The film “The Substance,” directed by Coralie Fargeat, culminates in a shocking and grotesque twist that encapsulates its themes of identity, aging, and societal expectations. Throughout the movie, we follow Elisabeth Sparkle, portrayed by Demi Moore, a once-celebrated TV star who undergoes a radical transformation to reclaim her youth and relevance in Hollywood.
The Substance
What is the twist at the end of The Substance?
This transformation involves the use of a black-market drug that allows her to create a younger clone named Sue, played by Margaret Qualley. However, as the narrative unfolds, it becomes clear that this quest for youth comes with dire consequences.
As the story progresses towards its climax on New Year’s Eve, Sue’s body begins to deteriorate due to overuse of the drug. In a desperate attempt to maintain her youthful appearance and status, she injects herself with the remaining serum meant for single use only. This act triggers a horrific metamorphosis where instead of simply rejuvenating herself, she gives birth to a monstrous hybrid known as Monstro Elisasue. This grotesque entity is not just an amalgamation of both women but represents their shared struggles with identity and societal pressures regarding beauty and age.
The twist reaches its peak during Sue’s performance at a New Year’s Eve show. Initially greeted with excitement by the audience due to her resemblance to Elisabeth Sparkle, the situation quickly turns chaotic when Monstro Elisasue reveals her true form. The audience’s reaction shifts from adoration to horror as they witness this abomination—an embodiment of their fears about aging and societal rejection. Despite Monstro Elisasue’s desperate cries of “it’s me!” she is met with violence and disdain from those who once idolized her.
This twist serves as a powerful commentary on how society treats women as they age. The transformation into Monstro Elisasue symbolizes not only the physical decay associated with aging but also highlights the lengths to which individuals may go to conform to societal standards of beauty. The grotesque nature of Monstro Elisasue reflects the internal conflict faced by Elisabeth and Sue—the struggle between self-acceptance and external validation.
The twist at the end of “The Substance” reveals that in seeking to escape aging through extreme measures, both Elisabeth and Sue become something monstrous—highlighting society’s harsh judgments on women’s appearances as they grow older.
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