The Set Design of The Substance Means More Than You Think

Many elements of The Substance have already been extensively discussed the disgusting use of food, the deeply unsettling practical effects and prosthetics but the set design is an underrated element of the film which deserves more attention. It may be less outright shocking than what the makeup and effects team pulled off, but it is no less interesting. Director Coralie Fargeat put a lot of intention into world-building in her follow-up to Revenge (2017). Starring Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley in its leading roles, The Substance first shocks you, then makes you think, and the set design is a large part of building the film's profound metaphors about beauty standards and people's relationships with their bodies.