The Cannes Film Festival is buzzing with feminist gore: Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley star in this macabre fable about the objectification of the female body, directed by French director Coralie Fargeat.
Eight years after Nicolas Winding Refn premiered The Neon Demon at the Cannes Film Festival, and three editions after Julia Ducournau won the Palme d’Or for Titane, the world’s most prestigious film festival once again featured a dark fable about the objectification of the female body. The film in question, The Substance, directed by French filmmaker Coralie Fargeat, had the “honor” of becoming the bloodiest film ever presented in the Official Competition at Cannes.
Conceived as a brutal gore-horror piece, The Substance delivers an energetic satire on the aesthetic pressures placed on women by both the entertainment industry and society at large. The central character, Elisabeth Sparkle, is a fitness TV show star who, upon reaching middle age and facing the possible cancellation of her show because of her boss Harvey, decides to undergo a mysterious treatment called The Substance. This treatment promises to create “a better version of yourself: younger, more beautiful, more perfect.” The only rule, time must be divided: exactly one week in one body, then one week in the other. No exceptions. A perfect balance.
What follows is the emergence of a younger version of Elisabeth, named Sue, who assumes the role of the media queen, sparking a cycle of both alliances and confrontations between the two women. The film combines visceral horror with biting social commentary on the unrealistic beauty standards imposed on women.
The film tackles a sensitive and highly relevant issue: the overexploitation of the female body and the psychological toll of society’s perceptions of beauty and youth. In an era where platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and OnlyFans perpetuate the glorification of youthful and attractive bodies, The Substance delves into the consequences of these pressures. Through her performance, Demi Moore skillfully embodies the underlying message of the film, capturing the anxiety and internal battle faced by those who are first sexualized and then sidelined by a culture fixated on youth.
Margaret Qualley complements Moore in this exploration of youth and beauty, embodying the younger version of Moore’s past glory. With her youthful appearance, striking beauty, and innocent gaze, Qualley represents the idealized standard of beauty that today’s culture relentlessly exploits. In the film, her body is purposefully displayed and objectified, creating a powerful contrast to Moore‘s aging and marginalized character. This juxtaposition heightens the tension between youth and decay, offering a sharp critique of how society consumes young bodies in media, only to discard them when they no longer fit the mold of societal expectations.
A standout aspect of the film is its impressive use of both color and sound. The cinematography employs a bold and evocative color palette that not only highlights the tone but also deepens the emotional impact on the audience. Each scene is infused with vibrant colors that, at times, almost overwhelm, serving as a visual reflection of the protagonist’s inner turmoil and conflicts.
Sound plays an equally crucial role, creating an atmosphere of constant unease. The often strident and unsettling soundtrack keeps viewers in a perpetual state of tension throughout the film’s 140 minutes runtime. This deliberate sound design intensifies the sense of anguish and unease, making the experience deeply immersive and, at moments, nearly oppressive. Together, these elements elevate the film’s impact, making it both visually and emotionally resonant.
CREDITS:
Director: Alejandro Bernal
Text : Max Hackenbroich
