The Substance packs a punch – and we’re not just talking about the jumpscare of an ending when the film morphs genres, taking on almost comical elements of 80’s horror masterpieces like The Thing and The Blob. There are many layers to peel back, superficially and symbolically, making The Substance an instant classic that captivated and horrified audiences while receiving rave reviews at the Cannes Film Festival. 

You aren’t alone if you were left wondering what you had just experienced while walking out of the cinema, and if you haven’t seen it, take this as a warning – there are spoilers. Let’s dive deep into the mind of director Coralie Fargeat and figure out what The Substance is all about.

The Significance of Reflections and Mirrors

Our protagonist, Elisabeth Sparkle, played by Demi Moore, is a washed-up actress trying to find her footing now that she’s past her prime. Desperately clinging to relevance in a world of superficiality and youthful bias, Coralie uses mirrors as impactful storytelling devices throughout the film. In one scene, Elisabeth confronts her reflection in a doorknob, revealing her distorted self-perception. Shattered glass also symbolizes how fragmented Elizabeth’s identity is.

Hidden Foreshadowing in Initial Scenes

To combat Elisabeth’s growing apprehension of irrelevancy and aging, she signs up for an experiment called The Substance. She’s told the serum can help her switch to a better version of herself, a “new you,” while she can’t be herself and her new identity simultaneously; they are one and the same, one of the more minor instructions that become incredibly important as the story develops.

The Hollywood Walk of Fame sequence is a crucial bookend to Elisabeth’s story. While her Hollywood star initially sparkles with promise, it gradually becomes tainted, weathered, and cracked. The recurring imagery of liquid going down drains hints at Elisabeth’s youth slipping away.

Character-Based Symbolism

As Elisabeth becomes more reliant on her “new self,” Sue, played by Margaret Qualley, to pick up the pieces, which in turn begins to commandeer both of their lives, this progression is captured through Sue’s physical evolution. In sharp contrast to Elisabeth’s structured clothing aesthetic, Sue’s body doffs metallic pink leotards with suggestive cutouts and snakeskin bodysuits, representing reptilian motifs. 

This symbolizes the ancient Ouroboros symbol – a snake consuming its own tail – representing the endless destruction and renewal cycle between Elisabeth and Sue. As Sue gains more control over Elisabeth, her wardrobe features more sparkles and glitter, symbolizing the sparkle she’s stolen from Elisabeth to claim as her own.

Harvey’s Character as a Mirror to Society

Another crucial character in the movie is Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid. His character reflects Hollywood’s consistent ageism. We consistently see contrasting behavior when he interacts with Sue and Elisabeth. These scenes embody several themes, including society’s dismissal of aging women and the entertainment industry’s obsession with youth.

His character symbolizes the pressure the industry puts on aging actresses. Harvey’s presence unquestionably catalyzes her desperate pursuit of reversing the aging process. His relationship with Elisabeth and Sue also represents the power dynamics often found in the entertainment industry.

The Studio Set Symbolism

Another symbol in the film’s horror plot that represents the trajectory of Elisabeth’s career is the orange corridor, located within the TV network building. Throughout the film, this space changes. It initially adorns Elisabeth’s portraits of her career milestones. The next time we see it, it’s stripped bare, mirroring her erasure from the entertainment industry and society. 

Lastly, we see it adorned with Sue’s achievements, having officially replaced Elisabeth with a younger version. Harvey’s office also represents the power dynamics at play. It is expansive and spacious compared to Elisabeth’s cramped, crowded dressing room.

Body Horror as Social Commentary

Thanks to makeup effects, The Substance can incorporate the body horror genre to symbolize society’s beauty standards and the violence that women often put themselves through in an endless pursuit of eternal youth.

As Sue continues to starve Elisabeth of life by taking shots of spinal fluid from Elisabeth’s body to rejuvenate and last another week, she, in turn, sets off down a path of self-destruction that sees her initially losing teeth on set to finally morphing into a hideous monster right when she’s supposed to host New Year’s Eve.

The extractions from Elisabeth’s spine symbolize youth drainage, while the bone-crushing scenes depict internal destruction for outer restoration. Blood also represents sacrificing one’s authenticity for something more societally acceptable. However, the film doesn’t just use violence for violence’s sake. Each element of gore serves a purpose specific to the narrative.

The Monster’s Symbolism

Elisabeth’s eventual demise, replaced by Sue, results in a grotesque monster, Monstro Elisasue. This character embodies the ultimate consequences of society’s unrealistic beauty standards. The monster’s multiple body parts and skewed anatomy represent the fragmentation of identity in the pursuit of everlasting beauty. 

Despite its grotesque appearance, the prosthetics team believed it essential for the monster to maintain a sense of grace. This emphasizes the person’s humanity, which still exists inside, rather than creating the creature purely for shock value. The result is a powerful, visceral metaphor for the beauty industry’s impact on women’s identity and self-perception.

The Substance: A Masterpiece in Symbolic Storytelling

We think it’s fair to say that The Substance will go down in history as a masterpiece of symbolic storytelling. Coralie’s ability to weave visual elements with traditional horror narratives resulted in an unforgettable commentary on society’s obsessive pursuit of beauty and youth.

Few films can achieve what The Substance has: a perfect marriage of symbolic depth and outstanding technical execution. The result is an unforgettable commentary on how we navigate personal identity and beauty standards in modern society as we age and say goodbye to our younger selves.