LIFE LESSONS FROM THE MOVIE “THE SUBSTANCE”

 


LIFE LESSONS FROM THE MOVIE “THE SUBSTANCE”





The Substance is a 2024 horror film starring Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley, and directed by Coralie Fargeat. It follows a fading celebrity (Elisabeth Sparkle— portrayed by Demi Moore) who decides to use a black market drug, a cell-replicating substance that temporarily creates a younger, better version of herself.  The film is a profound commentary on societal pressures, particularly to the women in the entertainment industry, surrounding aging, beauty, and self-identity. It ultimately serves as a cautionary tale regarding the dangers of self-hatred and the pursuit of unrealistic ideals as it explores the lengths an individual may go to reclaim their youth and desirability. Below are the life lessons one can get from watching this film.



  1. Acceptance of aging

The struggle with aging and societal expectations is one of the central themes of the film. The film illustrates that aging is a natural process that should be embraced rather than feared. The importance of self-acceptance and recognizing one's worth beyond physical appearance is emphasized in the journey of the protagonist Elisabeth.


  1.  Consequences of self-hatred

Elisabeth's dissatisfaction with her appearance was shown throughout the film, which leads her to make drastic choices of using The Substance that ultimately harm her well-being. This illustrates how self-hatred can manifest in harmful ways, prompting individuals to seek external validation through superficial means. This serves as a reminder that fostering self-love is crucial for mental health and overall happiness

  1. The Illusion of Perfection

The metaphor for the illusion of perfection that society promotes is conveyed through Elisabeth's usage of The Substance to create a younger version of herself, Sue (played by Margaret Qualley). The film critiques the idea that youth equates to beauty and value, highlighting how this belief can lead to destructive behaviors and suggesting that chasing an idealized version of oneself can result in losing touch with reality and one's true self.

  1. Interconnectedness of Self

A significant aspect of The Substance is the relationship between the characters of Elisabeth and Sue, who are not merely separate entities but two halves of the same person. This duality highlights the complexity of identity and how different facets of oneself can coexist. The film shows that in achieving true fulfillment, embracing all parts of oneself—both the youthful and the aging—is essential.

  1. Cautionary Tale on Consumerism

The film also critiques the consumer culture, particularly in relation to beauty products and anti-aging solutions. The society's obsession with youthfulness and perfection at any cost is symbolized in Elisabeth's reliance on The Substance. The consequences she faces serve as a warning against succumbing to consumerist pressures that promise unrealistic outcomes.



In conclusion, The Substance is more than just a horror film. It is a poignant exploration of themes related to aging, self-worth, and societal expectations, encouraging viewers to reflect on their own perceptions of beauty and to embrace their authentic selves rather than striving for an unattainable ideal. The film advocates the vital components of personal well-being in a world that often prioritizes superficial appearances over genuine identity— self-love and acceptance.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

A Critique Paper of the Artwork MADONNA IN THE SLUMS By Vicente Manansala

Image
A Critique Paper of the Artwork MADONNA IN THE SLUMS By Vicente Manansala Vicente Manansala's "Madonna in the Slums," created in 1950, stands as a significant work within the modernist movement of the 20th century. This painting not only reflects the influence of Pablo Picasso's renowned style but also showcases Manansala's innovative approach known as transparent cubism. Through this artwork, Manansala poignantly captures the socio-economic struggles faced by the urban poor in post-war Manila. The painting shows a mother and a child in front of the houses, showing the urban poor during post-war Manila. In the background, they are tightly packed, makeshift houses, hanging clothes, and intertwined electrical posts, portraying a sector with people suffering from poverty. The cubism pattern is more seen in the houses at the back compared to geometrical figures with light shades in the main subject on how the loops and walls meet at different angle...
Read more

5 STAGES OF GRIEF BUT WITH NIKI'S SONGS

Image
  5 STAGES OF GRIEF BUT WITH NIKI'S SONGS Grief is a complex emotional process that individuals experience after a significant loss, whether it be the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or any major life changes. The Kübler-Ross model or the stages of grief include denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. NIKI's music beautifully captures the emotional complexities associated with both love and loss, which make her songs particularly resonant when exploring the stages of grief. Below is a detailed breakdown of five NIKI songs that align with each stage of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance.           Denial: Did You Like Her In The Morning? NIKI's song "Did You Like Her In The Morning?", particularly  in the context of romantic loss and emotional turmoil, deeply reflects the denial stage of grief.  Its lyrics delve into post-breakup feelings of inadequacy and insecurity, which unveils a pr...
Read more

Real or Bluff? (Week 6)

  https://tinyurl.com/rj5erux6 The Magna Carta for Filipino Seafarers, officially known as Republic Act No. 12021, is designed to protect the rights and welfare of Filipino seafarers while promoting their full employment within local and international shipping . Key provisions include the right to just working conditions, self-organization, fair treatment in maritime accidents, and improved education and training opportunities . The law also emphasizes the establishment of a comprehensive framework governing the operations of marine education institutions, ensuring that Filipino seafarers meet global standards. The law requires maritime academies to make considerable investments in new training facilities, simulators, and other technologies to comply with its provisions . Such requirements may lead these institutions to raise tuition fees to cover these expenses, potentially making maritime education less accessible to average Filipinos who aspire to enter the seafaring profession ...
Read more