The Substance
The Substanceis one of the biggest cinematic surprises of 2024 , andit ’s a superb modern reimagining of Alfred Hitchcock ’s hit 1960 revulsion pic , Psycho . The follow - up film to Coralie Fargeat’sRevenge , The Substanceis about Elizabeth Sparkle(Demi Moore ) being pushed out of the limelight due to her age . However , she is offered a miracle resolution in the shape of the titular drug , the substance . Although it promises to make her a more idealised version of herself , it ultimately contribute to the innovation ofMargaret Qualley ’s Sue .
The Substanceis a tragically beautiful film with a honest remainder of heartbreak and organic structure horror . The Substancealso contains plenty of Easter eggsand reference to past horror movies , let in Alfred Hitchcock’sPsycho . Fargeat ’s nod toPsychoruns deep than just a visual nod , however ; the 2024 horror film also tackles similar root word .
The Substance & Psycho Exploit Vulnerability In Similar Ways
Both Movies Use A Bathroom To Do So
InThe Substance , the foundation of Sue takes place in Elizabeth ’s bath . It ’s a gruesome " birth , " as Sue spawns out of Elizabeth ’s back , almost rip her in two . From then on , the can becomes a key localisation forThe Substance . It ’s where the motionless body rest , and it is whereElizabeth ’s most vulnerable and heartbreaking scenestake place . Whether she ’s consume the drug , fixating on her flaw before a day of the month , or get a line Sue is stealing her early days , Elizabeth face her worst insecurities and fears in the bathroom .
The Substance is a critically acclaim satirical body repulsion movie , reminding audiences to watch another , closely related musical genre dismission from 1989 .
Using the bathroom as the space to explore these vulnerabilities is a brilliant mind , but it is not new . Psychodoes something similar with its notorious shower scene . Like Elizabeth , Marion Crane ( Janet Leigh ) is at her most vulnerable in the bathroom . Her guard is down , and she feels safe enough here to be entirely exposed . However , that condom is shatter when Norman Bates , one of Hitchcock ’s most unforgettable villains , stoolpigeon behind Marion and kill her while showering .
While what commences in the bathrooms ofThe SubstanceandPsychois different , the employment of these positioning is like .
ThisPsychoscene has gone down in film history , using the combining of nudeness and violence to scandalize audiences . The localisation of the bathroom — specifically a shower — help make it more violating because Marion is so vulnerable here . While what commences in the bathrooms ofThe SubstanceandPsychois different , the economic consumption of these locations is alike . In both films , it ’s where Elizabeth and Marion are at their most vulnerable . It ’s also where their bodies are subject to unimaginable repulsion .
How The Substance References Psycho
The Substance Visually Nods To Alfred Hitchcock’s Horror Film
Beyond the thematic law of similarity these films have when it comes to this set location , there is also a visual nod toPsycho — specifically , the movie ’s rain shower scene — inThe kernel . As @cinematogolist _ onInstragramhighlights in their video , the conniption where the Substance get hold of effect on Elizabeth mirror Marion ’s end .
InPsycho , after Norman Bates stabs Marion several times , she crumble on the flooring and dies naked and alone . As she breathe her last breath , Marion has no alternative but to stare into the void , incapacitated and exposed . Similarly , when the Substance kick in and Sue is " born,“Elizabeth is left suffering , exposed , and helpless on the floor , forced to watch a fresh version of herself take ascendancy of her life .
The Substanceis currently useable to stream on MUBI .
The Substance , which is now a streaming achiever , is all about exploring a woman ’s vulnerability in regard to her years and dead body . Therefore , setting some of the most traumatic scenes in the bathroom makes sense . Furthermore , referencing the shower scene fromPsychoworks beautifully , as it is an ill-famed tantrum that perfectly fitsThe Substance ’s root .
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Cast
Elisabeth Sparkle , a fading celebrity , change by reversal to a mysterious drug that prognosticate to rejuvenate her youth by create a younger , more beautiful interpretation of herself . But split meter between her original and Modern body leads to horrifying consequences as her alternate ego , Sue , begins to unravel her life in a distressful body - horror bloodline .
Paramount Pictures
Paramount Pictures
