The conclusion of The Substance raises numerous questions regarding Elisabeth’s destiny. This film delves into themes concerning the cost of fame, body image, and identity. Directed by Coralie Fargeat, The Substance premiered on September 20, 2024, and is available for streaming on MUBI.
Portraying Elisabeth’s transformation in multiple ways, this body horror movie culminates in a shocking and dramatic finale. The ending lingers in the minds of viewers long after the credits have rolled, delivering a powerful emotional and visual impact.
In the climactic scene, Elisabeth’s younger self, Sue, morphs into a monstrous entity as her body breaks down. The very Substance that helped her reclaim her youth ultimately leads to her downfall.
In the final moments, both Elisabeth and Sue struggle with their disintegrating identities, provoking the question: what does this mean for the characters? Let’s analyze the ending, delve into the plot, and explore the recurring themes present throughout the film.
The movie’s final act kicks off when Elisabeth resolves to end the toxic cycle of body switching with Sue. However, her hesitation to kill her younger counterpart leads to their simultaneous existence, igniting a violent confrontation.
The official synopsis of the film reads:
“Have you ever dreamt of a better version of yourself? You, only better in every way. You should try this new product, it’s called The Substance. IT CHANGED MY LIFE. With The Substance, you can generate another you: younger, more beautiful, more perfect.”
Additionally, it states:
“You just have to share time — one week for one, one week for the other. A perfect balance of seven days each… Easy right? If you respect the balance… What could possibly go wrong?”
The Climactic Showdown Between Elisabeth and Sue in The Substance
The decline of The Substance intensifies when Sue, having taken over Elisabeth’s body, overextends her allotted time. Consequently, Elisabeth’s body begins to decay due to Sue’s excessive siphoning of stabilizer fluid.
This prompts Elisabeth to seek a serum to eliminate Sue permanently, but her moment of hesitation leads to a glitch allowing both women to coexist, resulting in Sue violently attacking and murdering Elisabeth in a fit of rage.
This tragedy marks the onset of Sue’s demise. With Elisabeth no longer in existence, Sue’s body, unable to sustain itself, begins to collapse. In desperation, Sue injects herself with more of the Substance, trying to stabilize her condition.
Instead, she transforms into a hideous hybrid creature — known as Monstro Elisasue. This metamorphosis encapsulates the self-destruction that accompanies the incessant quest for youth and perfection.
Monstro’s Onstage Meltdown
In one of the most visually jarring moments of The Substance, Sue — now Monstro — takes the stage during a much-anticipated New Year’s Eve event.
The audience’s horror reflects society’s rejection of those who fail to meet its stringent beauty standards. Monstro’s desperate cries for acceptance, though grotesque, highlight the film’s deeper themes of self-worth and identity.
The chaos escalates when Monstro’s body explodes, showering the audience in blood. This moment signifies the violent ramifications of the entertainment industry’s obsession with superficial image and perfection.
In her frantic escape from the stage, Monstro disintegrates into a pile of flesh and bone. Elisabeth’s face emerges from the remains, crawling towards her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, where she ultimately achieves peace by merging with her former self.
The Plot of The Substance
The Substance revolves around former Hollywood fitness icon Elisabeth Sparkle, who encounters age-related rejection. In a bid to remain relevant, Elisabeth resorts to using “The Substance,”an experimental drug designed to restore youth.
This medication creates Sue, a younger version of herself, who must share a body with Elisabeth in alternating seven-day cycles. Over time, Sue becomes more successful than Elisabeth ever was, which strains their relationship as Sue attempts to claim more control.
As Sue consumes more stabilizer fluid, Elisabeth’s physical condition deteriorates. The film poignantly explores the psychological effects of losing one’s identity and the extreme measures individuals might take to preserve their youth. Ultimately, Elisabeth’s efforts to regain control culminate in her demise, with Monstro serving as the final embodiment of her failed pursuit of eternal beauty.
Production and Direction
The Substance, directed by Coralie Fargeat, stands out as a satirical body horror film that interweaves thought-provoking themes with graphic special effects. Known for her unique storytelling style, Fargeat integrates her personal experiences as a woman in the entertainment industry into the film.
The use of practical effects and body horror elements significantly enhances the unsettling illustration of Elisabeth’s transformation, portraying a harrowing depiction of the costs associated with beauty and celebrity.
Fargeat’s direction allows the film to examine both the grotesque and the profound, with impressive prosthetics and practical effects—especially in the portrayal of Monstro—vividly portraying Elisabeth and Sue’s internal conflicts.
Cast and Performances
Demi Moore delivers a poignant performance as Elisabeth Sparkle, capturing the vulnerability of a woman striving to maintain her identity amidst external pressures. Margaret Qualley infuses Sue — the younger version of Elisabeth — with both charm and menace, expertly depicting Sue’s tragic descent into monstrosity.
Dennis Quaid portrays Harvey, the ruthless executive who discards Elisabeth for a younger alternative, highlighting the film’s critique of ageism in Hollywood.
The dynamic between Moore and Qualley propels the narrative, with both actors effectively embodying the character’s dual nature. Their performances anchor the film’s exploration of identity, fame, and the relentless quest to uphold an image in the entertainment sector.
The film’s concluding scene poignantly comments on society’s treatment of youth and its tendency to ostracize individuals who deviate from the ideal. Monstro’s tragic transformation encapsulates the self-destructive consequences of adhering to these unattainable standards.
Ultimately, The Substance presents a compelling argument regarding the necessity of self-acceptance and the dangers of the relentless pursuit of perfection. Through this film, viewers are encouraged to reflect on their own perceptions of beauty, identity, and self-worth.
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