Exploring Age Dysmorphia in Film

The podcast discusses the film 'The Substance', which delves into themes of age dysmorphia through the story of an aging actress who discovers a black-market drug that allows her to swap bodies with her younger self. This body horror motif reflects societal pressures surrounding beauty and youth, illustrating how the protagonist's desperate attempts to reclaim her former glory lead to toxic consequences. The film highlights the internal conflict between the older and younger versions of herself, culminating in a bitter resentment that evolves as the younger self starts to siphon more days of youth at the expense of her older counterpart. This duality raises questions about identity, self-worth, and the societal standards imposed on women, particularly in the entertainment industry.