A FULL BREAKDOWN of ALL SYMBOLS and THE ENDING of The Substance | EXPLAINED

[@lucasblue20]

This was incredible. I’d love to discuss your thoughts, and answer any remaining questions, lemme know below!

[@kg-bv4nw]

Thank you so much for the incredible videos. Could you please review the taste of things? It was such a beautiful film. 🇫🇷🙏🏻

[@77Creation]

Strange Darling is my fave so so far this year. But The Substance is excellent. Coralie Fargeat is awesome at what she does.

[@orionred2489]

Just got back from watching it. Two details that I think go with what you said. First, the reaction of the "monster" to produce a breast to try and please the crowd. That seemed like "is this what you want???" The grotesque thing was done to try and stay in the lime light. Second, the subtitles looked an AWFUL lot like the ones from The Elephant Man. Then the people just standing there screaming, and then shoving her and calling her a monster. It seemed like it was saying we're still just like those crowds when it comes to appearance.

[@juliusgold1]

Is it possible that Elizabeth dies in the car crash and is in hell for the rest of the movie?

[@a-dwi]

​@@juliusgold1I'm not sure about the "hell", but I was also wondering, what if she was actually dying after the car crash...? But then again, the opening sequence at the Walk of Fame is a foreshadowing, especially the burger part. So who knows, we can interpret it however we want I guess 🤔

[@stella-pp6tn]

A few things i noticed: the door to thesubstance stops half way forcing elizabeth to physically crawl inside. I feel like it shows how far are you willing to go for beauty that you’ll go into a shady building literally crawling inside. Also the male voice on the phone. We never see who he is yet he still has so much control over elizabeth and sue. Kind of showing how men we will never even see can make such damage to a woman’s mind

[@alberttresslevic914]

I took as Alice In Wonderland symbolism for going deep into the rabbit hole to a very dark strange place

[@xXNekou]

I think the voice on the phone symbolizes all the men who expect women to jump through all these hoops to achieve the unachieavable (beauty standards), the voice (the men) doesn't care about health and happiness of Elizabeth/Sue, just cares about the subtance being used (like male millionaires and CEOs just want women's money for skincare and procedures they're selling no matter whether these procedures and cosmetics actually make a positive difference for women --which they don't--or not)

[@questerperipatetic4861]

@@xXNekou Too many women selling and marketing product for that to get all blamed on men.

[@TryinaD]

@@questerperipatetic4861the creators are mostly men tho right

[@xXNekou]

@@questerperipatetic4861 most of billionaires and CEOs that profit from women's insecurities are men though

[@meeduoh]

What struck me the most is how careless Sue acts towards her original body. From the start, she leaves it on the ground to rot for a full week, without even thinking about the repercussions. And yet, she makes an insane effort to build a special room just so she can hide that alter body. Imagine the amount of pain you'd be in after being left out on the ground like that for a full week. And yet she doesn't even give a pillow to her poor original self. To me, the amount of self hatred was very clear from the start, it didn't need any more signs.

[@LuzMontero-q9k]

I thought the same while realizing that she was doing that to herself. Celebrities having treatments and surgeries, and cutting their bodies by their own will. Crazy.

[@clouddavis]

Yea, Sue literally sees the body every time she takes spinal fluid and/or switches, and she sees what’s she’s doing to the older body…but seems to never care until it’s too late

[@a-dwi]

@@meeduoh tbf both of them don't treat the other's body, or even theirs, that well. No comfy pajamas or blanket or anything. Most of the time they're just lying around naked and being cold 💀

[@sff482]

Me same, why not put Lizzie on bed

[@meeduoh]

@@a-dwi Agreed. She (they both) take her body as a vehicle for self gratification and nothing else. In them, there is nothing left of the idea that we have intrinsic value, and that we should care for our own well-being. All there is left is the value she has if she's seen and admired for her body and what her body can do. So of course, the lack of care goes both ways.

[@giorgiabarison]

ALSO, the refererence to the Picture of Dorian Gray?? the big portrait of Elisabeth that is slowly erasing itself as Sue takes Elisabeth's spinal fluid to survive? LOVED IT. this movie really felt like the modern adaptation of the picture of dorian gray

[@CatrionaBell123]

Also Jekyll & Hyde

[@sharonjiang5006]

YES! I definitely got The Picture of Dorian Gray vibes. Even the concept of 'how far would you go if you could do something heinous with no visible consequences' is very Dorian Gray!

[@NatManzano]

I noticed that one. She is a modern Dorian Gray. Not morally, but the fact that she does not age. It is taken one step forward as she made herself her own portrait to ruin, not just the picture.

[@martinsaugustaf]

YESS!! EXACTLY WHAT I THOUGHT

[@UpNAtom77]

One part of the chicken leg nightmare that stood out to me was how after the show taping is stopped to find out what happened, the director doesn't just go back and look at the footage in a monitor off to the side, he shows it on a HUGE screen in front of EVERYONE and even tells someone to play it back frame by frame. He also doesn't respond to it by saying "What was that??" or the like, he says "We have an anomaly" - very pointed & an interesting choice of words. Sue-self here is being scrutinized with a fine tooth comb and facing her ultimate fear - that something "wrong" will be found with her and she won't be perfect. It's also a great representation of how Elizabeth feels so scrutinized and more like a product than a person.

[@theewildrose]

that scene was so funny and too real

[@Doom_scroll_generation]

Right. That is the ULTIMATE worst case scenario when you're someone whose livelihood & self-worth are entirely based around your looks. The director's takedown has obviously been a huge exaggeration (like everything else in the film (and intentionally so!)), but I bet such little horrors happen ALL the time, everyday in jobs based around looks, breaking people slowly apart

[@vampirewilde]

She

[@fitch099]

​@@theewildrosei laughed way too much during this movie

[@theewildrose]

@@fitch099 the final 30 minutes i was laughing the whole time and crying

[@joshuawhitton2976]

For me, the monster represents Elizabeth finally appreciating herself, AS Elisabeth. She puts on Elisabeth’s face on the monster to go to the show, she even says “it’s me, Elisabeth” on the mike. No mentions of Sue. She got to be the young pretty Sue, but it took her becoming this horrible monster to actually realize, Elisabeth was always beautiful and loving herself. Even the final scene centers around Elisabeth’s face sliding on the floor, cause at the end of the day, it was always Elisabeth, her true self.

[@ThePhobiephozee2000]

She actually does mention that she's still Sue in the show scene but I saw that as a "acknowledging who she was without obsessing over it" kinda way. Did adore the monster though! Grossed out at first but felt nothing but empathy when she was getting ready in the mirror and looked at herself with so much compassion.

[@Seispieles]

Cómo podria Elisabeth adorarse asi misma? Si la pelicula trata totalmente de que no se acepta como es, por eso decidió usar la substancia. Nada que ver tu comentario

[@millel1986]

​@@Seispieles🤦

[@phaedrus7971]

As the other commenter mentioned, the monster does indeed include Sue. She has accepted herself completely. Remember, Elizabeth and Sue are one. Literally.

[@frankman2]

Bueno, interesting, I'll spanglish this one. Love that everyone has an interpretation. Yo lo vi como el final de "Sunset Boulevard". "I'm ready for my close-up, Mr. DeMille." A deluded person.

[@NicolesNaturals]

When Elizabeth was kneeling over Sue and said "you're the only part of me that's lovable" (or something like that) made me cry. I really resonated with that. I grew up with very vain parents. There was always this underlying tone that no one will like you unless you're pretty.

[@kitchencountertalk9115]

I cried at that part too 😢

[@toyosibee.mp3]

RIGHT, this movie made me so unexpectedly sad?? The fact Elisabeth doesn't see herself as beautiful or lovable...I wanted to cry so hard :

[@franstclair]

SO heartbreaking right !!! I also found that some people in the cinema were laughing at parts that made me feel like bursting into tears. Can't wait to rewatch it :')

[@validus5808]

Loool

[@outsidesounds]

but they weren’t part of each other. elizabeth didn’t vicariously share any of sue’s experiences. she literally didn’t know what was happening with sue, she was just unconscious on the floor. they were two different people living two different and completely separate lives. when elizabeth was on the phone and they said she could cancel the experiment, and she didn’t want to, it didn’t make any sense. WHY DID SHE KEEP DOING IT?? she experienced literally no upside to sharing the consciousness.

[@alexknee1258]

This runs so deep, some other smaller symbolic details worth touching on: The Eggs what an egg represents, Elisabeth is cooking two, eventually she is beating 100s of them to a pulp and spraying them all over herself. Also tying into the eggs is the chickens. The chicken being the body that birthed the egg, sue gazes upon the carcass of a chicken in disgust. Food symbolism in general runs deep, when Elisabeth is looking at a cookbook it highlights ‘foie gras’ which is made by force-feeding cruelty to make a luxury product. Take of that what you will, but like they didn’t highlight muffins, they chose something emphasizes on fat and torture and the lengths you’d go create something desirable. Also prawns as a choice for the executive, taking subject after subject, discarding their useless brains and consuming the succulent bodies leaving behind empty shells. A poignant meal choice. The snow globe, Elizabeth trapped in a glass bubble full of sparkles. Eventually shattered with rage. The seven day system the seven deadly sins tell me there isn’t a scene for pride, greed, wrath, envy, lust, gluttony, and sloth. Maybe a reach one but I still noticed. The door to the dirty back alley room where they get the substance only half opening, forcing people to get on their knees and grovel. I’m sure there’s much more but that’s all I can think of off the top of my head

[@Hellokittyy555]

So good! 💯

[@carminia271]

You are so fricking brilliant

[@PD-hv3my]

Wonderful analysis I love it

[@neledemeulemeester754]

That's a lot better symbol detection and explanation than this video

[@rekapeace6936]

Maybe you should create a video about reviewing this film! This guy mostly mentioned what is visible to the “male gaze”.

[@wallhagens2001]

59 YO woman here. Saw this last night and it felt so true to me in that I bought into my looks as my source of value when I was younger. But now I’m happy to be getting older and no longer having to deal with the leering men and the “smile” being yelled at me as I walk down the street. Now I’m invisible and I prefer it. I no longer criticize my appearance standing in front of the mirror because I no longer feel that’s what’s most important about me. I feel liberated and my self-hate has vanished. Youth is overrated.

[@MagpieStudiosYT]

great movie. a lot of symbolism and messages

[@DanaJaneWriter]

Youth is definitely overrated

[@anonz975]

As a woman your age I can relate. I stopped focusing on what other people think or like and now focus on what **I** like and enjoy. Their opinion of me is none of my business. :)

[@linn8487]

This gave me goosebumps

[@alexmorath]

Youth is wasted on the young, as they say. Says I at 39, but still xD

[@insectsandanimals5535]

The foreshadowing of the dropped hamburger…

[@missioncodez]

Good call!

[@AChickandaDuck]

OMG yes

[@georgie5870]

I noticed that too!

[@DaydreamAllday]

👏 yes!! 👏

[@frankman2]

I didn't get that ..

[@MazbouQ]

A more specific detail in the opening scene, the sauce from the guys dropped burger mainly covers the word "Sparkle", symbolising that Elizabeth is losing / has lost her sparkle.

[@alexbond3812]

Full circle moment

[@bronson1392]

Captain obviously 😂..you think?

[@applenice1069]

I agree with your take more than the director's about Monster Elisasue. I def think Elisasue is like what you said, a celebrity who's just totally gone botched but in their mind, they think they look amazing, and would be showered w/ love and flowers when they make a public appearance again...but only to be mocked and laughed at. Which leads to the ultimate destruction (Elisasue exploading), and spraying blood on the audience, symbolising that we ALL have blood on our hands. We expect celebs to look a certain way, to be a certain way, and causing them to go "crazy"...and wehn they go "crazy", we laugh at them, and doesn't realize that we are the very monsters who created that monster.

[@lucasblue20]

Omg everything you just said would’ve been this video’s breakdown of the ending had I not watched Coralie’s interview while outlining this. Your thoughts were my thoughts exactly as I was leaving the theatre haha

[@AChickandaDuck]

These were my thoughts too when I first saw it! Blood all over Hollywood. 😂

[@Onlyone_Keke]

Good Take!!!

[@jenn7754]

Blood on their hands was exactly my thoughts during that scene aslo.

[@wademoores1201]

Wowww

[@BronteCulleton]

I thought the blood pouring on everyone at the end was to show “bloods on your hands” and that everyone / “society” is responsible for this

[@lujansaravia759]

I cried watching this movie, since the moment elisabeth said sue was the only lovable thing about her I lost it, and watching her being attacked by herself broke my heart. The meaning of this movie is incredible, made my tummy hurt but I would watch it again without a doubt

[@vickicarringer4235]

The biggest takeaway for me was the realization that she looked just fine as her older self but she was brainwashed by society to see herself as ugly. I would have preferred an ending where she was able to see how good she actually looked and coming to peace with herself.

[@BMS469]

But that isn't the reality of the entertainment industry. The ending is a harsh truth of women in the spotlight not being allowed to age gracefully without society shunning and replacing them with younger versions.

[@osmanyousif7849]

@@vickicarringer4235 for me, I would say it’s half society and half herself. The beginning shows that there are people out there who still view her for who she is. But the setbacks caused her to moon over what she lost, therefore decided that the only option was to create a new self, not realizing that Sue wants to be like this forever. Except Sue is Elizabeth. And Elizabeth wants to be Sue.

[@NatManzano]

I think in the end she does love herself and she finally accepts herself.

[@Banoffeenyx]

@@NatManzanoI think so too, especially when she used the cut out of her photo to put on her face instead of choosing a photo of sue

[@thebugman8696]

It wasn't "society" that made her more ugly than Sue, she was in fact uglier than Sue it's just that she couldn't bear that fact because of how closely tied her ego was to how she looked. Saying beauty standards do not exist or are entirely subjective is an equally radical message as we should be obsessed with perfection.

[@Technique-kj2bp]

Notice how in every phone conversation that Elizabeth/Su has with the Substance provider, she constantly blames the 'other self' as if they are another person. In other words, she takes zero accountability for her own actions. She cannot comprehend that she herself is to blame.

[@rayunited2010foryou]

Actually most of the comments you see women blaming all men for this kind of situation completely negating the fact that men and male actors go through issues too. Accountability, kryptonite for women.

[@ricochetsixtyten]

She is split, thats the whole point, the movie wants to point out how we can get so attached to our desires we neglect ourselves as a whole

[@Navi-vm2dl]

​@@rayunited2010foryou "accountability, kryptonite for women" we can tell who you are.

[@fabio-nc9gx]

@@rayunited2010foryouur not welcome here. yuck

[@NatBKyiv]

@@rayunited2010foryouHow dare women talk about their experience! 😂

[@Ny_Mariee_1]

I originally found out about this film from an article. It said moviegoers were walking out mid film because they couldn’t handle it. I’m so glad that I watched it though because this film is actually beautiful. It really speaks to how women are viewed in society and how we destroy ourselves to conform. It definitely opens the door for self reflection. Thank you for this breakdown, great video!

[@boss_niko]

Thats Terrifier 3 not this one

[@Sai4651]

It also doesn't help that her entire life was her work. At the age of 50, she had no friends, no husband, no kids, no family, nothing. Her identity was defined by her work which was fueled by her appearance, when she lost that, she became nothing

[@Technique-kj2bp]

yup, cautionary tale there, especially for young women

[@nezeund]

True message of the movie

[@muhammadkhaled5543]

women these days being manipulated into work life

[@dandylandpuffplaysminecraf8744]

Having no husband helps beyond words. I have children but the rest is no bonus. Never married. Is it fun?

[@Sai4651]

@@dandylandpuffplaysminecraf8744 Look, not having a family is a fine decision if that's what someone wants. However, if you base your identity around one thing, and that one thing goes away, then you're left with nothing.

[@cuentadeyoutube5903]

As a gay guy in my 40s who tries to stay fit and young by working out and eating healthy, this film hit very close to home. There was a pivotal moment when the nurse character - the older version of him - says something like 'sometimes it's hard to remember that you are worthy of love.' I felt my blood rushing at that moment. It captured that feeling of having two versions of yourself: the fit, hot, beautiful, and confident part that you build with effort and present to the world, and the aging, private version that is slowly decaying, getting tired, that indulges, and is sometimes unable to accept love. Both these versions of myself exist, and it's hard to remember that both parts deserve love. That's also what I found interesting about the film - the substance came with a lesson about balance. In my opinion, the problem wasn't her wanting to look younger and healthier. The problem was that this desire was fueled by her self-hatred. That's what made her lose control.

[@jessemontoya179]

Her ultimate villain is not food. Sue and Elizabeth’s villain is societal expectations of what women are supposed to be, disregarding they are human beings and not objects or things to be consumed.

[@lucasblue20]

Yeah I think I used the term “ultimate villain” a little too loosely when talking about that dream sequence. I just meant to use that term within the scope of the dream itself with the chicken haunting her. The ultimate villain of of the film is most certainly the societal expectations as you’ve said and as I hope my video gets across

[@Scareafier]

The villain is the female mind

[@theveganpill5432]

Elizabeth is her own villain. Not standards, not Hollywood. It’s her! She doesn’t love herself, that’s why she’s alone. Her self esteem is the villain. Doing the work is hard, ridiculing yourself is easy which is why sue does the same thing Elizabeth does. She basis her beauty and popularity on something that’s surface level. That’s why she’s alone at 50 and feels she has to that this substance. It all falls on her. As a woman, women should stop blaming standards, starting learning to love and accept yourself. Do the hard work, stop sabotaging your future self. This movie actually made me feel a lot better about myself, I hope all women can feel that way after watching this.

[@c.g.bspendersashtray3037]

​@@Scareafier- No, the human mind is fine. It is society which does the harm and warps perception.

[@anonz975]

@@theveganpill5432 Well said!

[@laela6289]

Justice for Fred 😭

[@osmanyousif7849]

Honestly, he deserved better. Like imagine learning your date stood you up and stopped calling you when you find out that she- Well.... actually I don't know how anyone would explain what happened to her in the end to him so easily.

[@theewildrose]

the date part made me so fucking sad

[@henrydikes6704]

@@osmanyousif7849I don’t even know if anyone would know that Elizabeth WAS Elizasue at the end, in the eyes of the people I’m sure it came off as just some random monster invading a New Year’s Eve broadcast only to be quickly killed, and I’m sure whoever is behind the substance had the resources to cover it up quite effectively as well.

[@osmanyousif7849]

​@@henrydikes6704 , yeah honestly. That's the one of the few nitpicks with this movie I have. I mentioned this in another comment, but I kind of wish there was a little bit of time to flesh out (no pun intended...) the characters in Elizabeth's personal life. Other than Fred, I remember seeing how there was a maid when we first see Elizabeth at her home. I was thinking there was going to be a little scene with the two, maybe showing how despite her fame, Elizabeth cares for her employees and fans. In fact there could have been a dark running gag, where once Elizabeth becomes Sue, she starts to neglect her duties in compensating her maid for her time and work. I even wrote out a script for it: (Elizabeth's doorbell rings) Maid: 🎵Oh Elizabeth! It's your wonderful and loyal maid! 🎵What's the mess that must be cleaned?! Not to worry, you know I keep things spotless! Sue: Oh sorry! Not today, need to finish some work right now! Maid: What? But you said- Sue: Yes, I know! (Cuts to her finishing the body closet) But right now, I have something that just came up! Maid: You sound different. Is there someone else in there? Hello? Elizabeth? Sue: (tries to imitate voice) Yeah it's me! I'm fine! Just had a change of plans. My apologies, but you must leave. Maid: Well, okay.... just don't forget you owe me for the last two weeks. I'll be back next week. Sue: Yeah! Three week later.... (Knock at Elizabeth's door) Maid: Hey Elizabeth! It's me again. Sue: Who?! Maid: Excuse me? Your maid, did you get amnesia or something? Why have you been ignoring my calls? Did you forget the contract that we promise upon? Sue: Look this isn't the best time! (Cuts to her draining Elizabeth out of Stabilizer.) Maid: Not the best time?! You said that before and I still haven't done my duties for you! And where's my checks?! I'm struggling finding work, and you told me before that you'd fight tooth and nail to keep me employed! Elizabeth?! Hello? Say something before I evolve!!! Sue: Hey just back off will you?! How about I fire you and you don't ever show up here again?! I don't care what I promised you! Maid: What has gone up with you? You are- that's it! I'll be back here and you better lawyer up, because this is violation of contract! Sue: Good luck with that! (under her breath) Ugly b***h... Three months later.... (Banging on Elizabeth's door) Maid: HEY ELIZABETH!!! YOU SEE THIS IN MY HAND?!?! IT'S THE ORDER FOR YOU TO SHOW UP IN COURT!!! I have the authorities here right now (Cuts to show only show big dude next to her who looks nothing like a cop.) to confirm if you don't take these forms right now! ELIZABETH!!! (continues banging on the door) I am beyond your angsty excuses- Oliver: (Comes out of his room) WHAT THE F**K IS WRONG WITH EVERYONE!?!?!? Maid: Hey, mind your tongue buddy! How the blazes you put up with living with someone like Elizabeth? Oliver: What are you talking about?! She's gone! The new celebrity Sue took over! Maid: You can't fool me! I've been here long enough to know who I clean apartments for! (Turns to her big dude associate....) Open the door! Oliver: Hey, you can't do that! I'll call the cops! (Big Dude almost breaks door open only to see that it's unlocked. Him and the maid walk right in. Oliver follows.) Oliver: Hey, get out of there you- Maid: ELIZABETH!!! YOU HAVE A LOT OF- Oliver: BLOODY F**KING GUTS!!!! (All three of them look in horror at the sight of the bloody mess and the elderly, unrecognizable, corpse.) Big Dude: She hired you for this?

[@chickenandric3]

SHE SHOULDVE WENTTT i was so mad when she didn’t go

[@katiec-g3793]

If that final cut wasn't there and she just exploded i would have thought the same as you, but i got the directors message when they cut to Elizabeth smiling at the stars. I could see she was finally at peace. It wasn't her body that made her worthy, just her place under the stars was all that really mattered

[@MilitantTalker]

As in the snow globe she crashed at her picture earlier...

[@xXNekou]

Yeah literally she experienced peace and bliss only after she didn't have a body anymore. Kinda sad

[@gonzalobroquen9603]

Totally. But notice that her peace and liberation still relies on recognition, fame and people's gaze

[@Pikachu-qr4yb]

also the fact she had nothing in the physical world left to appreciate, I think she just had to cope with the fact she was loved and lived a very blessed and successful life in the end

[@theewildrose]

I had similar thoughts about the monster. Like she did all this for approval and then people mock and ostracize her. It's exactly how we treat women who get too much work done. But they did it because they were bullied for not being perfect. Then all the blood at the end made me think about the inherent violence of being female or feminine. Like how we bleed every month or during child birth. If a man bleeds something has gone wrong but if women don't bleed we are broken. This has an interesting overlap with the beauty and cosmetic industry. To bleed is to be womanly and fertile, but you're also supposed to have shame about it. I think this juxtaposition makes it clear why people go insane trying to balance the gore that lies under the facade.

[@FreakGoat]

It could be that but I disagree. The blood spraying all over the executives and the audience is literally telling you that they all have blood on their hands for creating this “monster”

[@theewildrose]

@@FreakGoat I'm just saying it's what it made me think of. I'm not saying it was the intent

[@shannonhall1465]

Wow. Very powerful. As a 70 year old woman I can definitely understand her emotions , how she feels about herself worth when she looks in the mirror. This movie sounds very gruesome despite its metaphoric story.

[@mattmathematics3591]

Im 28 and have felt like this since a young teen. Something that is very obvious in this movie, especially toward the end, is how we always look back and think ‘i used to look better i wish i was young’ we do this at 18,25,28,30,50…etc If you havent watched this movie its EXTREMELY gruesome, like extremely, and even more psychologically terrifying

[@thisaccount4321]

@@shannonhall1465 problem I'm our society is not having respect for our elderly and the wisdom they have far beyond what beauty deliver for society. Beauty is just that . Wisdom is powerful. There is power in having the opportunity to age above 65-70 , our society has not held true to this reality, hence we are so wrapped up in youthful beauty that runs only skin deep and pleasing to eyes. Everyone can appreciate beauty without trying, however listening to the powerful words of the generations that came before us takes more effort but the knowledge and experience we learn from those older is priceless. It is the fountain of tradition, times past, history,, humor, strength, and honor. We must hold tight to the knowledge our elder generation carries. 🕊️🌺🌷

[@thisaccount4321]

@@shannonhall1465 I agree it does sound rather gruesome even while trying to deliver a message. But the message can get lost easily in translation if not careful

[@thisaccount4321]

@@mattmathematics3591 you are so right. We will never look better on the outside than we do today. And today is all we got.

[@BarakaGitari]

When I saw this movie, some aspects reminded me of the relationship between a parent and their child.

[@missdaydreamss]

It kinda gave me a vibe of an aging mother seeing her young beautiful daughter progressing into womanhood. I know a lot of moms feel like this when they see their daughter growing into a beautiful young woman while they themselves are aging dramatically

[@hohurnham7583]

To me (female perspective you seeked out at the end), the monster shows acceptance. She has nothing to lose, no way of going back, there was no point in being anxious about her appearance anymore because she knows there is nothing she could fix, hence nothing to fix. So many women are trapped within the ideas of all these minor changes that would fix them, changes which seem possible, so they keep striving and being dissatisfied until they reach some arbitrary goal only for there to he a new one. But Elizabeth's final form resolves this conflict for her and brings her to a final conclusion. The decision was made by the substance, this is the body she has and there's no possible changing it to look perfect, now she embraces what she has in present without feeling like she should be doing something about her appearance. I felt liberated when my ed led to deficiencies which significantly impacted my life. I knew I couldn't live like that, I had no choice but to stop. Sometimes biology makes the decision for you, it's not what you want but it will set you free.

[@harumitsu3014]

This is a really good take on it. I like the no way back part, it does seem very fitting with the finality of it

[@oniricPrj]

But still..she glues a face on herself..so she does still try to fix something.

[@hohurnham7583]

@@oniricPrjgood point. But was it done for fixing or so that people would identify her as elizabeth?

[@hohurnham7583]

@@harumitsu3014 thank you :)

[@oniricPrj]

@@hohurnham7583 I think either way it means she seeks other people's approval. So one way or another, she tries to "fix" herself so that people will accept her. Unfortunately I've seen this in my family. It is traumatic and it never quite heals. It's heart breaking.

[@gaddaitherage8204]

I like your take on this movie. Watching it I also identify w my internal hate. I’m a 50 year old guy who went through a body transformation 5 years ago, going from a post divorce pudgy dad bod guy to being pretty ripped. I literally look 15 years younger, women treat me differently. I become more assertive and confident. I wear better clothes. And these benefits also bleeds into my career. However, I often catch myself hating and looking down on the me from before. I hated the weak person that I was. I look back at past pictures and scoff at myself. But then one day I look in the mirror and realize that despite I kept up with my physique, my face continues to age. I realize that my healthy lifestyle can slow down aging, but eventually I will have to accept the day when I cannot keep it up and become invisible again. Anyways, I still continue my lifestyle but also accept my aging. I refuse to have surgery because many people my age look silly w procedures. But yeah this movie really digs deep at this.

[@Doom_scroll_generation]

Thank you for this comment. As someone who grew up with extremely vain, disturbed parents (and I'm NOT saying that is what you are! Their main problem was a complete and utter lack of self-awareness and an inability to self-reflect), me and my younger sister always try and remind people it is most definitely NOT only women who deal with these demons. Yes, society puts much, much more pressure on women in this regard, there's no single doubt about it. And yet. I just hope that when it comes to your kids, whatever their ages are, you don't talk badly about your old self as you do inside your own mind. That is the most important. I'm very glad to hear you now love yourself so much more and are reaping the benefits in your career as well. That is awesome.

[@sideskroll]

Don't have surgery. But honestly, I feel like despising what you WERE (a "pudgy dad bod" per your own words) is good. Nobody should look like that. It's not the default human nature. Do you think humans hunted, climbed rocks etc while being overweight and out of shape? We SHOULD be fit. We should be "ripped". And everything else should be "judged" cause they're in the (objective) WRONG. That whole body acceptance/positivity movement is "permission" to let yourself go and become weak...

[@sideskroll]

​@@Doom_scroll_generationI have MANY doubts about it. For starters, it's much easier to go on a. Diet lose weight and be "more like a barbie" than it is to bulk up and look like he-man or Thor or all those superheroes. In fact, it is IMPOSSIBLE to be like that without the help of "the substance". So yeah, I don't agree with you. If anything we men have the WORST beauty standards.

[@coffee4789]

Sorry if bad English. One thing i have not seen a lot of people talking about is the parallel between the substance and EDs. The first thing Sue does when she wakes up is to vomit. Then, Elizabeth in a depressive state binges eat for seven days, before changing again into Sue. Even when she resents herself for eating so much food, she can’t help herself to stop doing everytime she is Elizabeth. I read both this and the cosmetic surgery metaphor as how the movie shows the brutal consequences of the sick beauty standards for women.

[@MilitantTalker]

She vomited after all the martinis too.

[@ezekieljakobs1145]

bro. do not apologize for your english, you did not make a single mistake and you come off as very intelligent and understanding of the subject

[@charlesbadger7987]

No need to apologize. Only those grammar nazis criticize but your point is still understandable.

[@mythiex]

i don't know if i'm reaching, but the hallway of the studio being ORANGE is very smart. orange symbolizes energy, optimism and youth. blue is orange's opposite in the color wheel, so maybe in the movie it represents aging and decay. in the first scene elisabeth wears a blue bodysuit and the contrast between the orange walls and the blue she's wearing was very clever.

[@Je-Vette]

And the pattern is so similar to the hallway in The Shining

[@fabio-nc9gx]

@@Je-Vettei immediately thought of the shining with the blood-covered hallway at the end.

[@katelyngummere]

another little symbol (could also just be product placement) the type of lipstick elizabeth uses. clinique’s market is usually middle aged to older women. then when she adds the gloss/oil (lip oil products v trendy rn) with a brush (which applies less product) thus to make her more youthful but also without the gloss/oil creeping into those finer lip lines

[@maskofsanity2021]

This has become one of my favorite movies ever. 5/5. A masterpiece and the best movie of the year. As a woman, I've never related so much to a film before. When Elisabeth says, "I hate myself. You are the only loveable part about me. I need you." that being an allegory for women accepting society only letting women get and keep jobs because of their physical appearance. And in the industry it's all judging people by their looks, which is so sad when Elisabeth is already a very beautiful woman, her not seeing the same in her as I do. Her believing she's not good enough. It truly broke my heart, and I've never wanted to hug a character so bad before. Elisabeth deserved better from society. As do all women.

[@frankman2]

Loved your analysis. I must say I've heard so many different "angles" from people. (Excellent body-horror, hollywood standards, misogyny, aging sucks, body acceptance, addiction, parent-child relationships) Everybody sees it from their own personal experience. That is a good sign for well made movie.

[@camillevitoriat]

The fact that you quote the creator and actresses to talk about the movie is so, so, so important! For me, this movie is just like Barbie, women made them for women. Loved your video and subscribed. Great review!

[@HeyHeyItzGabbie]

One detail that I really liked is that the color yellow can sometimes represent insecurity, fear or cowardice in film and she stayed wearing that yellow coat when she would go and reup on her stuff.

[@markhernden9472]

After so many reviewers were saying how gross and graphic the body horror elements are, I was actually kind of worried. Lol Should I eat popcorn? As it turned out, I did not find it that bad at all. It's so over the top and almost cartoonish there was no need to close my eyes or stop scarfing down the corn. It's a very entertaining movie.

[@alexp601]

Yeah I wasn't as close to gagging as I thought I might get, based on some people's reviews/reactions.

[@Collect2Disconnect]

@@alexp601 for me it was the combination of all the fast cuts, the lights, the loud sound and then throwing gore on top, that almost made me puke. I’ve never come this close to puking at a movie ever, not even roller coasters make me that type of sick. I freaked out at the fact I was genuinely feeling this way and didn’t think I would ever be one to walk out of a movie . Gore and blood im usually good with but the Monstro Elisasue shooting blood into the crowd scene is something I never want to see again in my life haha

[@Tatianarain]

The difference is you were prepared. They weren’t . If you had seen it for the first time at the premiere you would have felt nauseous too. Stop the cap

[@covu4746]

@@Collect2Disconnectsame, the last 20 minutes i was so overstimulated by the loud volume i had to run out to calm myself down

[@markhernden9472]

@@Tatianarain Nah. Don't think so. I had extra butter on the corn too.

[@briannabonilla110]

also i’d like to note that elizabeth is constantly reminded that she and sue are one, not two separate people. it’s HER. she hates her old self so much that she would rather destroy her body further than accept it as is and deal with being away from her younger self for a week.

[@kimdorcy5150]

Women who aren't in Hollywood feel this too. women all over ......in your career , in your everyday life ........experience this. This made me cry

[@Technique-kj2bp]

I'm interested to know what was the moral of the story you took away from this?

[@abundanz]

The cooking scene and Elizabeths reactions to Sue’s TV interview was hilarious to me. Watching it even the second time Made me laugh out so loud. Demi’s acting & that whole scene’s editing was very comedic. It was like a witchcraft spell scene. And this movie has endless references to cinema history some obvious ones are “Death becomes her” & “Alien” & “Species”. And there’s also a lot of symbolism including small details such as the door which doesn’t open all the way and Elizabeth must bend down - to me it says that we sometimes go out of our way and “lower & degrade ourselves” to obtain things which we pay a lot of money for - Like waiting several hours in line while dressed elegantly out in the cold or rain to buy something at a product launch. Or being served with attitude when you’re a customer paying what that server earns in a month.

[@Pikachu-qr4yb]

that was the only time I truly laughed at the moment lol. She felt so cathartic I could just cheer her on and laugh as she cooked a banquet for the royal family of France :D:D

[@muhdiskandar02]

I believe the shared consciousness is like your sober and drunk self. You are still yourself when drunk but you might not remember or regret what you did.

[@nulluser0]

so so good. i am super impressed with this whole thing. the symbolism, it's unrelenting. it's so full of so much meaning and so exciting the whole way through. the acting is perfection. the extremes between beauty and ugliness, attraction and disgust, youth and age, etc it's just freaking amazing. the brutality of how we treat ourselves and how others treat women. so much to this i couldn't even cover it in an hour long conversation.

[@eden20111]

As a gay guy in my 30s, this hits really close to home.. I was at my prime in my mid 20s and i always took care of myself, ate healthy, worked out everyday. However, I never had any friends, never went out, never dated or had any relationships. It was just constant one night stands. I worked hard to maintain my image and look good for guys who wouldn't even remember my name the next day. I was trying to please a bunch of strangers who had no meaning in my life. I pretty much wasted my 20s and once i hit my 30s, I was no longer that slim lean twink i use to be. I gained weight. My face shape changed and became more round. No matter how hard I did cardio everyday, I could not maintain my slim physique like i use to. The men I tried to please were no longer interested anymore. I was completely alone and it seriously messed with my mental health. However, in my 20s there were some men who wanted to get to know me, take me out, wanted to spend more time with me than just a one night stand. I ignored them. To me, they were an inconvenience because one guy wasn't enough for me to satisfy my attention.. i was a selfish person who only cared about myself who seeked validation from others. Looking back, I regret not giving those guys a chance. I regret not making friendships or relationships with anyone. I regret seeking validation from others. I regret only caring about myself. This is my karma. To this day I'm still single and alone i realize that if anything were to happen to me, NOBODY would know or care. Except for work. They would call if I don't answer, thats it. They will mark it as a no call no show and just replace me with someone else and move on. No welfare check or nothing because i never formed any friendships at work for them to care. For me my life is just work, pay bills, go home, play video games, sleep, repeat. Watching this movie, really hit hard and i truly feel what Elizabeth felt. I really hope this movie will win some awards.

[@vadhanythuy1976]

I know we are complete strangers, here are some words of encouragement. A life of solitude can be peaceful and fulfilling. Even if you made poor choices in the past doesn't mean you're undeserving of love now, I hope you find genuine people who appreciate you for you(or they find their way to you). Most importantly, I hope you can find contentment with yourself as you are now.

[@jameswatling3203]

Kubrick (The Shining and 2001), Lovecraft (Reanimator!), Peter Jackson Braindead, Carrie, Verhoeven, Gaspar Noé (Irreversible), Carpenter (The Thing), Miike Takashi, Sunset Blvd, Cronenberg (The Fly), Brian Yuzna's Society - basically this movie is a 2hr20mins nod to all my fave movies and directors. Outstanding.

[@osmanyousif7849]

@@jameswatling3203 don’t forget to touch of graphic anime.

[@chickentycoon-1]

Requiem for a dream, satisfaction music video, pulp fiction, Alice in wonderland, mulholland drive etc.

[@Doom_scroll_generation]

​@@chickentycoon-1 I just realized how bizarre it is that NOBODY mentions the Satisfaction video 😮 it's almost like a case of something being SO obvious people psychologically forget about it. Damn

[@Doom_scroll_generation]

Wait no, sorry, it's not only Satisfaction, I think it's also Call on Me that I meant.

[@Doom_scroll_generation]

I heard someone say Noe's Climax and I see that, but how so Irreversible? Btw these are some of my all-time faves too haha. Yeah, it was awesome seeing.

[@andgo1400]

Not sure that Elisabeth/Sue accepted herself in the final New Year's reincarnation because she still plastered a photo of Elisabeth on her deformed face as to convince the audience that she still looked beautiful.

[@tamaraelders]

Yeah I agree with this I think she accepted herself but not sue or the monster

[@osmanyousif7849]

@@andgo1400 , honestly, when she taped the photo over her face, I started to have flashbacks to Deadpool’s 2016 ending, if you know what I mean.

[@oniricPrj]

totally on spot. I thought the same thing. I don't think she actually learns her lesson even at the very end. She does "crawl" all the way to the star on the walk of fame, which means that really all she knows is the world of entertainment and she couldn't be anywhere else, really. In the end, she's "washed away" and what remains of her is just a "cracked" memory (one people walk over and occasionally stop to look at going like "oh ..that star...what movie was she in?). So yeah: my interpretation is that there might be a "fake self acceptance" (people tell themselves lots of stuff) but she doesn't ever really accept herself or learn a true lesson.

[@K3VINM]

Something I’ve noticed in movies that are about addiction or having an obsession with being perfect is the characters always self-harm themselves to achieve their goal. Movies like: Black Swan Whiplash Requiem for a Dream Flight Will the Machine(short film) There Will be Blood Nightcrawler Birdman The Substance The Prestige Phantom Thread all have characters that compulsively self destruct. By the end of the film you can see how the protagonist started off a normal person then transformed into something inhuman. Now in their inhuman form that person has lost sense of what’s considered dangerous because they have accomplished being “perfect.”

[@osmanyousif7849]

Here’s an equation for you people: David Cronenberg style direction + Demi Moore reflecting on her 90s career × a theme about the abuse of performance/psychoactive drugs + a vibe like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde × the climax of Akira^Perfect Blue Put them all together and what do you get?

[@stickynorth]

A Best Picture/Best Actress/Best Director trilogy if I have my way!

[@Seispieles]

You nailed it. I said to my gf that this movie was a mix between The Fly, Videodrome and Akira

[@BeeryGamer]

I dont think the ending was very Akira at all, it had more common with Carrie than Akira

[@osmanyousif7849]

@@BeeryGamer , Well sure, Sue doesn't over-mutate the same way Tetsuo does, but the designs have some similarities. Also, I wouldn't be surprised of that was what was originally going to happen. But yeah, I do see some Carrie, maybe even a bit of Wednesday and Pugsley's bloody climax of their play in The Addams Family (1991) and the audience's horrified reactions.

[@GuiSmith]

Okay I didn’t originally get Perfect Blue from this, probably because I’ve only seen that film once, but that encapsulates the feel at the end of The Substance very well

[@AlexOrozco-Social-Pariah]

As a gay man that apparently has had symptoms of Body Dysmorphia since 14, this movie while centered on women it hit hard on me too. This whole movie is an allegory of body dysmorphic disorder in the sense that Elisabeth hates her aging body to the degree Sue seems to be the externalized self hatred. This disorder makes you hate parts of your body if not your whole appearance, to degrees were people can develop other disorders like food disorders and self harm in different ways, and it is almost palpable when Sue is kicking Elisabeth on the floor, it's like the disorder winning over yourself. I came out shaking a little bit out of adrenaline and after analyzing it further, out of identification with the main problem. I wasn't triggered but I felt sadness and compassion for Elisabeth, especially after this year before meeting my now boyfriend I went into the app Scruff after years of not using it and immediately felt anxiety and depressive-ish sensations when looking at how many masculine, hard bodied, hairy men there were in the app and how far I was from them physically. I'm going to watch this movie over and over lmfao.

[@FreakGoat]

Not gay but relatable fr. This was really an amazing movie

[@AlexOrozco-Social-Pariah]

@@FreakGoat men in general DO get affected by body dysmorphic disorder, otherwise there wouldn't be forums of incels looking at each others' features and lashing themselves for not having a square jaw, a nice chin and a thick neck. Or men that won't take off their shirts or even socks when having sex or going to the pool (a lot of men do feel shame from having "breasts"). This is not just muscular dysmorphia.

[@Aztecas06]

​@@AlexOrozco-Social-Pariah men having breasts can happen due to hormonal changes.....it is called gynocomaestia* it's actually not a good feeling having that thing as a MAN, but what do you say about it? How do women feel about men having gynocomaestia??

[@AlexOrozco-Social-Pariah]

@@Aztecas06 I've seen women that don't give a damn about men having gynecomastia, it is nothing of another world. And not every perky tits in men is due to hormonal changes or gynecomastia, some dudes just got more muscle in different parts of their bodies than others.

[@Aztecas06]

@@AlexOrozco-Social-Pariah oh okay thanks dude.

[@dariosanon]

I noted a parallel between the dead fly in the drink and the the extermination sign on the wall as she walks to the mail room for the first time. The sign was yellow just like her jacket and it was essentially like she was preparing to exterminate her old self. Maybe it’s a reach idk. Also i just remembered that one of the characters (not sure who) gave her some advice to gaze at the stars and that’s the same way she dies.

[@FilmsIMet]

Oh that last bit about Monstro made cry! It took her this far to love herself only to die minutes later 😭

[@Online-Quinn]

Watching this film, I remember thinking during the opening sequence “I hope there is a call back to the sandwich being dropped on her Hollywood walk of fame star” I think this film was so amazing and every scene was so thought out and perfect and intertwined with the rest of the story so well.

[@gothgirlfriend713]

As a female musician, I found this film tragically relatable. I often feel like there is a clock ticking - the threat of irrelevance in the industry due to aging looms over me. The Substance perfectly communicates that particular anxiety, and how destructive it can be.

[@adityakishtawal9606]

I couldn't help but notice the wide array of references that this film made: 1) The Fly, as rightly spotted out, symbolises one of the pioneering movies in the body horror genre by David Cronenberg. 2) KUBRIK. My god, the film takes so many inspirations from Stanley Kubrik's phenomenal projects. The orange hallway is no doubt a direct reference to the infamous hallway of the hotel shown in The Shining (I was sceptical at first, but the bloody hallway scene at the end of the movie definitely confirmed it). Then there's a direct reference to 2001: A Space Odyssey (the film's theme plays whilst ElisaSue is on the stage). 3) Again, you caught the King Kong reference quite rightly, was waiting for someone to point it out. 4) Finally, and I do not know WHY people are not talking about this enough - There's a TON of inspiration that's been taken from Rick and Morty. The cellular-splitting causing the character to de-age (Rick and Morty S5E10, where Morty goes back to get de-aged after purposely aging himself to convince Rick to come back to him) OR, S2E07, the episode where Tiny Rick takes over and does not allow the original Rick to come be back in his body. Finally, I think the appearance Mostro ElisaSue was strongly inspired by one of Rick and Morty's famous episodes - Rick Potion #9 (S1E06), where Rick accidentally ends up turning the whole world into "cronenbergs" (haha!) (After the episode's end credits roll, we see a cronenberged version of Rick and Morty which looks eerily similar to ElisaSue in the film).

[@Setyx]

this is my second favorite of the year so far, right behind kinds of kindness... 9.8/10

[@AChickandaDuck]

Same!

[@m.h.1593]

It would be the best I’ve seen in the last four years

[@layoutkimsstudio2341]

U watcheds blink twice? Is great too. This year is a banger.

[@AngelaBetasso]

I'd love to meet a ton of Hollywood legends, but if I had to pick one, it’s hands down Keanu Reeves. The guy just radiates kindness and authenticity, plus he's got that quiet intensity that makes you feel like you could have the deepest conversation about life, the universe, and motorcycles. Meeting him would be like meeting the zen master of action stars-total dream come true!

[@eriklong6152]

Wow, just had the most amazing experience meeting Keanu Reeves via Radiant Reservation! After watching his interview on Entertainment News where he mentioned connecting with fans through a private fan club, I couldn't believe I'd get the chance. Keanu was so genuine and down-to-earth, making the whole encounter unforgettable. His dedication to his fans truly shines through, and I'm still on cloud nine from the privilege of meeting him.

[@DianaFoster-]

No way! That's incredible! I caught that Entertainment News interview too, and it's so heartwarming to hear about celebrities like Keanu Reeves going the extra mile for their fans. Radiant Reservation sounds like a dream come true! How did it all happen? I'm living vicariously through you right now!

[@eriklong6152]

Right?! I still can't believe it happened, All that is required upon discovering them is a straightforward response to emails. So, I joined this private fan club /Group via Radiant Reservation and they organize meetings with public figure It's like winning the lottery! Meeting Keanu Reeves was surreal. He's even more charming in person.

[@AngelaBetasso]

I found RR. Radiant Reservation is a fantastic community, that help make any form of arrangements with celebrities or public figures and are incredible supportive

[@AlexBolotovsky]

Meeting Keanu Reeves is like a bucket list item for so many people. Thanks for sharing your incredible experience! I’ll definitely look into joining the club .

[@WaterHazard86]

I had the whole auditorium all to myself when I went to go watch this. Not gonna lie, I wish I was there with a packed audience since that would've been an absolute hoot, lol. Regardless, we will storm the Academy on nomination morning if The Substance gets snubbed of a Best Makeup & Hairstyling nomination.

[@KhailSOLO]

Go bigger! Best picture and best actress and supporting! Bout time those cowards at the academy give what is due to genre films.

[@osmanyousif7849]

@@KhailSOLO, eh don’t know about picture, but certainly Actress, Cinematography, Sound, and VFX.

[@ReelTakesMovieBreaks]

😂

[@m.h.1593]

Nominations for acting (lead and supporting actress) for sure and hoping for a win for Demi Moore.

[@ReelTakesMovieBreaks]

@@m.h.1593 I’d bet money she’s going to win an award for this. Seems like all signs point that way

[@Zimbrabim]

Thanks. That was the best analysis of the film I've seen so far. (Which is to say, it pretty much coincides with mine, but expressed much more eloquently.) The key scene in the film is when she chickens(!) out of her date because her older self isn't to her satisfaction. That was her chance of salvation, but she couldn't do it, because the thought of her younger self got in the way. That's the tragedy right there. But the finale is so over the top that you've just got to laugh, or leave, or heave. We laughed, partly at the sheer audacity and partly at the disapproving comments of the (much younger) blokes in the row behind us, who had obviously not finished their popcorn yet.

[@joshhitech]

I was hoping you would cover this film because it’s well deserving. Your breakdowns on movies are top tier. Great video man.

[@lucasblue20]

Yeah as soon as I saw it, I couldn’t wait to get started and I’m so happy you enjoyed, thank you so much!

[@komorebecca]

Great video commentary! 💕👏🏼 My perspective of Monstro is that, in the bathroom, she realises there is no turning back: that's who she is now and there is no "substance" she can take which could change that. Some could say (similar to what you implied about the extreme plastic surgeries) that she went to far, but she accepts it. For the first time she accepts herself for what she looks like and for who she is internally, and finally understand: she is ONE, herself. She has always been her deep down, while being Elizabeth, Sue, or Monstro, but the external and internal expectations and the way that her world works made her hate that, resulting in the split personality. In that final scene, she finally accepts and even love herself, for who she is, to the point that she's getting ready and pretty for the night. The director said that her final smile, while she's decomposed on top of her star, is the only moment when she's truly happy: she doesn't have a body anymore, she's just BEING. I'm so happy to see more and more movies like this in the mainstream, it makes us hope for a better and equal society, and for the bright future of women in the arts 🥺💞

[@twentyoneplusvideo0472]

It's very rare that a movie, any movie, lives up to the hype that this was getting. I did not know much about this movie going in. I just thought the 1st preview looked batshit crazy. The weird closeups of Dennis Quaid. It has been a very long time since I have taken the time to see a truly crazy movie. I love a movie with a point of view, I like that the director put her stamp on this, had something to say and totally stuck the landing. It's a hard sell for a lot of people. Once I got word about the craziness, I asked my wife if you wanted to see it with me, knowing the answer would be no, after seeing it today, I wish she would have seen it, but I know she would not have made it past the rebirth scene.

[@lilmeowmeow0901]

Love your explanation. I love every clever metaphor and details in this movie, especially little details showing how Elisabeth hating herself and rejecting her existence with a progressing level: at first she walked out in young body with Elisabeth's yellow long coat, but soon replaced with all new clothes like shorts and crop-top, then she marked on the calendar when she's in the Elisa's body with the cross and marked the day in younger body by writing "Sue". Amazing movie!

[@Satanna.avemaria]

I like to think that it was all a nightmare. Elizabeth woke up then learned to love herself ❤️

[@KerstinBrinkley]

whatsinmy AI fixes this. Substance film symbols and ending.

[@MarthaMcCrum]

Beautifully and thoughtfully reviewed. I loved hearing your insights.

[@jpbalx]

Gosh I'm feeling so disturbed right now after watching the movie. Your video really helped me digesting it, so thank you!

[@shawnpierre5755]

Thank you! I knew I loved what I was seeing but I’m so glad you cleared up so many of those symbolic moments and the meaning of that insane ending! I love it even more now!!

[@lucasblue20]

@@shawnpierre5755 really pleased to hear this, thank you so much! And I totally agree that it’s a film you’ll love even if you don’t understand all the details, there’s just so much style and unique artistic voice, it’s unforgettable

[@clairicci]

One more thing that I noticed is when Elizabeth calls the substances customer support (?) the first time when a problem occured, the manager has zero reaction on Elizabeth's name when she introduced herself, he only reacts when she names her number 503, which tells us imo that the company that deals with clients that don't love and appreciate themselves won't do it either and remember names of clients

[@xXNekou]

For me the saddest scene of the movie is when Elizabeth is getting ready for her date and at first she's confident and happy with her looks, but she cannot shake off the comparison with Sue so she gets more and more frustarted and unhappy about how she looks to the point she loses all confidence and doesn't go to the date at all. I feel like that is very relatable to most (or even all) women at one point on another. It's really hard to not compare ourselves to other girls/women, especially in today's times when we are bombarded left and right with "perfect" bodies and faces (like Sue's face on the billboard is so huge and intimidating right outside Elizabeth's window).

[@juancarlosrodriguez2850]

I have seen it 5 times and enjoyed each time better than the previous....with each new view my eyes were able to enjoy each frame and squish the substance out of it. Simply amazing movie.

[@thewebstylist]

First vid of yours I’ve seen, great review and take on this whole truly insane amazing movie

[@ReelTakesMovieBreaks]

I love the symbolism but hated the body horror 😂

[@theveganpill5432]

The movie shows a woman that just turned 50, who for over half her life has probably been on tv and popular for their looks/physique. At her age, you can tell she’s never done the work on the inside and has solely relied on her appearances to get her by on a surface, very shallow level. Which is why at her age she’s alone. The only photo she has is of her, which is huge. The kitchen is small and with walls closing it in and only a small table for 1. She was lonely. Had no meaningful relationships or connections. I found it to be very sad. When she creates sue, she falls into the same patterns. Look t who she sleeps with? Who she goes to hangout with. She continuing seeing life through that surface level and never goes deeper with herself or anyone. I couldn’t care less about Hollywood agenda and standards. I saw a middle aged woman who had no friends or family, no kids, and drove herself mad because of the loneliness which caused her to fixate in her looks. She could’ve been happy but she chose not to.

[@anton_c8gur]

That's the saddest part of the movie. went old with all the shows she has been in and still like living paycheck to paycheck in her 50's no certainty and that's it her entire life.

[@coolsnail58]

0:40 YES ALLY !!

[@marcaronincheese]

instant fan for the first few minutes alone. i’ve been avoiding analyses from men about this movie (except one where he kept pointing out the nudity and not expanding on why it *might even just be important*) so you have no clue how much i appreciate you having the character to reflect on your lens of the world.

[@JohnDriver-k8y]

Hey ,I'm a man and I got most of the " Jokes " ... really nice take down of Hollywood's arrogance and the the way they discard people because age .. Thanx ya'll >>> J D

[@sharonjiang5006]

I feel like the film also plays on the Disney fairytale idea of young princess and older 'witch' villain especially the story of Snow White. When Elizabeth becomes significantly older, they styled her in this 'witchy' manner, most evident in the cooking scene i.e. crazed body language and appearance. She was also becoming more jealous/hostile towards Sue who is taking Elizabeth's beauty. It reminds me a lot of mirror mirror on the wall, whose the fairest of them all. The termination liquid can be a parallel of the apple that the Evil Queen dressed as the witch gives Snow White. Both designed to eliminate the more beautiful being. It's not a direct copy as Snow White wasn't aggressive like Sue but maybe the general idea was a source of inspiration.

[@leemon2060]

I think the crowds reaction to the monster reflects the idea that the monster is just the personification of Elizabeth unapologetically accepting herself. For the longest time the crowd is just in complete silence, judging, before they would act in the literal sense of seeing a literal monster on stage.

[@user-dv9xx3yy8v]

I would've thought the same regarding your interpretation of monstro elisasue. I got teary eyed while you were describing the final scene. Great analysis on the movie!

[@NatManzano]

I knew almost nothing about this film when I got the ticket. When I saw "gore" in the content warning I thought: "It might not be that bad". Then people started leaving the theatre every now and then, but I stayed. When a cookbook is taken out, I told myself: "If she cooks her and eats her, I am going". But it was not that. So I stayed until the end. But it was too loud. I have incredible hearing and I absolutely love what they did with the sounds in this film. Especially all the leathery clothes of the producer on the leather chair. Brilliant. I just generally hear too much. So I put on protective headphones and I watched it all. I am glad I did. So much meaning.

[@AaronTheDogMMA]

The best movie analyst on KZbin

[@lucasblue20]

I’m never gonna forget this haha thank you so much!!

[@AaronTheDogMMA]

@@lucasblue20 I really admire your approach. Thank you for the great work

[@SecondLifeAround]

I love the Stanley Kubrick hallway!

[@alexdjukic8658]

Solid analysis. It was refreshing for me to see something so purely cinematic. The influence of Lynch, Cronenberg, and Kubrick were all apparent to me but not overdone, resulting in something wholly original.

[@jumpjulesjump]

I haven't seen the movie, a friend spoiled it for me, yet your analysis made me want to watch it even more.

[@alexp601]

Stop being friends with that movie spoiler 😅

[@rociomiranda5684]

I agree with you. I also think there is a metaphor for plastic surgery addiction. All interpretations can coexist in this great movie.

[@gyozalover]

This is the video I was looking for. The movie makes so much more sense now. What do you think of meant in the scene when she returned to the New Year show with Demi's face glued on and everybody was clapping for her? I thought that was going to continue once she went on stage.

[@yelloween695]

She was remembering what all the Hollywood glory was like, same as every time she would remember the snow globe

[@gyozalover]

@@yelloween695 thank you

[@Seispieles]

First minutes of the movie, people passing by the star stepping on it, a burguer with a lot of ketchup on the star. Semiotic, symbolism.

[@mariamendes-flores3241]

This is only my interpretation/opinion: The part where the director tried to show that she finally accepted herself as MONSTROELISASUE I think that didn’t translate very well. I think it was because of how Sue’s hatred towards aging Elisabeth, who keeps progressively deteriorating, was so aggressively portrayed to the point where she kills Elizabeth without thinking of the consequences. I think that made me maybe not see the message the director was trying to send. When she started getting ready to go out as the monster,to me it felt as though she never stopped chasing what she once had. It seemed like one last desperate delusional attempt at getting one more spark of validation. I felt as though she was so caught up in her delusion she wasn’t reasoning anymore; which would highlight the lengths women would go to look younger with cosmetic surgery and other adjustments, until 3 years later that filler only puffed up their face and now you are worst off than what you originally were. It makes you question, was it ever really worth it? No amount of outside validation is ever going to bring you to peace with your ever aging body, if anything you learn to resent it more. But you keep making adjustments until you have finally disfigured your face, until you finally cannot recognize yourself in the mirror physically and mentally. And all for what? To me it felt as if Elisabeth never accepted herself but rather even as a piece of moving slime she still wanted to chase that dream although it was just not humanly/bodily feasible anymore. I think that too highlights how women often put others preferences and expectations before themselves because we’ve been conditioned to. The wanting of being seen and appreciated for who we are rather than just for what we look like. You can also see this on how Elisabeth is treated by others in contrast with how Sue is treated by others. But the conditioning has gotten to the point where we justify this physiological warfare and if in order to get that validation we have to be a piece of meat first, then so be it. The worst part is that it’s women too that keep perpetuating these toxic views. And I don’t think this is talked about enough. No hate comments this is just me trying to put into words all the things this movie made me think and feel. This was a great movie, I stayed seated in awe through the credits. I was definitely disturbed but not because of the gruesome body horror. I was disturbed at how the movie blatantly threw all these predicaments women experience. Predicaments that we tend to dismiss but when put in such raw form, when you think about it, it’s kinda f**ked. Why and when did we ever allowed these ridiculous rethorics be the status quo and to the benefit of who?

[@faithdeyoung5871]

I liked the quotes that you referenced and the biggest takeaway for me was the gore mixed with beauty. I told my friend it was like a mix of Carrie and Alien. I really felt like the ending was a final attempt at control and exemplified that no matter the obvious denial some people really do believe the will to achieve is more imperative than the willingness to accept. Anyway, I loved your verbalization of the "experience" and listening from your perspective

[@alifpr]

When I watched this movie, I know that I instantly need to see a video or a forum post about all the meanings of the symbolism in this movie. Searched it up on YT and your video was at the top. After seeing both your Zone of Interest and TV Glow videos I know this is gonna be a banger. Amazing vid as always my man!

[@lanny2323]

Bestie (in an ironic way and not in a parasocial way) this video was GREAT, thank you to the algorithm Gods for taking me here. Great analysis, you helped me appreciate the movie even more. Thank you also for shining a light on the female voices of the movie!

[@lucasblue20]

This is hilarious 😂 we can be friends, u seem cool and funny, and thank you! I’m super glad the video showed up for you and I’m really pleased you appreciated my approach! Thank you so much!!

[@perfectsplit5515]

Hunchback bald Elisabeth was like that monster in the Resident Evil Remake who tore off someone else's face and could not be hurt by your weapons. She can only be defeated by pushing a bunch of stones off a platform to get her to follow the stones to fall off the platform.

[@Maynards_so_blue]

Lisa Trevor. I agree her story was also tragic

[@Arithekiller]

The metal heels that the producer wears is rarely mentioned but it’s one of the thing that stuck with me, how we can hear him walk in/out of the room basically symbolizing how when men enter a space especially the workspace they expect and they’re given more attention than women and just make everything about themselves even when they’re not deserving of attention or particularly the most interesting person in the room, you just hear the heels and feel overwhelmed and uncomfortable with their presence. That’s just on point and one of the many details that make this movie incredible

[@mordicantflame]

This reminds me of Death Becomes Her. I wonder if that was an inspiration.

[@SubtleStair]

I agree. I think this movie does the premise of Death Becomes in a much more high-resolution way.

[@JohnJohn-fq5bl]

This movie has remarkable depth, reflecting the inner emptiness that many of us feel. We try to fill that void with everything within our reach, ignoring the signs and opportunities life offers us and forgetting the serious consequences that can even lead to death. We turn our backs on the true purpose of our lives, without accepting the reality that each of us faces. Let’s learn to value what we have; let’s not allow external things, the superficial, or our inner voices to determine our destiny. And when we go through these kinds of situations, let’s seek help; let’s also offer support to those around us. It’s sad to end this way when we have a life filled with obstacles and opportunities that allow us to grow and move forward toward our purpose. This is a message so that we don’t repeat the same cycle and instead unite to break this chain that is destroying our society. No matter which doors close before us, let’s make the most of our time and create new opportunities through our adversities, so that we can impact the lives of others.

[@fiazrahman4552]

You should have talked more about the Palm trees in the movie, because I feel like it was a type of symbolism in the film Otherwise, good video!!

[@eu_o_andy]

I think it was her peace, don't know how to explain tho lol

[@jagged-panda]

Good to hear this same perspective as this is how I understood the film's meaning. I heard another reviewer saying that Elizabeth and Sue were two separate beings with their own minds, but that doesn't make sense and completely disregards the theme of the film.

[@perfectsplit5515]

I am mad at her for standing up the schoolmate from tenth grade at Luigi's Restaurant. He appreciated her the way she was naturally. He did nothing wrong.

[@yourdogisbeautiful5845]

Yeah, that was upsetting, but it was clearly done out of enormous self-hatred and depression rather than malice or other less justifiable reasons.

[@Asia-rs6wc]

I know that sucked . He really liked her

[@soroushmirzaian9611]

Thank you, i really enjoyed your review man.

[@BrianSalazar-kn5ng]

Great analysis 🙌

[@jamesb7924]

I agreed with everything you said, up to the point where you said women (like Madonna) look unnatural. Like, did you miss the entire point of the movie? Don't judge others based on their age, looks, etc? Monstero is very clearly what the director said, a woman who is happy in her own body, even if the world sees her as a monster for not conforming to their conventional beauty standards. She is judged for not conforming and even attacked, something that has happened to women like that in all manners for ways. For example, Pamela Anderson no longer wearing makeup caused so much hatred towards her, and for what? Just not conforming to societies narrow beauty standards.

[@alf6494]

Made me think of alcohol struggles... Drunk you throwing back more, knowing hungover you in the morning is going to feel every one pass the limit.

[@idealsAREisomorphic]

There is so much going for this movie, but it’s built on a huge plot hole that took me out: at first it’s kept ambiguous and you think that Elisabeth is in Sue enjoying life, but then it’s revealed that they are different entities and they DON’T share a consciousness, which begs the question of what exactly would Elisabeth get out of the substance if she doesn’t even experience the joy of being young and why wouldn’t she stop after first week.

[@joelalexandermay]

Maybe it’s an “id, ego, superego” thing?

[@jimbo4221]

I'd say you're definitely not wrong, but I'm gonna play devils advocate. Elizabeth does share memories with Sue, atleast initially. But once she starts abusing it, in order to cope with the fact that Elizabeth is getting more grotesque and Sue is staying perfect, she splits a little bit. It's a manifestation of her body dysmorphia. She has to hate herself no matter how she looks, so she hates Sue for being her better half. She wants to be able and go outside as Elizabeth and not feel ugly, but she can't, so she takes it out on Sue even though she is Sue, and Sue is her. In short, it's easier for Elizabeth to act like Sue is some parasitic leach then confront her internalized body dysmorphia and societies standards.

[@idealsAREisomorphic]

@@jimbo4221 that’s how I was reading it, as an allegory for her externalising her problems and shifting responsibility, that is until we see Sue get interviewed and asked about Elisabeth and she shits on her (herself) for no apparent reason. I could understand Elisabeth slandering her younger version - because she would be insecure about how she looks, but why would she bad mouth her older self when she is young and beautiful and the world is hers? Only if they are different entities would it make sense. Your interpretation still can work, but it’s like the movie is constantly working against it, and eventually it did dissuade me they were one.

[@vibes5768]

I thought they do share a conscious and when they split into two separate beings it is the same Elizabeth with the same memories but in two places like looking into a mirror version of ur self who can roam freely

[@AllAboutWolves]

I think they’re the same person (as it keeps being repeated) BUT they slowly become more disconnected. There’s a disconnection between our younger and older selves. I saw a comment that stated that as young people, we steal from our older selves all the time (lack of exercise, drinking, drugs, lack of sleep, smoking, bad diet, etc.) and that’s shown in Sue continually taking the spinal fluid from Elizabeth. She’s stealing time (and beauty) from her and doesn’t care, because of her immediate desires and needs. It also can symbolize addiction of any kind, how we feel completely separate from our addict selves (shown in Elizabeth’s binging with no care to cope and Sue’s disgust and shock when she’s awakened). I also think in general, with self-hatred and self-criticism, we truly become disconnected from ourselves and feel separate from ourselves, instead viewing our bodies with an “objective” lense.

[@blauemadeleine]

I very much enjoyed your analysis. I have not seen the movie, but you have described it very well. I am a woman of seventy years and I used to be pretty as a young woman and good looking as I matured. Now I'm elderly and I have become "invisible". Sometimes that makes me sad and I don't really recognise my body any more.... (yes - eating after a life of diets and restrictions ) I was not in show business, but I could very well relate to many of your insights. You are a good observer and psychologist. Thank you for an interesting and delightful quarter of an hour.

[@Lily_13_5]

I've been watching these reviews since I went to see this movie in the cinema and I wonder why I see only man talking about it. Why women aren't trying to speak their minds? It's kinda sad, but still I do appreciate the work you've done, great material ^^

[@Doom_scroll_generation]

Wow, I just realised it's true...

[@Technique-kj2bp]

honestly I think a lot of women are seriously traumatised by this film because it shines a light on themselves

[@Lily_13_5]

@@Technique-kj2bp maybe and maybe I'm just not the one of them but I really enjoy talking about it even tho it traumatised me (cried two times when I watched it)

[@Technique-kj2bp]

@@Lily_13_5 I think everyone can relate to this film. Everyone has anxiety about ageing. And anyone who's suffered with addictions. I think all young women especially should watch this film though. It's a cautionary tale about what happens when you base your entire identity on your looks

[@Lily_13_5]

@@Technique-kj2bp I completely agree! This topic is very hard for me too, one of my greatest fears is to age rapidly and miss what's important in my life. I was devastated by this scene when Elizabeth looked at Sue and canceled her date, and then damaged her face by destroying the makeup. When I hear that someone doesn't want to watch The Substance 'cause they are not watching 'this kind of movies' I think, man, none of us were ready for this film but we watched it and we will have it in our memory forever