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The 13-minute standing ovation at Cannes proved the undeniable appeal of "The Elixir." Coralie Fargeat created a unique horror film where the line between human and monster blurs. With its gruesome imagery, impressive special effects, and the brilliant performances of Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley, "The Elixir" is not just an entertaining film but also an experimental work of art.
When fame becomes an obsession
A renowned British newspaper offered glowing reviews for the film, calling it "a powerful work of true art." "The Substance" not only offers a fresh perspective on the female body but also deeply explores the chaos and loss of control that arises as youth and fertility begin to fade, highlighting the obsessions with beauty and time in modern society.
The film tells the story of Elisabeth Sparkle (played by Demi Moore), a Hollywood superstar past her prime. Unwilling to accept the harsh reality of being fired due to age in showbiz, Elisabeth accepts the challenge of changing her destiny through cosmetic surgery.
A syringe, an egg, and a star. Three seemingly unrelated images are hauntingly connected in the opening scenes. A strange phenomenon occurs: a newly formed yolk separates from the original yolk. The scene then shifts to the Hollywood Walk of Fame, where Elisabeth Sparkle's prestigious star is affixed. This brief clip illustrates the cruelty of time, when people were once excited to check in with Elisabeth Sparkle's star, only to soon forget the name engraved on it.
Metaphorical imagery carries many profound messages.
For Elisabeth, the journey to regain her beauty is a journey to rebirth her glory. Living amidst the adoration of her fans, she feels valued, even if all those values are self-imposed. Elisabeth sacrifices her life to reclaim her youthful beauty. “The Substance” contains a dark, cautionary tale of humor, where the image of a mirror reflects a surprising transformation – something seemingly miraculous but gradually turning into a nightmare. The woman's dream of eternal youth becomes a reality when she “gives birth” to a youthful, alluring doppelganger of herself. Through each frame, the world of life and the inner conflict of the main character are gradually revealed, as two individuals of the same origin but increasingly different consciousnesses emerge. The tension and tragedy are thus pushed to their peak.
Body horror is one of the most niche film genres, as it explores gruesome and horrifying imagery of bodily harm.
Film critic Le Hong Lam stated: “The Substance possesses a script that can be described as very creative, even though it inherits from many masters before it such as David Cronenberg and Stanley Kubrick. The film also incorporates many profound messages about the entertainment industry, the obsession with age for women, and how to maintain the glamour of a star. What is special is that these are expressed in an exaggerated way through images that evoke a sense of horror in the body horror genre. Nevertheless, the film's visuals are very impressive and highly artistic, not simply a purely entertaining film.”
Many people consider this genre "cheap" for using 18+ elements and gore to attract viewers. But The Substance changed that perception with a story full of twists and meaning.
The film features explicit and chilling scenes right up to the very end.
As a film directly addressing the differences between youth and old age, The Substance features numerous explicit nude scenes. The film particularly emphasizes Sue's alluring body compared to Elizabeth's. Director Carolie focuses on close-up shots of Sue's sensitive parts, curves, seductive lips, and seductive gaze… Her dance moves also showcase her sensuality to the fullest. However, this isn't a marketing ploy, but rather a subtle message from the director.
The film portrays the despair and fear of older people as they watch their bodies gradually age, wrinkle, and lose their vitality.
Coralie Fargeat skillfully uses metaphorical imagery to create a haunting picture of the pursuit of fame. From the image of the egg yolk symbolizing beginnings, the fragility and vulnerability of life, to the star of fame on the Hollywood Walk of Fame representing human dreams and ambitions, the gruesome images of deformed bodies and exposed organs are not only shocking but also serve as a warning about the unforeseen consequences when people try to push beyond natural limits. They reflect Coralie Fargeat's satirical view of the misguided pursuit of glory and how victims struggle against the standards society imposes on them.
It could be said that The Substance is a film that falls under the category of "style over substance."
Furthermore, the suggestive scenes in "The Substance" allude to the sexualization of women by men in the film industry. The producers' gazes at Sue are filled with perversion and lust. Close-up shots of Sue's body imply that the men looking at her are only focused on her sensitive parts. In reality, many films are using women or 18+ elements to attract viewers, as Carolie portrays. Female actresses are forced to wear revealing outfits, their role being nothing more than to draw male audiences to theaters or TV shows.
Through Sue and Elizabeth, Carolie wants to emphasize the female desire to cling to youth. Elizabeth's fear of being seen as ugly by others is so great that she is willing to endure extreme pain just so Sue can have her radiant beauty.
However, behind that goddess-like beauty lies a haunting revulsion. From the very first minutes, "The Substance" caused many to cover their faces with the scene of Sue emerging from Elizabeth's "shell." While one is active, the other lies motionless in a filthy toilet. The images of ravaged and contorted bodies are depicted so realistically that it's chilling. Even just watching, many can imagine the pain the characters must have endured.
The steamy or horror scenes are merely the director's way of conveying metaphorical meanings, showing the harsh reality of old age.
The Substance takes on a theme that is not new, one that has been explored in many films. However, director Coralie's approach is incredibly unique and different.
With its compelling script and convincing performances, it's no surprise that The Elixir received rave reviews from critics. The Guardian, IndieWire, and Timeout all showered the film with praise, calling it a "classic," while other accolades were directed at Demi Moore (as Elisabeth Sparkle), who shone after more than two decades away from the spotlight. Instead of being a feminist statement or sermon, the film resembles a dark postcard about gender discrimination, where the struggle becomes a horrifying mess. With its hauntingly realistic body horror style, the film leads the audience through each impressive horror scene.
