What’s Better Than Fine Wine?

January 07, 2025

Ever wondered what it would be like to be a better version of yourself? The mind-bending film 'The Substance' (2024) explores our deepest desires for youth and beauty.

 

Remember, You Are One

ⓒfilmfrance.net
 
Billed as "the craziest film of the year," The Substance lures audiences with its provocative title. Borrowing from the critiques of renowned film critics Duna and Lee Dong-jin, we could describe it as a "reckless journey" undertaken by two protagonists who seem determined to make every wrong turn possible. Amidst the chaos, the film boasts stunning visuals, masterful direction, and powerhouse performances. Indeed, it lives up to its reputation as one of the year's most audacious cinematic experiences.
  
Elizabeth (Demi Moore), once a Hollywood A-lister now relegated to hosting TV aerobics shows, finds herself at a crossroads. Desperate to recapture her former glory, she succumbs to the allure of a mysterious substance offered by a stranger. This enigmatic blue liquid promises a transformative experience, a chance to become a better version of herself with just a single injection. But what are the consequences?
   
The Substance ⓒtheguardian.com, ⓒvogue.com

  

The real intrigue begins after the credits roll. It's almost certain that every viewer left the theater grappling with the same question: If somebody offered you the substance, would you take it? It's ironic, isn't it? Despite witnessing the harrowing consequences firsthand, the temptation lingers.
Humans have a peculiar tendency to desire what others desire. The French psychoanalyst Lacan once observed our lives as tragic plays confined by societal structures. The protagonist in The Substance is no exception. A yearning for love and validation leads to a distorted obsession with youth and beauty, ultimately resulting in a fragmented self and a tragic downfall. The distorted beauty standards depicted in The Substance are a chilling reflection of our own society. In a world obsessed with appearance, it's incredibly difficult to truly love oneself.

   

remember, you are the one ⓒvogue.com

     

Demi Moore is Beautiful

Even at her age, Demi Moore still knows how to command the screen. Her portrayal of a 50-year-old character is nothing short of remarkable, especially considering she's actually 62. The similarities between Elizabeth's journey and Moore's own life are striking, making her performance feel incredibly authentic.

 

The Substance’s two stars , Margaret Qualley (Left), Demi Moore (Right) ⓒusatoday.com
   
What was she like during her heyday? Moore's performance in the iconic film Ghost (1990) solidified her status as a fashion icon. Her simple yet chic style, characterized by her short haircut and effortless elegance, made her the epitome of youthful freshness. The film's iconic pottery scene, in particular, showcased her timeless beauty and laid the foundation for her enduring appeal.

    

Demi Moore in the 1990s ⓒpurepeople.com, ⓒpinterest
The main cast of Ghost featured, clockwise from the top, Patrick Swayze, Whoopi Goldberg, and Demi Moore. ⓒpinterest

     

Demi Moore's performance in The Substance is a bold and unflinching exploration of aging and beauty standards. Her willingness to abandon her carefully curated public image is a testament to her courage as an actress. In a November interview with the Los Angeles Times, Moore explained that she wanted to highlight the damaging effects of our society's obsession with youth and beauty. In a world that is constantly telling us to be perfect, Moore's performance is a reminder that it's okay to be imperfect. She's asking us to be kinder to ourselves and to each other.

 

Moore’s self-described most challenging scene from The Substance ⓒscreenrant.com

  

Heydays Don’t Exist

Sure we all wish we could stay young forever, but let's face it, it's just not going to happen.

That said, some people age like fine wine, and Jennifer Connelly and Kirsten Dunst are prime examples. Stunning when they were younger, they're even more amazing now, having embraced their age to continue delivering incredible performances. Their ability to seamlessly transition from youthful roles to more mature characters while maintaining their unique styles is something to be admired.

   

Jennifer Connelly as lead actress in Snowpiercer (2020) ⓒhallofseries.com
Kirsten Dunst in Civil War (2024) ⓒwysokieobcasy.pl

   

Monica Bellucci and Pamela Anderson, two iconic figures often labeled as femme fatales and sex symbols, are no exceptions. With such weighty titles, the pressure to maintain their youthful appearance must have been immense. However, both actresses have gracefully aged in the public eye. Bellucci continues to actively pursue her acting career, taking on both leading and supporting roles, while Anderson has embraced a more natural, makeup-free look, shedding the flamboyant style of her past.

 

Monica Bellucci in Dear Paris (2024) ⓒimdb.com, ⓒmonicabellucci.net
Pamela Anderson embracing a more natural style ⓒedition.cnn.com

  

Phoebe Philo, who recently launched her eponymous brand in Korea, has become a role model for her refined and sophisticated aesthetic. Known for her discerning taste, Philo once exclusively wore Adidas Stan Smiths. Now she continues to cultivate a unique and personal style with her own label, inspiring countless fashion enthusiasts.

 

Pheobe Philo in a 2024 NYT Magazine Interview ⓒnytimes.com, ⓒwwd.com

  

There's something so nostalgic about seeing the supermodels of our youth still making headlines. Their beauty and confidence are truly inspiring. The Victoria's Secret 2024 show, with Kate Moss and Tyra Banks as special guests, was a reminder of why we love these women so much.

 

Kate Moss (Left) and Tyra Banks (Right) on the Victoria's Secret 2024 runway ⓒwwd.com, ⓒharpersbazaar.com

     

The fear of aging is not exclusive to women. Male actors who have transitioned from heartthrobs to silver foxes, such as Tom Cruise and Johnny Depp, are also under constant public scrutiny. However, Tom Cruise, in particular, stands out. His performance in both Top Gun (1986) and its sequel, Top Gun: Maverick (2022), is nothing short of extraordinary. The fact that he has maintained his undeniable sex appeal for over three decades is truly remarkable.

 

Tom Cruise, man of many charms ⓒvariety.com

    

Johnny Depp, renowned for his consistent and distinctive style, has never failed to captivate audiences. Despite personal controversies, he has maintained a strong presence in the fashion industry, serving as the face of Dior's Sauvage fragrance since 2015. Depp's rebellious spirit and love for adventure make him the ideal spokesperson for a fragrance that embodies freedom and wildness.

  

Dior Sauvage Campaigns from 2015 (Left) and 2023 (Right) ⓒfragrantica.com, ⓒmoviestore.com

    

Who gets to decide which me is better? That's what I was thinking about after my friend texted me a super short, not-so-great review of the movie I'd been raving about. It made me realize the weight of my recommendations and the potential impact they could have on others. I knew I may need to be more thoughtful about the things I shared.