In today’s society, women are constantly bombarded with images of “perfection” in the media, leading many to grapple with issues of body dysmorphia—an overwhelming preoccupation with perceived flaws that may or may not exist. The pressure to meet society’s beauty standards can be a heavy burden, one that is deeply internalized, leading to struggles with self-esteem and self-worth. But healing from this pressure, and from the distorted self-image it creates, is a journey worth embarking on.
One film that delves into the complexities of body image and the societal expectations placed on women is Coralie Fargeat’s The Substance (2024). The satirical body horror film explores these issues in a shocking and visceral way, presenting a narrative that highlights how the objectification of women’s bodies can lead to dangerous outcomes. The film follows characters who are forced to navigate societal pressures, and in doing so, it examines the broader psychological and emotional toll of living in a world that judges women based on their appearance.
Body Dysmorphia and Society’s Expectations
Body dysmorphia is often misunderstood or overlooked, but for many women, it’s a daily battle. Women who suffer from body dysmorphia often feel disconnected from their bodies, obsessing over perceived imperfections that are sometimes invisible to others. Society’s obsession with external beauty only amplifies this inner turmoil. The hyper-focus on flawless skin, a certain body type, and the “ideal” look can make it feel impossible to escape the societal gaze.
In The Substance, Fargeat brilliantly uses the body horror genre to critique the ways women’s bodies are commodified and manipulated. The film’s grotesque and satirical portrayal of body transformation reflects the painful extremes women might go to in order to feel “accepted” in a beauty-obsessed society. In this way, the film mirrors real-life struggles with body dysmorphia and offers a powerful commentary on the extreme consequences of this harmful self-obsession.
Healing from Within: Embracing True Beauty
While The Substance highlights the dangers of living in a world that reduces women to their physical appearances, it also offers a path toward healing. For women, the journey to healing from body dysmorphia and embracing self-love begins with a radical shift in perspective. It requires breaking free from the societal scripts that dictate what we should look like and returning to the truth of who we are.
Healing comes when we acknowledge that true beauty isn’t found in external features—it’s cultivated from within. Women can heal by focusing on their strengths, accomplishments, and the beauty of their unique individuality. Embracing wellness isn’t just about physical health; it’s about nurturing mental and emotional well-being as well. Practices like mindfulness, self-compassion, and therapy can help shift the focus from external appearance to internal growth.
It’s also important to recognize that the journey to healing is not linear. Just as The Substance reveals that confronting deep-seated societal wounds requires a complex reckoning, healing from body dysmorphia involves confronting painful truths, challenging long-held beliefs, and learning to love oneself in a world that often feels unforgiving.
Living as a Woman in Today’s Society: Embracing Fullness of Self
Living in today’s society as a woman means constantly navigating the tension between external expectations and internal truths. But in this tension lies an opportunity for transformation. Women are not just their bodies—they are minds, spirits, creators, and healers. The struggle with body dysmorphia is real, but it can be overcome through self-acceptance and the willingness to embrace all parts of oneself, flaws and all.
Much like the characters in The Substance, women have the power to reclaim their narratives and transform how they view themselves in relation to society. It takes time, patience, and a deep commitment to self-love, but it’s a journey that is worth every step. Empowering yourself to see beyond the reflection in the mirror and to recognize the inherent beauty within is the ultimate act of healing.
How You Can Start Your Healing Journey
The first step to healing from body dysmorphia is to challenge the toxic narratives that society has imposed on women. Start by unfollowing accounts and deleting content that perpetuates unrealistic beauty standards. Surround yourself with media that uplifts, empowers, and reflects diverse definitions of beauty. Seek out stories of women—both in cinema and real life—who have defied the limits of what society says they should be. These stories can serve as a reminder that your worth is not tied to your appearance.
Another important aspect of healing is developing a routine that nurtures both the body and the mind. Whether it’s through exercise, nourishing food, skincare rituals, or simply taking time for relaxation and reflection, embracing wellness in a holistic way can support healing on every level.
Finally, speak kindly to yourself. Just as you would support a friend who is struggling, offer yourself compassion and understanding. Healing doesn’t happen overnight, but with each positive step, you’ll move closer to the self-love and peace that you deserve.
