Reflections of Aesthetic Norms: Analysing Beauty Standards in Coralie Fargeat's The Substance (2024)

Abstract

The thesis examines the representation and impact of contemporary beauty standards through the 2024 body horror film, The Substance. The narrative follows Elisabeth. an ageing television personality, and her younger alter-ego Sue. Sue is summoned to life by Elisabeth taking a substance that promises her youth and beauty. The first chapter analyses the portrayal of the male gaze in the film. The second chapter explores the mental and physical consequences of the substance, and lastly the third chapter explains society's relationship with the norms. Overall, The Substance critiques the harmful beauty standards and portrays the negative side of this phenomenon.