The Substance quickly became a body horror classic, and there’s still much to unpack from this film. And no, you weren’t imagining things: if you’re a fan of twisted films in this genre, certain elements probably felt familiar.
Note: This article contains major spoilers, so if you haven’t seen the movie yet, we recommend heading to your favorite cinema to experience one of the year’s most successful horror films.
10 References and Easter Eggs You May Have Missed in The Substance
It’s not just the horror and gore that left an impression; the film also delivers a strong critique of body hegemony, beauty standards, acceptance, and other societal issues that are subtly woven into the narrative.
Jessica Lange and Ageism
Jessica Lange, an iconic actress, has openly addressed ageism in Hollywood. The Substance includes a subtle nod to her role in the 1976 King Kong, particularly highlighting the industry’s treatment of older women.
In an interview with AARP, Lange spoke about ageism, saying, “Ageism is pervasive… It’s not a level playing field.” This sentiment resonates in the scene where Harvey coldly dismisses Elisabeth, reflecting the harsh reality faced by many aging actresses.
Tribute to Black Swan
The film’s final scene, with its ethereal lighting and Elisabeth’s expression, evokes the last moments of Black Swan when Nina gazes at the light and whispers, “I was perfect.” Elisabeth realizes there’s no turning back. Her quest for perfection has led to self-destruction, much like Nina’s.
The Shining Reference
The red hallway that Elisabeth walks through on her way to the studio bears a striking resemblance to the Overlook Hotel in The Shining, with its distinct carpet, colors, and symmetry. As in Kubrick’s classic, this setting oozes tension and darkness, transporting us back to the corridors where Jack Torrance spiraled into madness.
Similarities to The Fly
David Cronenberg’s influence looms large in The Substance. Elisabeth’s physical transformation mirrors Seth Brundle’s metamorphosis in The Fly. In both films, the characters are no longer who they once were, having lost their humanity on a psychological and physical level.
Nod to Videodrome
Speaking of Cronenberg, there’s a clear homage to Videodrome in a scene where Sue is being filmed for television. A close-up of her lips echoes the iconic moment in Videodrome where Nikki’s lips appear on a screen, and Max approaches to kiss her.
Monstroelisasue and The Elephant Man
David Lynch’s The Elephant Man delivers one of cinema’s most unsettling explorations of voyeurism, using John Merrick’s character to confront the audience’s darker instincts. In The Substance, a similar theme plays out with Monstroelisasue, forcing viewers to face their own internalized horror.
Inspired by Jane Fonda
There’s a subtle connection to Jane Fonda, a television icon of the 1980s who became known for her fitness and healthy living programs. Some of The Substance’s themes may be inspired by her legacy.
Parasite Reference from Alien: Covenant
In the Alien franchise, the Xenomorph is portrayed as a parasitic creature that forcibly incubates in its host. A parallel can be drawn between the Xenomorph and Sue in The Substance, as both emerge from the spines of their hosts, creating a disturbing connection between the two films.
Final Scene Nods to Carrie
The film’s climax, in which Monstroelisasue is revealed on stage and a bloodbath ensues at the New Year’s Eve event, is reminiscent of the iconic scene from Carrie (1976), where the protagonist is drenched in pig’s blood in front of her classmates.
This body horror masterpiece is packed with references that will make any film enthusiast want to revisit it for a deeper appreciation of its layers and homages to genre classics.
This article was originally written in Spanish by Alan Cruz in Cultura Colectiva
