Exploring Female Disgust and Self-Loathing

Several recent films highlight women's struggles with self-loathing and societal expectations. In the film 'The Substance,' Demi Moore portrays a woman grappling with the pressures of aging and beauty, as she takes a drug that temporarily restores her youth but spirals into a gruesome cycle of body horror. This film reflects the toxic standards imposed on women, showcasing moments where the protagonist examines her appearance in a mirror, illustrating her deep-seated insecurities. The portrayal emphasizes how unattainable beauty ideals can lead to damaging behaviors, resonating with viewers' own experiences of self-doubt and external judgment.