Inspired by the 2024 body-horror film, “The Substance”, which plays on the idea of fighting against ageing and conforming to ever-changing beauty standards. The main character, Elisa, is able to create a younger ‘double’ of herself (Sue) by injecting herself with a revolutionary serum.

Both Elisa and Sue must abide by the rules and change back to their previous forms every 7 days. However, this proves to be an irresistible challenge for Sue as she sees how successful her life is and refuses to follow the rules. This has an impact on Elisa, and throughout the course of the movie her older version’s body becomes more twisted and contorted as a result of Sue’s negligence.

I was ultimately inspired by the horrifying reveal at the end of the movie, where both Elisa and Sue’s bodies become merged together and they now believe they are the most beautiful and most perfect versions of themselves.