only men that were calling her a freak/monster and getting violent with her. Intentional?
I like how the Harvey scenes are done in such a way that even when he's about to tell Sue that he has no problem with her schedule, or when he's about to tell her that she's gonna get to host the New Years show, he still feels insanely threatening. It's also not a minor thing that the door to the substance delivery spot only opens halfway through forcing Elisabeth to crawl inside. Not a single frame of this movie goes to waste.
I keep hearing people say the last act goes too far or is too much to get award recognition... I am a man but i can understand that the misoginy and body shaming based on unnatainable beauty standards women are subjected to on a daily basis is also too much or goin too far. The fact that people cannot look at themselves in the mirror without hating what they see is also too much...there are messages that cannot be delivered with subtlety or so called taste. They need to be screamed at peoples faces for them to finally start taking notice.
My bf and I just came back from the theater and I am just WOW. This is easily going to be my number one film of the year for me. I am shocked and blown away❤. I haven't been so pleased and satisfied in a long long time👏🏻 🙌🏻
Loved this video! Another detail I loved was after super old Elizabeth dragged her photo of herself back out into the living room. When Elizabeth and Sue were in the living room together fighting, you see them facing each other while the photo of original Elizabeth in her blue leotard was against the wall in the back. So it’s like all of the versions of her were confronting each other in the same room.
I think the name Sue is a nod to how the character as well as women's beauty standards are "SUperficial" 🤭 Also it comes from the word "Substance" as the frst and last letters 😁
They ask her that question in a recent interview and she literally doesn’t give an explanation just says she finds that name sexy, but that’s a nice connection and maybe a coincidence you found there :)
@@Richster-tt7vg Maybe a coincidence, maybe not! I like to think theres maybe more to the name. A genius probably wouldn't give away all their answers that easily 😂 but sometimes the most simple answer is the correct one 😅
Wow I love your analysis! I went to see the movie last night and loved it, I can't stop thinking about it, that ending was so fun! Also, when Elisabeth says "I hate myself, I need you" to Sue, I teared up a bit, it was so raw
I couldn't help noticing the fact that there were no meaningful interactions between Elisabeth/Sue with another woman. Everything was with men: Harvey, the neighbor, the childhood classmate. All of which had names, whereas Isabella was named and had her name immediately "changed" by Harvey himself based on what he wanted. The waitress had a name but had to be read. Let alone any kind of relationship, Elisabeth was utterly alone, even scoffing at the idea of family at some point. Also that, at the end, the monster was faced by men. No woman touched her in that scene, even by accident. And all the voices that kept her going were men's voices. Women pointed and yelled, hurting her in their own way, but the biggest pain was by men.
I just saw it this morning, alone, the only person in the cinema, which was an experience. I *loved* it. The body horror! The effects! It was a whole mood. It was not subtle, but it didn’t need to be. Honestly, the grossest scene for me was that lunch scene with Dennis Quaid. The only thing I’m not entirely sure how to feel about is the relationship with food. It didn’t feel as fully realized as some of the other themes. I kind of reconciled it by likening it to the only kind of hunger Elisabeth can try to slake. She hungers for fame, sex, desirability, youth. Sue gets to gorge on those, but Elisabeth only has food, which doesn’t really satisfy the hunger. But it just didn’t connect in the same way other elements did for me.
I want to go too, but my friends have no interest in it. My mom is the one that usually goes to the movies with me😂 but she cant handle gore very well. You think I should just go alone?
@@bo2720 d Definitely! I almost prefer going alone. If there’s anything that is easy to do by yourself it’s go sit in a dark theater where you aren’t supposed to talk and watch a movie. The only downside is not having someone to talk to about the movie after, but that’s what the internet is for!
Yeah! I thought Dennis Quaid eating shrimp was the grossest scene too haha. And I'm still trying to unpack everything going on with the food in the film. Clearly Elisabeth hasn't been able to eat what she might want to eat for basically her entire life in order to keep up her trim look for the show. And the cookbook as a gift is like, hey, it's over, enjoy food and let yourself go! So when Elisabeth is in control, her way of lashing out at and getting back at Sue is to not only overindulge in food but leave food waste all over the apartment. I was reminded of the end of Daisies, where two woman making a huge mess of a banquet for unseen important people becomes a symbol of female independence and reaction against social oppression.
I'm taking a friend that is the same age as me (we are both middle-aged mid-40s women) to see this. Age creeps up on you and sometimes you don't even recognize yourself in the mirror. I can't imagine what a mind f***it would be to be going through "it" in Hollywood.
That scene where shes obsessing over her make up and unable to go to her date hits home the most for me. Ive suffered from pretty severe acne for many years, and that stressful feeling of trying to apply make up before going out to cover all the imperfections, only to end up not even going because you cant bare the thought of people seeing you, is so relatable and painful.
Thank you for this enriching analysis. It'll give me some additional perspectives when I go for a second viewing. Many stories have taken the Jekyll and Hyde approach of transforming one's self into another, more selfish entity, but this has to be the most unique take on this trope I've seen. I'm of the view that one can empathise with the horrors on screen and find them repellent simultaneously, and the monster effectively symbolizes those women who are shamed by both audiences and media in their moment of crisis, only for sympathies to be held largely in retrospect. There's no need for subtlety here.
I absolutely LOVED this film!! It’s a true body horror experience. Sublime. Subversive. Visceral. Harrowing. Beautiful cinematography and flawless editing, adding stellar performances all around; you get a true masterpiece.
This is one of the best movies I’ve seen all year, possibly the best body horror movie I’ve ever seen. It’s so clever, so creative, brilliantly executed, and chilling both in story and in visuals. I think it might have been more interesting if she had brought the activator with her and took it a second time in her dressing room rather than back at home. It would make the timeline a bit more coherent (though that might just be a thoughtful element i didn’t understand) and i think add the idea that she never felt she was enough, even as Sue.
GREAT video. I just saw this yesterday and can't stop thinking about it, am already making plans to go see it again before the end of the week. You definitely saw some things I missed, or else things I noticed something interesting about, but was unable to put into words. As always. the highest respect for your horror brain! 💖🖤
I'm obsessed with this movie and I think your video is my favorite so far on it! A lot of "deep dives" are pretty basic and have typical opinions on it, but you brought up so many things that make sense and also little details that I never noticed that make so much sense. Loved this video! ❤
Great theories!! I also liked how the movie emphasized what a lonely shallow life she had. It was her birthday, where were her friends? Her Boyfriend? Any siblings? Did anyone get her a cake? She was in a life threatening car crash, and she had no one to call? Yet, she lived in a huge, expensive apartment with a killer view of LA...ALONE with a wall size pic of herself. Note: the sound editing was off the chain, sooo creepy!
Thank you for this great breakdown and discussion. This is one of those movies where after I watch it, I spend the next couple of days bingeing reviews and analysis videos lol. Absolutely loved it. Amazing time in the theater. Especially with the crowd I saw it with. And one of my new favorite movies of all time. I’m still in shock that we got to experience something this unique and fun again at the theater. I will definitely be watching it again.
A great analysis video for an outstanding movie. It's great that you took the time to do this. Your interpretations all sound very conclusive and you have drawn my attention to various aspects that I had missed, even though I saw the film twice in the theater.
You’re always so well spoken! I’ve been wanting to talk to anyone about this movie, but haven’t been able to. This helped scratch that itch. Thanks for giving me more to think about!
Something I thought was interesting was irony of these men talking about how how they needed the perfect young woman while all of them were old and wrinkled with yellow teeth, had gross eating habits and cigarette breath, balding, etc. I just felt like that was the reason we kept getting those close up shots so close that you were forced to pay attention to every detail of Harvey’s face and his mannerisms
I said the ending out-Carried Carrie. My friend said the film was a cross between The Elephant Man and Carrie. I also saw a lot of Dorrian Gray and Jekyll and Hyde, I also thought of Society. The carpet looked a bit Overlook Hotel, but I did like the endless corridor shots. That yellow coat too... I bit of Don't Look Now sprung to mind for some reason. But. Demi Moore was spectacular in this. I love Revenge, incidentally.
The casting of Dennis Quaid in particular felt so perfect because he’s one of those actors my mom and other people her age still refer to fondly; when they say “he used to be so handsome!” they genuinely mean it in a positive way. Whenever a female actress of the same age is brought up, however, the “she used to be so pretty!” is pitying and mournful. I know Quaid isn’t even playing an actor in the film but the profound unfairness of this disgusting old man setting the standard for beauty in the industry and not having to jump through any hoops himself really stood out to me
I turned 50 this year, and I can sadly, and pathetically, relate to the desperation of an older woman watching her youth, societal standard of beauty, and relevance slip away right before her eyes. There is no stopping the affects of time, and you just have to learn to be good with the person you are. We are our own harshest critics.
it plays with the fear that you cant change the nature law of aging with meds,this is my interpretation adding and mixing together and other interesting topics with clever layers of human fears and addiction.i totally agree with you emma you nailed interesting movie you have to see it guys!
i usually do not listen to english videos like a podcast(not my first language), i need to focus a lot and watch the video but yours was so easy to understand. The way you speak is so efficient and satisfaying lol
I’m sure someone else mentioned this but the red carpeted hallway reminded me immediately of The Shining and, for me at least, foreshadowed it being covered in blood, which it was later in the movie! So great!
I definitely am seeing a ton of future awards for the sound design! It seems to be the #1 talking point in a lot of reviews/conversations about the film and I’m SO happy this category is finally getting some real attention! Just masterful! My one gripe about this film is that the BEST song isn’t even on the official soundtrack or has a full release… don’t they ♬knooooooow ♬ it’s time to PUMP IT UP 💪🏾
Great breakdown, love these deep dives! So many layers to this film, thematically and aesthetically, think we’ll all be picking the bones outta this one for a while. Loved the film, one of my favourites of the year.
My theory for the blood at the end (I’m a man so please correct me if this is a misread): Everyone wants the pre-menopausal Sue for her youth, “purity,” sex appeal, and fertility. But her “blood” (period) must always stay hidden-to see it is to be disgusted. So the audience is covered in it at the end because no matter what she ever does, Elizabeth/Sue will always be one “cycle” or one year or one mis-step away from being a monster in their eyes. As a man, I also want to comment on the male gaze accusations because I think they miss the point. Anyone who found anything sexy in this movie has problems. It blatantly condemns how men position nude/semi-nude women as degrading objects of pleasure until their nudity doesn’t the “right” image (think the final form). I’d love to hear other thoughts though!
The contrasting days between Sue and Elizabeth stood out so much to me. Elizabeth's first week back from being Sue, She is sulking around the house. She is cleaning the house, making calendar dates for when she is Sue and when she is back to being Elizabeth, but you also see her being impatient by constantly checking the days of the food for Sue. Elizabeth is isolated and mainly in dark lighting or a wide shot, further showing her isolation. Sue her days are always set in a bright light, to the point where it is hard on the eyes. Her candy-colored clothing, the many use of sparkles, and twinkling stars. She is mostly on close-up shots of her face. For the name part. Part of me believes that she went with Sue, is also the writing archetype that people refer to as someone who is perfect as a "Mary Sue". In Elizabeth's eyes and mindset, Sue is perfect with no flaws. Everything will go her way as Sue.
Thanks, this is an amazing plot breakdown and theory explanation. You have so many new ideas not just repeating the regular media talking points. Looking at this film from a self harm perspective made me appreciate it more than I had before.
Awesome analysis! Sean Chandler mentioned the substance abuse (get it?) parallels in his review which feel really resonant when Elizabeth sees Sue as an escape from her actual self and her addiction to that alter ego (intoxicated state) despite the fact that it's killing her. When she is Sue, she gets a "high" and loses control, doesn't really remember what happened, and only sees the messes left behind.
Your analysis of Substance is amazing! I just saw it for the first time yesterday. I was at the first screening of the day and it was me, and a woman who I don't know that were the only ones in the theater. She ended up leaving towards the end of the last act. I don't know if she was disgusting by it or just needed to use the restroom. I'm still processing the movie. It seems like it's playing with the yin and yang of attraction and repulsion. Yeah, still processing...
This movie has remarkable depth, reflecting the inner emptiness that many of us feel. We try to fill that void with everything within our reach, ignoring the signs and opportunities life offers us and forgetting the serious consequences that can even lead to death. We turn our backs on the true purpose of our lives, without accepting the reality that each of us faces. Let’s learn to value what we have; let’s not allow external things, the superficial, or our inner voices to determine our destiny. And when we go through these kinds of situations, let’s seek help; let’s also offer support to those around us. It’s sad to end this way when we have a life filled with obstacles and opportunities that allow us to grow and move forward toward our purpose. This is a message so that we don’t repeat the same cycle and instead unite to break this chain that is destroying our society. No matter which doors close before us, let’s make the most of our time and create new opportunities through our adversities, so that we can impact the lives of others.
I caught this first showing this morning with my wife…. Holy cannoli! You weren’t kidding, body horror done properly! Gore, humor, and lots of homages to the best directors of the past. Has a Benny Benassi video feel to it during the Sue dance scenes, with the shiny, overblown colors and gyrating bums lol. Def a worthy watch😎
For a while when watching I thought she was going to reverse it by using a cook book recipie and cook Sue to take back what she lost 😆 the palm trees I noticed and at the end had a light bulb moment. I loved her yellow coat :)
Yellow is also associated with youth and optimism, so I like to think the yellow coat is supposed to represent Elizabeth literally masking herself with a projection of youthfulness
I don't know if anyone has brought this up, but I believe there are ties between this film and The Picture of Dorian Gray (both a compelling novel and film). In this story, the protagonist, Gray, succumbs to the allure of eternal youth and beauty...of course, he ends up paying a very steep price: As his physical body becomes untethered from time and space, his portrait in the attic evolves into a hideous monstrosity. Sound familiar? Ego run wild will always serve as a fast track toward misery and suffering....
i struggled with an eating disorder for five years and honestly this felt like that. the juxtaposition between sue- being perfect and shiny and thin, and elizabeth- being trapped in her house, the monstrous, the messy.
Sounds like a really important movie with weight loss injections being so popular. Insane that so many people are doing this when they aren’t really even overweight.
I think it's one of the best in the last decade. Seriously, this film is what horror is all about. I had a good time with Revenge, but this was a horror masterpiece.
As far as the nudity goes, the scene where there are a ton of naked women on stage and the camera cuts to a little girl watching from the crowd only for the monster to vomit a boob on stage and THEN the little girl’s mom covers her eyes was so brilliant to me. Nudity as long as it’s beautiful is okay but if it’s grotesque or “old” then our eyes should be covered.
I also love the idea that Sue is disgusted by Elisabeth because Elisabeth is disgusted with Elisabeth. And if Elisabeth loved herself, likely so would Sue. But if Elisabeth loved herself… Sue would have never been made in the first place.
Thank you for this spoiler review! Great as always.
Beautiful read!!!
Seriously, what the heck is with parents taking their children to shows like that? I mean, do movies like Showgirls and Striptease actually think that this is appropriate for- ohhhhh......
I’m so glad someone else caught onto that!
bro they arent naked on the stage
They were topless @@Rnrnr12367
I very much enjoyed the voice on the phone constantly trying to remind her that she’s the one doing this to herself.
there was very little explanation as to what was going to happen to her and the help line seemed to be narcissistic. I suppose there would be no horror movies if people weren’t making bad decisions but she injected herself with this vial of stuff with very little information. It was like having a child and expecting that to make you younger.
@@ruprect8858 I don't think the intention was that the substance is deceptive or omitting information. In theory, if the rules are followed, there's no ill side effects. The problems only arise when its abused, and that's where the Faustian bargain occurs.
I think Coralie Fargeat is just establishing the rules succinctly, with no fluff, trusting us to accept them so we can participate in the experiment. And the simple, bold-type, bluntness is part of the joke of the heightened, totally unnuanced world (the same way the billboard just says "New Show" with no helpful information at all, or how the men constantly say the quiet part out loud with no self-awareness). It kind of reminded me of what the world looks like in They Live when you have the truth-revealing glasses on.
@@looney1023 You think she knew that she would give birth to a full size human from her spine? Communication was minimal but i suppose if there were councillors ready to help them through the transition then there would not have been a good horror movie.
@@ruprect8858Well that’s her issue for doing something so drastic with little information. However, the flash drive could’ve shown her more than what was shown to us.
I mean of she knew that she would born a other body from her back, and his body would age for every second sue abuse her time, she would not have done it
Never have I seen a more on the nose portrayal of female self-hatred.
This film really illustrated the brutality of the small violences we inflict upon ourselves everyday.
As someone who works in an industry where the standard is impossible to reach, The Substance shook me to my core and was a sobering look at the war within ourselves. I have had multiple cosmetic procedures and am in a constant war with the mirror. Many nights I have spent in an identical self-resignation as Demi’s attempt to leave the house for a simple outing.
I cannot recall witnessing anything that has validated our pressured feminine experience quite like Fargeat’s sophomore masterpiece. Phenomenal groundbreaking cinema in every aspect.
Really, I found the writing/casting with the female leads great and plausible, but not necessary or exclusive. Struggling with looks and age is familiar to most anyone these days, not just women. At any rate, I didn't feel like the film provided me new insights into the female psyche. I rather felt like the film understands culture and I felt seen in my own struggle. (Just came home from the cinema, and today is my 46th birthday.)
🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄
@@CC3GROUNDZERO Yes, it's everyone, but the weight falls on women, and especially in the entertainment industry, almost exclusively. Women getting yeeted from shows due to being a certain age, being yeeted from serious jobs like tv newsreading because of age, while in both circumstances men who look just as old and often way worse for their respective ages, are retained and praised for the experience age brings. Women are routinely put down for how they look and judged as unworthy based on how they look, NOT what they bring to the table in the workforce or in the rest of life.
@@littleblackpistol Sure, true all of that. I'd just add that especially in something like newsreading or any other TV jobs, other factors weigh far more heavily, for example having the correct political attitude. Age or looks or qualification doesn't matter for anyone unless they faithfully toe the party line. So in that sense, I do not have much of any sympathy for those people who lose their jobs in those fields for reasons of sexism or ageism or a combination thereof, because those people don't have their heart and mind in the right place to begin with. This is one of the things that I found rather difficult to sympathize with in the film's main character. After all, she's an aerobic trainer/model on TV. And after she gets to look young again, she can't think of anything better to do with that youthful energy and looks than to get the same job again?? I seriously don't think that she's supposed to get the viewers' sympathies. She's a vain and vapid person. Helpless, yes. Addicted to her looks because of her career choice, and yes, also in particular because she's a woman, yes. But other than that, screw her. Again: she's an aerobic trainer/model on TV. She banked on her looks all her life, with great success. There's fairly little to have pity with here, let alone to respect or sympathize or even empathize.
She did what afforded her lifestyle in the first place, I'd like to to ask yourself, what other jobs would she be qualified for? If she wanted to break out of her routine and life she had before I don't think she would have even gotten the drug in the first place. For her this is the only thing she sees herself worth in.
I'm also convinced that Dennis Quaid's character slurping the shrimp and leaving the shells behind is a visual analogy for Elisabeth/Sue and how all this is ultimately so men can consume her body. She becomes the empty shell to let Sue out.
Also that the powerful/successful men can be/do essentially whatever they want and flaunt it, all the while expecting the women to follow completely opposite standards to even think about getting somewhere in the industry. I don't necessarily agree with that sort of feminist/toxic hierarchy blanket belief, but for the purposes of juxtaposition in the movie, it works.
He has no table manners and doesn’t wash his hands after using the restroom while Elizabeth’s judged for AGING, something that happens to literally everyone. It’s almost a commentary too on how men have fewer grooming/cleanliness expectations put on them compared to women and sometimes even actively avoid them…
@@gemstone108That last part is false. That is gross regardless of gender
YES so agree.
Oh I love that interpretation. Yeah and at the end I could smell the shrimp.
The wildest part of seeing this movie in theatres was the Ozempic ad right before the main show lolol
omg, what country did you watch it in. Pharmaceutical ads are illegal where I live.
@@nouh2397 Western Canada
god damn what country is that lol? that wouldn’t fly here in the uk
@@nouh2397 Canada lol
@@nouh2397you should be glad you have that law. I live in Hong Kong and 80% of our ads are loan and medical 🤮
19:02 The Substance logo also reminded me of the fast forward symbol which plays into the physical effect of stolen time.
I thought of a reverse/rewind symbol 👀
Can we all take a moment to appreciate the way they portrayed the trailer?! Gave absolutely NOTHING away. Set an unsettling tone and that’s it! Came back last night from it. Wow, what an amazing film! Best body horror/suspense/dark comedy I’ve seen in years. Fantastic performances all around, cinematography and the use of practical effects were masterful. When the final chapter name popped up I just started laughing in the best way but not at the expense of how grotesque, sad and relatable the underlining themes were. Great explanation video! Thank you
Ikr i did NOT expect this
I’m a male who has suffered from body dysmorphia and had a toxic relationship with the gym and bodybuilding culture. I grew up a skinny and non-athletic kid and in my early twenties i struggled a lot with my body image and trying to fit a certain male physique that was more desirable in the queer community. So beyond the crazy insane horror stuff (which I loved), the themes presented in this movie really resonated with me, so the critique on society’s view and discrimination on physical beauty is much more universal than just women (even though the two main characters are women). Realizing this really made me love the film even more.
Yeah I for one mega related to that scene where Demi Moore is preparing for her date. Saw myself and my mother there
Yeah, “beauty” is an issue across all boards. I as a male, went through the same.
True. Don't forget the nurse was male and he warned Elizabeth in the coffee shop the younger self will eat away at you. So, the male perspective was represented.
I agree, I dislike how this is only being seen as a female centric movie. Yes I understand that women deal with this issue more, but it definitely is a movie that people that have had body shaming, and body dysmorphia affect them, should see. Men, especially in the LGBT community definitely have pressure to live up to a certain look, and age just like in the film. I mean even 2 of the back up dancers on "pump it up" are men with ripped bodies. I think it's becoming a universal experience now to be honest.
I agree with this I'm also skinny but i suffer from Anna rexcia and also I'm in recovery form drugs due to wanting to be thin like the men I was with wanted me to "heroine chic." So I kept using and now I even still don't eat even without the drugs it's very difficult I also can relate how gay men are all about a certain body type or the type of people they think are attractive I mean you see it in films modeling p o r n and all sorts of other things so yeah im like yeah it's difficult but now im in therapy trying to actually work on my problems and how I see myself and im learning how to live myself also
Sue made me instantly think of the writing archetype "Mary Sue". A character that is loved/liked by everyone!
"Usually female and almost always the main character, a Mary Sue is often an author's idealized self-insertion, and may serve as a form of wish fulfillment." also quite fitting
OMG I DIDNT EVEN REALIZE THAT
Makes sense but it's a recent coin term and it's More about Sue the name meaning 😢
At the end when the monster sprays blood on the audience it’s like saying “blood on your hands”. It’s Harvey’s fault that Elisabeth feels self hatred which causes her to “kill herself”and thus her blood is on his hands. (or in this case covering his body) It’s also the audience’s fault as the public view of celebrities creates unbearable pressure on Elisabeth. So her blood is also on their hands.
Also, the little girl in the crowd dressed up as sue symbolizes how in this day and age young girls look up to these kinds of standards and are exposed to them at an alarmingly young age (through social media etc.)
The little girl probably watched the hypersexualized tv show that sue was in and then even wanted to be her (dressing up as her)
There were also many The Shining references: the carpet in the studio, the bathroom at the beginning of the movie, the titles (The Shining, The Substance)
Another symbol is the fly. I believe the fly symbolizes Elizabeth and how she views herself. The fly is first seen on the back of Harvey’s neck. This is similar to how Elisabeth is clinging onto Harvey not wanting to get kicked out of the show. In his eyes however she is nothing but a pest, dirty and needed to be exterminated. We then see the same fly drowning in a yellow liquid as Harvey leaves Elisabeth signaling her death as a celebrity. When Elisabeth goes to the substance collection area there is a yellow sign on the wall advertising extermination services with a fly. This is very fitting considering this place is just like an extermination center for flies (elisabeth’s aged self). I also believe the yellow trench coat that elisabeth wears is like the fly doused in the yellow liquid. She only wears the yellow trench coat when she is out in public showing that she is like the dead fly or dead celebrity.
Anyways absolutely loved this movie and I also love your channel Emma! Your videos are so entertaining and informative and I always click your videos when they pop up on my recommended ❤
I loved this. It’s like Cronenberg threw up the Barbie movie while David Lynch watched. Excellent deep dive! So glad you made this bc I have no one to talk to about it!
😂 true
That is one of the best spot on descriptions! Mine was if Mullholland Drive and The Fly had a baby LOL!
With a splash of Neon Demon.
With a splash of Kubrick
My fiancé and I watched it together and the reveal of that thing at the end actually made us cry. I felt so bad for poor Elisabeth and everything she went through 😔
Agree. The final scene was a genuine tearjerker.
Ok I’m glad I’m not the only one that was getting emotional during that part!
I cried when monstroelizasue was looking in the mirror putting on the earrings. I’m not sure why
Oh my God! Just saw it. Never seen so many walkouts. But those of us who stayed loved it. WOW.
I got so emotional when she was putting on her dress and the earrings , she just wanted to be seen and valid , ugh Demi Moore did amazing with her performance
Saw it yesterday and had quite an experience. Astonished by how it manages to be absolutely gross, hilarious and heartbreaking at the same time.
One of my favorite things about this film is how every edit is so abrupt and jarring. The editing style fits the tone perfectly
During the first back birthing scene someone in my showing screamed out “ WHAAAAT THE FUCKKK!!! “
That scene where Elizabeth is getting ready to meet Fred but keeps trying to "fix" herself and ultimately gives up and stays at home was such a gut punch. Many women have felt that way. Not even to go to a date, but just go out with friends when they're not feeling "pretty enough", so they just don't go. I have done that. And to see that, being played by one of the most beautiful actresses in the world, who is still beautiful and hot and has a perfect body (her only fault, according to society, is her age), was even more impactfull. Brilliant film
You brought up some points I definitely didn't think about. Great theories! The biggest thing that stuck with me was the fact Elizabeth still chose to continue even though she saw what it was doing to her. People everyday give themselves unnecessary heath complications for the quest to be perfect, but whats the point if you yourself cant even enjoy it?
That’s addiction! It reminds me of how ppl use drugs that slowly destroy themselves overtime
Its like going too far with plastic surgery. You feel and maybe look better the first time. Then you cant stop and end up looking like a monster
I resonated with that a lot! that realisation that wanting to keep up with expectations are ruining you both mentally and physically, but you just cant quit cause you yearn to be loved that way. it was portrayed so beautifully
carpeted corridor can be a nod to shining as well.. twins, monstrous old lady in the bathroom and also the blood flood in the finale…
There's also Carrie in there.
Yup and the blood on the walls
There’s also a great Giallo nod with the blood-covered leather gloves after Sue smashes Elizabeth.
Red and white toilets and also the shot when aged Elisabeth stops Sue’s boyfriend from entering the bathroom. Lots of Kubrick nods (2001 music too).
When the very old Elisabeth locks herself in the bathroom from Sue's lover, she's filmed from below while screaming to the door, same framing from the scene in the bathroom from The Shining
one detail i liked was the differences between how the same men treated elisabeth or sue, and elisabeth clearly being aware of this difference
Everyone with any shred of self awareness is aware that beautiful people get treated differently. Just as rich people get treated differently just as famous people get treated differently just as important people get treated differently.
It'd be shocking if it was a character that was being treated well being aware of those not being treated well.
The star earrings remind me of Jem and the Holograms, where Jerrica would transform into Jem (who also wore an iconic shiny pink outfit). Whether or not it was intended by the filmaker, the connection to duality within oneself is something that crossed my mind.
I also noticed that! Also the metallic hot pink & metallic leotards that the other dancers wore was exactly the leotard colors that were worn in the 80's. The carpet & red hallway was the almost exact replica of The Shining's decor. This has many other nods to other movies.
This film hit me so hard.
I struggle with body image and set me entire worth in my physical body sadly. SO many moments I personally resonated with- especially the date scene. I recently did something nearly the exact same way- I even cancelled on someone last minute the same way.
I found this movie extremely powerful and also difficult to watch but it really hit me.
The scene where Sue is absolutely murdering Elisabeth just felt like a giant representation of how brutal myself (and everyone) can be on ourselves. The way she went at herself seems like the physical representation of how evil I can be in my mind towards myself
Exactly. It also showed me how futile and destructive the self hatred is, how it's grip destroys more than anything else.
That this downward spiral leads only to worse.
In a way it was empowering.
Body dismorphia the movie…I’ve been there and I loved this movie😂
That part about "comparing herself to herself" is SO RELATABLE!! I am always doing that shit. It's sad that we can't just be happy with who we are NOW. I can't wait to take my 16 yr old daughter to see this with me 😂
I so much prefer this type of movie review where you share your thoughts, theories and opinions . I personally do not watch movie reviews to decide if I should go see something. I watch to hear the dissection and interpretation of what I just watched. Well done 👏🏼
Saw this yesterday and really, really enjoyed it. What a righteous and audacious swing from Fargeat, Moore, Qualley, and the various makeup artists. Would love to watch it again with an unsuspecting crowd just to witness everyone's reactions as the film becomes more unhinged and grotesque.
I started sobbing in the movie when Demi said the “I hate myself” line, and even you repeated it now I got teary eyed. Such a phenomenal film.
I also loved the short of the little girl crying in the final act watching the Monstroso as it bled onto her, basically metaphorically showing us how we raise you girls to want to become a Sue and ultimately it just traumatizes you, and that’s what she has to look forward to as she grows up in the eye of the patriarchy. Especially because she is SO young and we see her mother brought her to this show, which showcases partially nude dancers onstage solely for the benefit of the male gaze, especially the CEOs in the audience.
This is just my own thought apart from all the fantastic details you pulled out here. A lot of other reviewers have clearly linked the story arc to the classic Jekyll and Hyde, but I don't see a lot of folks talking about how this is also a variation on the Portrait of Dorian Gray. There's the young, beautiful, perfect person hiding the dark reality of what's she's doing to her true self locked away in a closet. She needs it, it's her true self, but it's something she can't even bear to look at. And in the end, when her beautiful self overreaches, all that's left is a monstrous husk that falls apart and dies.
Two interesting things that I noticed: at the end of the show both Elisabet and Sue say "take care of yourself", the same phrase Isabella Rossellini character uses when she gives the potion to Meryl Streep in "death becomes her" (I adore this film), the blood in the final scene can relate to Carrie (Sissy Spacek).
I think the assistant was also named Isabella :)
I just got out of seeing it and was so impressed. The two leading ladies were amazing! The scene where she kept going back to the mirror to "fix" something was so devastating, my heart broke for her.
Don't know if anyone else noticed, or I guess thought about, how Elisabeth just ordered the substance and it seemed like there was no exchange of money? While I may be thinking too hard about the logistics, I think it's even more impactful and sinister if the substance was being offered and targeted to anyone.
That's e-commerce for you.
No, I thought about when did the payment happen as well. I suppose the initial phone call though and we just did not see it
That part almost made me cry cause i've been there several times, starting out with hair done and full face a makeup. Then picking out one thing after another until i'm back at square one and just decide not to go out. It definitely was an eye-opener and I see myself in a whole new way just because of that one scene.
there was a comment from the young version of the doctor who said that elizbeth was "a great candidate" after examining her, which leads me to believe that it's not offered to just anyone but that there's some kind of recruitment process that we as the audience will never be privy to. as for no payment being exchanged, I have a lot of thoughts on this. in the very first scene of the movie we're shown someone off screen testing the substance on an egg. why? why not a live subject, like a rat for example? of course in the meta, it can't be a live subject because that would spoil what the substance does for the audience. but it seems like the candidates are being recruited as some form of human trial, which of course is highly illegal. there are clearly lots of problems with the use of the substance, but if the company can secretly distribute and collect data on the use of their drug, they can refine it. the movie did not dive deeply into this as it definitely had another message and vision to push, but I think just enough of this strange exchange was shown to hint at truly insidious human experiments that * have * taken place in our own world. i only just walked out of this movie a couple hours though so I am still mulling it over!
EDIT: I just remembered that when Elizabeth first calls to obtain the drug, she says she wants to place an order and the first thing the person on the phone asks is for her address, but all parts of the substance are delivered and picked up at a third party location so her address seems like a meaningless piece of information. unless someone is somehow keeping tabs on Elizabeth/sue. for example, we know that the old man/young doctor that recruited her was following elizabeth at some point after she activated sue
She pays with her tortured soul. There is always a price.
I saw this in a semi crowded theater and it was great seeing everyone squirm in their seats 😂😂 such a unique film, I loved how they played around with the wide shots -it would make rooms or people look obscure and it made me feel uncomfortable. Like that lunch scene with Harvey - it looked almost like a fisheye view!
15:45 i think the fact that she survives without a scratch is one of the things that breaks her down. it’s her birthday, and she’s had people telling her all day that she is no longer pretty enough, young enough, sexy enough. then she ends up in a hospital gown being thoroughly examined (notably by two men) only to be told she’s perfectly fine, thank god she’s still got her looks, and for the doctor to even recognize her. being horribly disfigured by the accident would no doubt be painful for her, yes, but in a way it would almost be easier for her. it would be this tragic accident that she could point to as the end of her career. a pity, sure, but she could put the blame on something other than herself.
"pretty enough, young enough, sexy enough."
She heard ONE conversation by ONE person saying this. Who else degraded her or didn't treat her well?
@@out_spockenYou just don't know how social pressure works.
@@out_spockenWE heard “one person degrade her”. She’s lived the rest of her life before the movie starts, we don’t know what else she’s heard before that moment
Best analysis I’ve watched so far. This film was intense, revolting, confronting but a masterpiece.
I'm glad you mentioned Basketcase. The monstro reminded me of that and The Elephant Man. This movie had so many influences that were woven together so perfectly.
Mulholland Dr and Requiem for a Dream were the most prominent ones that stood out to me.
I went to see this last night with my best friend and when I tell you the movie got so crazy we were all just in shock and laughing and just truly enjoying ourselves. I absolutely loved this film and I’m so glad I went to see this in the movies
just saw it in theaters and was mesmerized from beginning to end, fargeat’s visual style as a director is up there with the best for me and id have to say this is the most INSANE film i have ever seen
I love the ending where the audience literally gets blood all over them. They do not escape untouched by what goes into the "substance" of these shows.
I wonder if it was just me but I noticed in the end how it was only men that were calling her a freak/monster and getting violent with her. Intentional?
I like how the Harvey scenes are done in such a way that even when he's about to tell Sue that he has no problem with her schedule, or when he's about to tell her that she's gonna get to host the New Years show, he still feels insanely threatening.
It's also not a minor thing that the door to the substance delivery spot only opens halfway through forcing Elisabeth to crawl inside.
Not a single frame of this movie goes to waste.
I keep hearing people say the last act goes too far or is too much to get award recognition... I am a man but i can understand that the misoginy and body shaming based on unnatainable beauty standards women are subjected to on a daily basis is also too much or goin too far. The fact that people cannot look at themselves in the mirror without hating what they see is also too much...there are messages that cannot be delivered with subtlety or so called taste. They need to be screamed at peoples faces for them to finally start taking notice.
My bf and I just came back from the theater and I am just WOW. This is easily going to be my number one film of the year for me. I am shocked and blown away❤. I haven't been so pleased and satisfied in a long long time👏🏻 🙌🏻
Loved this video! Another detail I loved was after super old Elizabeth dragged her photo of herself back out into the living room. When Elizabeth and Sue were in the living room together fighting, you see them facing each other while the photo of original Elizabeth in her blue leotard was against the wall in the back. So it’s like all of the versions of her were confronting each other in the same room.
Yes love when you do spoiler breakdowns ❤❤❤your take is always so intelligent and interesting
The last 20 minutes of this movie felt like if Sam Raimi directed James Gunn’s Slither in the middle of a Gwar concert.
And I loved every second
The buckets of blood reminded me of the end of Peter Jackson's Dead Alive aka Brain Dead, which is still probably the bloodiest finale I've ever seen.
So glad I’m not the only one who thought of GWAR 😭
@@RyanMichero agree 100%
I think the name Sue is a nod to how the character as well as women's beauty standards are "SUperficial" 🤭
Also it comes from the word "Substance" as the frst and last letters 😁
They ask her that question in a recent interview and she literally doesn’t give an explanation just says she finds that name sexy, but that’s a nice connection and maybe a coincidence you found there :)
@@Richster-tt7vg Maybe a coincidence, maybe not! I like to think theres maybe more to the name. A genius probably wouldn't give away all their answers that easily 😂 but sometimes the most simple answer is the correct one 😅
Sue should sue, too
Wait this is an actual genius read onto her character
I WAS BLOWN AWAY WITH THIS FILM. 10/10
Wow I love your analysis! I went to see the movie last night and loved it, I can't stop thinking about it, that ending was so fun! Also, when Elisabeth says "I hate myself, I need you" to Sue, I teared up a bit, it was so raw
I couldn't help noticing the fact that there were no meaningful interactions between Elisabeth/Sue with another woman. Everything was with men: Harvey, the neighbor, the childhood classmate. All of which had names, whereas Isabella was named and had her name immediately "changed" by Harvey himself based on what he wanted. The waitress had a name but had to be read.
Let alone any kind of relationship, Elisabeth was utterly alone, even scoffing at the idea of family at some point.
Also that, at the end, the monster was faced by men. No woman touched her in that scene, even by accident. And all the voices that kept her going were men's voices. Women pointed and yelled, hurting her in their own way, but the biggest pain was by men.
I just saw it this morning, alone, the only person in the cinema, which was an experience.
I *loved* it. The body horror! The effects! It was a whole mood. It was not subtle, but it didn’t need to be. Honestly, the grossest scene for me was that lunch scene with Dennis Quaid.
The only thing I’m not entirely sure how to feel about is the relationship with food. It didn’t feel as fully realized as some of the other themes. I kind of reconciled it by likening it to the only kind of hunger Elisabeth can try to slake. She hungers for fame, sex, desirability, youth. Sue gets to gorge on those, but Elisabeth only has food, which doesn’t really satisfy the hunger. But it just didn’t connect in the same way other elements did for me.
I just saw this tonight. Friday night at 6:30. Only 3 other people. I thought it was great.
I want to go too, but my friends have no interest in it. My mom is the one that usually goes to the movies with me😂 but she cant handle gore very well. You think I should just go alone?
@@bo2720 d
Definitely! I almost prefer going alone. If there’s anything that is easy to do by yourself it’s go sit in a dark theater where you aren’t supposed to talk and watch a movie. The only downside is not having someone to talk to about the movie after, but that’s what the internet is for!
Yeah! I thought Dennis Quaid eating shrimp was the grossest scene too haha. And I'm still trying to unpack everything going on with the food in the film. Clearly Elisabeth hasn't been able to eat what she might want to eat for basically her entire life in order to keep up her trim look for the show. And the cookbook as a gift is like, hey, it's over, enjoy food and let yourself go! So when Elisabeth is in control, her way of lashing out at and getting back at Sue is to not only overindulge in food but leave food waste all over the apartment. I was reminded of the end of Daisies, where two woman making a huge mess of a banquet for unseen important people becomes a symbol of female independence and reaction against social oppression.
I'm taking a friend that is the same age as me (we are both middle-aged mid-40s women) to see this. Age creeps up on you and sometimes you don't even recognize yourself in the mirror. I can't imagine what a mind f***it would be to be going through "it" in Hollywood.
That scene where shes obsessing over her make up and unable to go to her date hits home the most for me. Ive suffered from pretty severe acne for many years, and that stressful feeling of trying to apply make up before going out to cover all the imperfections, only to end up not even going because you cant bare the thought of people seeing you, is so relatable and painful.
So glad I saw this movie just in time to watch this.
Now this was movie of the year for me.
Thank you for this enriching analysis. It'll give me some additional perspectives when I go for a second viewing. Many stories have taken the Jekyll and Hyde approach of transforming one's self into another, more selfish entity, but this has to be the most unique take on this trope I've seen.
I'm of the view that one can empathise with the horrors on screen and find them repellent simultaneously, and the monster effectively symbolizes those women who are shamed by both audiences and media in their moment of crisis, only for sympathies to be held largely in retrospect. There's no need for subtlety here.
I absolutely LOVED this film!! It’s a true body horror experience. Sublime. Subversive. Visceral. Harrowing. Beautiful cinematography and flawless editing, adding stellar performances all around; you get a true masterpiece.
This is one of the best movies I’ve seen all year, possibly the best body horror movie I’ve ever seen. It’s so clever, so creative, brilliantly executed, and chilling both in story and in visuals. I think it might have been more interesting if she had brought the activator with her and took it a second time in her dressing room rather than back at home. It would make the timeline a bit more coherent (though that might just be a thoughtful element i didn’t understand) and i think add the idea that she never felt she was enough, even as Sue.
GREAT video. I just saw this yesterday and can't stop thinking about it, am already making plans to go see it again before the end of the week. You definitely saw some things I missed, or else things I noticed something interesting about, but was unable to put into words. As always. the highest respect for your horror brain! 💖🖤
Your analysis on this movie is pretty bang on. This and Strange Darling were the two most enjoyable movies I’ve seen this year.
I'm obsessed with this movie and I think your video is my favorite so far on it! A lot of "deep dives" are pretty basic and have typical opinions on it, but you brought up so many things that make sense and also little details that I never noticed that make so much sense. Loved this video! ❤
Great theories!! I also liked how the movie emphasized what a lonely shallow life she had. It was her birthday, where were her friends? Her Boyfriend? Any siblings? Did anyone get her a cake? She was in a life threatening car crash, and she had no one to call? Yet, she lived in a huge, expensive apartment with a killer view of LA...ALONE with a wall size pic of herself.
Note: the sound editing was off the chain, sooo creepy!
I'm grossed out by how you explained and described things. I can only imagine how grossed out I'll be if i dare to watch it 😭
It's a really good movie. You should give it a try once it's on VOD.
Thank you for this great breakdown and discussion. This is one of those movies where after I watch it, I spend the next couple of days bingeing reviews and analysis videos lol. Absolutely loved it. Amazing time in the theater. Especially with the crowd I saw it with. And one of my new favorite movies of all time. I’m still in shock that we got to experience something this unique and fun again at the theater. I will definitely be watching it again.
As a fan of “The Fly” and its sequel, “The Thing” and other practical effects-driven horror, this was one of the best executed I’ve seen in decades.
A great analysis video for an outstanding movie. It's great that you took the time to do this. Your interpretations all sound very conclusive and you have drawn my attention to various aspects that I had missed, even though I saw the film twice in the theater.
Oh this is camp: no doubt about it. And I freaking loved it!!!!
You’re always so well spoken! I’ve been wanting to talk to anyone about this movie, but haven’t been able to. This helped scratch that itch. Thanks for giving me more to think about!
The was so much like nothing I’ve ever seen before! So brilliant! The message, the cinematography, acting, direction, just wow. Soo good!!
Something I thought was interesting was irony of these men talking about how how they needed the perfect young woman while all of them were old and wrinkled with yellow teeth, had gross eating habits and cigarette breath, balding, etc. I just felt like that was the reason we kept getting those close up shots so close that you were forced to pay attention to every detail of Harvey’s face and his mannerisms
I said the ending out-Carried Carrie. My friend said the film was a cross between The Elephant Man and Carrie. I also saw a lot of Dorrian Gray and Jekyll and Hyde, I also thought of Society.
The carpet looked a bit Overlook Hotel, but I did like the endless corridor shots. That yellow coat too... I bit of Don't Look Now sprung to mind for some reason.
But. Demi Moore was spectacular in this. I love Revenge, incidentally.
The casting of Dennis Quaid in particular felt so perfect because he’s one of those actors my mom and other people her age still refer to fondly; when they say “he used to be so handsome!” they genuinely mean it in a positive way. Whenever a female actress of the same age is brought up, however, the “she used to be so pretty!” is pitying and mournful. I know Quaid isn’t even playing an actor in the film but the profound unfairness of this disgusting old man setting the standard for beauty in the industry and not having to jump through any hoops himself really stood out to me
I turned 50 this year, and I can sadly, and pathetically, relate to the desperation of an older woman watching her youth, societal standard of beauty, and relevance slip away right before her eyes. There is no stopping the affects of time, and you just have to learn to be good with the person you are. We are our own harshest critics.
it plays with the fear that you cant change the nature law of aging with meds,this is my interpretation adding and mixing together and other interesting topics with clever layers of human fears and addiction.i totally agree with you emma you nailed interesting movie you have to see it guys!
i usually do not listen to english videos like a podcast(not my first language), i need to focus a lot and watch the video but yours was so easy to understand. The way you speak is so efficient and satisfaying lol
This was the video I needed, to help me process my first viewing of this masterpiece film. Thank you!
I’m sure someone else mentioned this but the red carpeted hallway reminded me immediately of The Shining and, for me at least, foreshadowed it being covered in blood, which it was later in the movie! So great!
I definitely am seeing a ton of future awards for the sound design! It seems to be the #1 talking point in a lot of reviews/conversations about the film and I’m SO happy this category is finally getting some real attention! Just masterful!
My one gripe about this film is that the BEST song isn’t even on the official soundtrack or has a full release… don’t they ♬knooooooow ♬ it’s time to PUMP IT UP 💪🏾
Great breakdown, love these deep dives! So many layers to this film, thematically and aesthetically, think we’ll all be picking the bones outta this one for a while. Loved the film, one of my favourites of the year.
I did not realize that these director also shot Revenge. I LOVE that movie. Thanks for a great video!
My theory for the blood at the end (I’m a man so please correct me if this is a misread):
Everyone wants the pre-menopausal Sue for her youth, “purity,” sex appeal, and fertility. But her “blood” (period) must always stay hidden-to see it is to be disgusted. So the audience is covered in it at the end because no matter what she ever does, Elizabeth/Sue will always be one “cycle” or one year or one mis-step away from being a monster in their eyes.
As a man, I also want to comment on the male gaze accusations because I think they miss the point. Anyone who found anything sexy in this movie has problems. It blatantly condemns how men position nude/semi-nude women as degrading objects of pleasure until their nudity doesn’t the “right” image (think the final form).
I’d love to hear other thoughts though!
The contrasting days between Sue and Elizabeth stood out so much to me. Elizabeth's first week back from being Sue, She is sulking around the house. She is cleaning the house, making calendar dates for when she is Sue and when she is back to being Elizabeth, but you also see her being impatient by constantly checking the days of the food for Sue. Elizabeth is isolated and mainly in dark lighting or a wide shot, further showing her isolation. Sue her days are always set in a bright light, to the point where it is hard on the eyes. Her candy-colored clothing, the many use of sparkles, and twinkling stars. She is mostly on close-up shots of her face.
For the name part. Part of me believes that she went with Sue, is also the writing archetype that people refer to as someone who is perfect as a "Mary Sue". In Elizabeth's eyes and mindset, Sue is perfect with no flaws. Everything will go her way as Sue.
Thanks, this is an amazing plot breakdown and theory explanation. You have so many new ideas not just repeating the regular media talking points. Looking at this film from a self harm perspective made me appreciate it more than I had before.
Awesome analysis! Sean Chandler mentioned the substance abuse (get it?) parallels in his review which feel really resonant when Elizabeth sees Sue as an escape from her actual self and her addiction to that alter ego (intoxicated state) despite the fact that it's killing her. When she is Sue, she gets a "high" and loses control, doesn't really remember what happened, and only sees the messes left behind.
Your analysis of Substance is amazing! I just saw it for the first time yesterday. I was at the first screening of the day and it was me, and a woman who I don't know that were the only ones in the theater. She ended up leaving towards the end of the last act. I don't know if she was disgusting by it or just needed to use the restroom. I'm still processing the movie. It seems like it's playing with the yin and yang of attraction and repulsion. Yeah, still processing...
i wanted to give demi moore's character such a big hug the entire time. i cried several times during this lol.
This movie has remarkable depth, reflecting the inner emptiness that many of us feel. We try to fill that void with everything within our reach, ignoring the signs and opportunities life offers us and forgetting the serious consequences that can even lead to death. We turn our backs on the true purpose of our lives, without accepting the reality that each of us faces.
Let’s learn to value what we have; let’s not allow external things, the superficial, or our inner voices to determine our destiny. And when we go through these kinds of situations, let’s seek help; let’s also offer support to those around us. It’s sad to end this way when we have a life filled with obstacles and opportunities that allow us to grow and move forward toward our purpose.
This is a message so that we don’t repeat the same cycle and instead unite to break this chain that is destroying our society. No matter which doors close before us, let’s make the most of our time and create new opportunities through our adversities, so that we can impact the lives of others.
I caught this first showing this morning with my wife…. Holy cannoli! You weren’t kidding, body horror done properly! Gore, humor, and lots of homages to the best directors of the past. Has a Benny Benassi video feel to it during the Sue dance scenes, with the shiny, overblown colors and gyrating bums lol. Def a worthy watch😎
Thank you for your analysis, this movie was deeper than I thought, it was great
For a while when watching I thought she was going to reverse it by using a cook book recipie and cook Sue to take back what she lost 😆 the palm trees I noticed and at the end had a light bulb moment. I loved her yellow coat :)
Yellow is also associated with youth and optimism, so I like to think the yellow coat is supposed to represent Elizabeth literally masking herself with a projection of youthfulness
watched it 2 times in a row. with an hour apart. its just that nuts
Excellent in depth analysis and discussion. I really enjoy your deep dives like this.
I don't know if anyone has brought this up, but I believe there are ties between this film and The Picture of Dorian Gray (both a compelling novel and film). In this story, the protagonist, Gray, succumbs to the allure of eternal youth and beauty...of course, he ends up paying a very steep price: As his physical body becomes untethered from time and space, his portrait in the attic evolves into a hideous monstrosity. Sound familiar? Ego run wild will always serve as a fast track toward misery and suffering....
Yes, it was my first reference point! I think a lot of people don't read, and don't know Wilde's classic story anymore.
i struggled with an eating disorder for five years and honestly this felt like that. the juxtaposition between sue- being perfect and shiny and thin, and elizabeth- being trapped in her house, the monstrous, the messy.
This film diserves at least 3 Oscar´s nominnes (director, best female&male actors)
I can’t stop thinking about this movie. Holy shit
Same !
Loved your review 🙌 It reminded me of Akira too, when Tetsuo becomes a monster at the end.
So many layers to this film. It also hit different as a DID system.
Some brutal scenes. Haven’t seen anything like it in years 👏 So deep for a modern horror movie..Good review 👍
Sounds like a really important movie with weight loss injections being so popular. Insane that so many people are doing this when they aren’t really even overweight.
Top level analysis, saw it tonight and was blown away, should be up there for Oscars!
You gave the best breakdown. I was looking for something deep and you nailed it. Helping me appreciate the movie
The film was incredible. Personally, I think it’s the best horror movie of 2024
I think it's one of the best in the last decade. Seriously, this film is what horror is all about. I had a good time with Revenge, but this was a horror masterpiece.
@@WJames-vk2kp I don’t disagree, I’ve been consumed by this film since I left the theater. Just bought tickets for a second show.
I also noticed the star shaped earring! If that's the director's calling card then I love it. So pretty.