The Oscar Race: A Tale of Two Performances
The competition for the Oscar for Best Actress has shaped up to be a thrilling showdown between two formidable talents: Demi Moore and Mikey Madison. Each actress delivers a powerful performance in films that delve into the complexities of womanhood, albeit from strikingly different angles.
Moore shines in a tragic yet darkly comic indie film that explores the tumultuous journey of a woman grappling with her self-worth while trying to reclaim control over her life from the clutches of more dominant male figures. The film builds to a climax that is both heartbreaking and grotesque, ultimately forcing the audience to confront the harsh realities presented on screen. In stark contrast, Mikey Madison stars in The Substance, a film that tackles similar themes but with a decidedly different approach.
Anora and The Substance both examine how women are perceived by society, yet they unfold in contrasting narratives. Sean Baker’s Anora is a vibrant, irreverent Cinderella story set against the backdrop of Brooklyn’s strip clubs and the opulent yet seedy world of Vegas mega casinos. The protagonist, Ani, is a sharp-witted dancer who finds herself entangled in a whirlwind romance with a wealthy young oligarch. Despite the glitz surrounding her, Ani remains astute and unyielding, expertly navigating the desires of her affluent clients to her own advantage.
However, when Ani is hired by the insufferable Vanya (portrayed by Mark Eydelshteyn) as his temporary girlfriend, she begins to entertain the notion that her fortunes may be changing. She dares to believe that her intelligence and resourcefulness grant her equal standing in this transactional relationship. But as Vanya’s family and their intimidating associates discover the truth, Ani’s precarious position is threatened, leading to a frantic race to annul their hasty marriage and reassert the status quo.
Conversely, Coralie Fargeat’s The Substance ventures into the realm of visceral body horror while also illustrating a woman’s fate dictated by male desires. Demi Moore takes on the role of Elisabeth Sparkle, a former actress turned fitness guru, who resides in a lavish high-rise adorned with oversized mirrors and promotional posters of herself, overlooking a sterile version of Los Angeles reminiscent of the 1980s. When sexist executives discard her in favor of younger, more conventionally attractive replacements, Elisabeth encounters a mysterious drug that promises to rejuvenate her career by creating a perfect replica of her youthful self, named Sue (played by Margaret Qualley).
However, as Elisabeth spends more time in Sue’s flawless body, her original self grotesquely transforms into a monstrous figure. The Substance boldly critiques the misogyny, ageism, and unattainable beauty standards that plague women’s lives. While its heavy-handed satire may come off as overtly blunt, the film’s graphic portrayal of the horror associated with aging serves as both a commentary and a spectacle. From the gruesome stitching of flesh to Dennis Quaid’s unsettling portrayal of a predatory television executive, the film revels in its outrageousness. Yet, despite its intention to challenge societal norms, it runs the risk of portraying aging as something inherently repugnant.
While The Substance aims to deliver a feminist message, it often reiterates what is already well-known, relying on shock value to engage its audience. In contrast, Anora offers a profound exploration of women’s entrapment within societal confines, inviting viewers to recognize their own struggles and experiences within its narrative.
A Heartbreaking Conclusion
As the story of Ani unfolds, it becomes clear that she is unlikely to find a traditional happy ending. However, there remains hope that she might emerge from her entanglement with Vanya relatively unscathed. In a gut-wrenching final scene, the most compassionate of her captors, Igor (played by the Oscar-nominated Yuri Borisov), returns the wedding ring and promised money to her. Yet, the only way Ani knows to express her gratitude is through a painful act of intimacy, tears streaming down her face.
This heart-rending conclusion serves as a poignant reminder of the struggles faced by women like Ani, who navigate a world that often underestimates and exploits them. While Anora may not explicitly label itself as a feminist film, its unflinching honesty resonates deeply, lingering in the minds of viewers long after the sensational gore and grotesqueries of The Substance have faded away.
