Embracing the Monster: Self-Acceptance and Celebrity Critique in The Substance

The article explores the ending of *The Substance*, where themes of self-acceptance and the critique of celebrity culture are highlighted through the transformation of Moore's character, Elizabeth, ultimately finding liberation from societal pressures.
SummaryThe article unravels the ending of the body horror film The Substance, as explained by its director Coralie Fargeat and stars Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley. The film follows Elizabeth Sparkle, an actress who uses a black-market drug to create a younger version of herself, leading to a monstrous transformation. By the film’s end, Elizabeth embraces her true self, liberated from societal expectations. Fargeat and the stars discuss the symbolism of the ending, highlighting themes of self-acceptance and the critique of celebrity culture. The narrative concludes with Elizabeth finding peace, albeit at a significant personal cost.

Warning: Spoilers Ahead for The Substance

The conclusion of the body horror film The Substance is unraveled by director Coralie Fargeat and stars Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley. Premiering on September 20, the movie tells the story of celebrated actress Elizabeth Sparkle (played by Demi Moore) who uses an illicit drug to create a younger version of herself, portrayed by Qualley. The two are supposed to alternate weekly, but Sue (Qualley) exploits Elizabeth’s fame to rapidly climb the celebrity ladder. By the film’s end, their identities merge into a monstrous form that ultimately disintegrates, leaving Elizabeth to reclaim her star on the Walk of Fame.

Director’s Insight on The Substance’s Ending

In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Fargeat delved into the film’s climax, explaining that Elizabeth experiences liberation from her physical form. She finally embraces her true self, shedding the anxieties of public perception. Fargeat elaborated that this monstrous transformation is symbolic of the parts of ourselves we often suppress due to societal pressures. The director intended the blood-soaked showroom scenes to prompt reflection among viewers. Here’s more from Fargeat:

> “Finally, it’s the moment where she’s free from her human body and appearance. It’s the first moment where she’s able to love herself. It’s the moment she sees herself, and it’s not disgust, but in fact, it’s as if she’s seeing her true self for the first time. Finally, she doesn’t have to care what she looks like, she doesn’t have to care what people are going to think. For the first time, there’s self-indulgence, tenderness. It’s the first time she looks at herself in the mirror and doesn’t criticize herself. She decides, okay, ‘I’m going to go out there, this is me, I have my right to have my place in the world.'”

The act of confronting the audience with violence is symbolic, reflecting back the harm inflicted by societal expectations. Fargeat emphasized that the audience must confront this violence, as it mirrors the aggression projected onto Elizabeth.

Perspectives from the Stars

Both Moore and Qualley resonated with Fargeat’s interpretation. Moore expressed that Elizabeth’s journey is about transcending vanity, achieving a purity of self. Qualley noted that Sue’s transformation into a monster marks a pivotal moment of self-acceptance, culminating in a genuine plea for love during the climactic live performance. Here are their insights:

Demi Moore:

> “It becomes the ultimate sense of the soul’s freedom, because she’s finally free of the prison of her own body, and she’s back to the purity in the sense of who she really is, without that. It’s just dissolving back into nothingness, from whence we all came.”

Margaret Qualley:

> “Sue is bereft of a soul through most of the film, and as her body falls apart, and she becomes this monster, that’s when she experiences love for the first time and fully accepts herself. When she’s going up on stage, that’s the most pure, heartfelt moment I got to experience in the context of this film, standing there, totally okay with who she is, asking directly for love and declaring who she is.”

What the Explanations Reveal About The Substance

Elizabeth’s Journey to Self-Acceptance

Throughout the film, Sue disregards the guidelines for using The Substance, showing no empathy for the deteriorating Elizabeth. Without the Stabilizer, Sue’s existence is threatened, leading her to commit murder in desperation. In a bid to retain her youth and celebrity status, she reuses the drug despite the physical toll. Ultimately, the film concludes with Elizabeth and Sue merging into a terrifying entity, shocking a New Year’s Eve audience.

Initially, the film reveals Elizabeth’s star on the Walk of Fame, now faded and neglected by the public. As chaos ensues and Elizabeth/Sue is attacked, their joint form disintegrates, symbolizing the impact of Hollywood and societal judgments on Elizabeth’s choices. Despite her declaration of selfhood, the audience fixates on appearance. However, as Fargeat and Moore elucidate, Elizabeth ultimately embraces her identity, reaching her evolved star on the Walk of Fame.

Our Interpretation of The Substance’s Conclusion

The Cost of Elizabeth’s Happiness

The Substance explores themes of aging and self-worth in the context of celebrity culture. The film overtly critiques how the entertainment industry influences personal decisions, such as Moore’s character resorting to The Substance. In the end, when Elizabeth and Sue converge, they still seek validation but are quickly rejected by their former admirers.

The Substance Review: Superb Body Horror Epic Is A Fearless Takedown Of Absurd Beauty Standards

Elizabeth’s final visit to the Walk of Fame signifies acceptance of her journey. Despite succumbing to fears and external pressures throughout The Substance, she missed opportunities for genuine happiness, whether in her career or personal life.

Source: Entertainment Weekly

The Substance

  • PG-R
  • Horror
  • Drama

The Substance is a science fiction horror film that follows a group of individuals as they uncover the dark secrets surrounding a mysterious substance with otherworldly properties. As they delve deeper into the truth, they must confront the sinister forces driving its production and the catastrophic consequences that follow.

Director
Coralie Fargeat
Release Date
September 20, 2024
Studio(s)
Working Title Films, A Good Story
Writers
Coralie Fargeat
Cast
Demi Moore, Margaret Qualley, Dennis Quaid, Gore Abrams, Hugo Diego Garcia, Olivier Raynal, Tiffany Hofstetter, Tom Morton, Jiselle Burkhalter, Axel Baille, Oscar Lesage, Matthew Géczy, Philip Schurer
Character(s)
Elisabeth Sparkle, Sue, Harvey, Oliver, Diego, Alan, The Stylist, The Doctor, Girl, The Photographer, Troy, Bob Haswell, Mr. Scream
Runtime
140 Minutes
Main Genre
Horror
Kai Nakamura
Kai Nakamura

Kai Nakamura, a striking 30-year-old journalist with a distinctive head of white hair, is a captivating presence in the world of movie journalism. Known for his eloquent prose and deep understanding of film, Kai has established himself as a trusted voice among movie enthusiasts and industry insiders alike.

Hailing from the vibrant city of San Francisco, Kai's passion for cinema was nurtured by his multicultural upbringing and frequent visits to the diverse array of film festivals held in the city. He pursued his love for storytelling at the University of California, Berkeley, where he graduated with a degree in Media Studies, sharpening his analytical skills and fostering a critical eye.

Kai’s work is revered for its thoughtful exploration of film as both art and cultural commentary. His blog, "Celluloid Reflections," offers readers an immersive experience, featuring everything from in-depth reviews of the latest releases to insightful essays on film history and its societal impacts. His unique perspective bridges the gap between mainstream and arthouse cinema, attracting a wide audience.

Outside of his writing, Kai is deeply connected to his cultural roots, frequently engaging in community projects that highlight Asian cinema and promote cross-cultural dialogue. An avid photographer, he captures the world through his lens, often drawing inspiration from the visual storytelling of the movies he loves.

Kai's personal life is as colorful as his professional one. He is an enthusiastic cook, often experimenting with fusion cuisines that reflect his heritage, and he enjoys hosting dinner parties where lively discussions about film abound. An advocate for mental health awareness, he volunteers with organizations dedicated to supporting creatives in overcoming industry pressures.

With his distinctive style and profound insight into the cinematic world, Kai Nakamura continues to enrich the film journalism landscape, inspiring others to see movies not just as entertainment, but as a lens into the human experience.

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