Within the finest horror motion pictures and psychological thrillers, each creature design tells a narrative, and Coralie Fargeat’s Oscar-nominated The Substance is not any exception. The movie’s make-up lead just lately opened up concerning the intricate course of behind designing Monstro Elisasue, the haunting but deeply symbolic determine on the coronary heart of the movie. In keeping with prosthetics boss Pierre Olivier Persin, Fargeat had two phrases she saved repeating all through the design course of for this creature, and I perceive why.
Persin, the lead make-up artist on the flick, revealed to The Hollywood Reporter that the Revenge helmer was adamant a few particular imaginative and prescient, emphasizing the character’s tragic nature over pure horror. The artist shared:
Coralie stated to me: ‘She’s been put in a blender. She saved repeating to me one line from the film when Monstro says, ‘It’s me!’ I believe that was actually essential for her and for us too. It wasn’t a monster that kills folks — it’s a tragic character. Possibly in hindsight, it’s the happiest second for Elisabeth in her physique and thoughts. However Coralie actually wished the elephant lady.
The workforce did a wonderful job. The unhappy creature mashup of the 2 girls clearly seems like a blender mix-up and evokes Elephant Man vibes. The sense of unhappiness, together with a sense of euphoria throughout the movie’s last moments, is successfully conveyed by the unbelievable prosthetic work.
This meticulous strategy prolonged past simply the physique. The design of Monstro’s head proved to be one of many greatest challenges, with the workforce struggling to search out the right stability between horror and tragedy. Persin continued:
As soon as Coralie was pleased with the physique, we nonetheless didn’t hadn’t discovered the pinnacle but. I keep in mind I saved saying, ‘We have to begin engaged on Monstro, as a result of it’s a giant construct, for high quality causes.’ And she or he was like, ‘Not till I’m 100% certain that’s the suitable design.’ I keep in mind she was on the workshop and she or he noticed one of many last mark-ups for the heads. She grabbed me into her arms, saying, ‘Yeah! We’ve acquired her!
The France-born film maker’s endurance and a spotlight to element ensured that Monstro Elisasue was not simply one other horror villain however a completely realized character with depth and emotional weight. The ultimate design strikes an unsettling stability, presenting a determine that’s each terrifying and profoundly sorrowful. It serves as a visible illustration of the movie’s themes of identification, transformation, and acceptance.
This effort has seemingly paid off, as The Substance made historical past alongside Nosferatu with the 2025 Academy Award nominations, breaking a long-standing custom of the horror style being neglected throughout upcoming award reveals season.
This isn’t the primary time we’ve been given a behind-the-scenes glimpse into this contemporary horror masterpiece. The Substance‘s BTS featurette peeled again the curtain on simply how a lot imaginative and prescient and energy Coralie Fargeat poured into the movie, highlighting her immersive, hands-on strategy to filmmaking. That’s exactly why I believe the flick deserves all the eye it is getting.
When you haven’t had an opportunity to see what all the thrill is about, you’re in luck. The Substance is now obtainable to look at at house with the streaming service Mubi. Whilst you’re at it, make sure to try our 2025 film schedule to find what different extremely anticipated upcoming horror movies are coming to theaters quickly.