Is This Ozempic-Style Thriller a Reimagining of The Substance?
Ryan Murphy’s latest series, The Beauty, offers a gripping exploration of vanity and body image within the high-stakes world of supermodels. The show stars real-life model Bella Hadid, who portrays a character named Ruby. In a shocking opening scene, she experiences a breakdown on the Milan catwalk, launching an all-out assault on the audience, leading to chaos and violence.
Plot Overview and Themes
As the narrative unfolds, it becomes evident that Ruby is not an isolated incident. A rash of mysterious deaths among models unveils a dark trend related to a secret cosmetic procedure. This procedure compels individuals to shed their ordinary appearances for enhanced versions, sparking a global epidemic.
Comparison with Other Works
The Beauty has drawn immediate parallels to Coralie Fargeat’s 2024 film, The Substance, which similarly depicts a drug offering a ‘cure’ for aging. A notable connection involves Ashton Kutcher, who stars in The Beauty and was formerly married to Demi Moore, the lead in The Substance.
While the two productions share thematic elements, The Beauty leverages Murphy’s distinctive style, crafting a larger narrative that comments on societal standards of beauty as a contagion. In contrast, The Substance provides a more intimate portrayal of its protagonist’s descent into body horror.
Character Insights
The cast also includes notable figures like Evan Peters and Rebecca Hall, who play FBI agents investigating the chaos. Bella Hadid’s unsettling performance is complemented by Amelia Gray Hamlin and Nicola Peltz Beckham, enhancing the show’s appeal through its meta-casting.
Production Background
The Beauty is based on a 2015 comic book series by Jeremy Haun and Jason A. Hurley. Murphy and co-creator Matthew Hodgson acquired the adaptation rights long before The Substance’s release, establishing an independent origin for the series.
Industry Commentary
Discussion surrounding the series has underscored the influence of the so-called “Ozempic culture,” a term used by Murphy to describe society’s quick-fix approach to beauty. The narrative challenges viewers to consider the extent of their obsession with appearances.
Cultural Context and Production Quirks
Hollywood often sees simultaneous releases of similar themes, as exhibited in past instances like Antz vs. A Bug’s Life and biopics on Truman Capote. This phenomenon can result from studios racing to capitalize on cultural trends, suggesting that The Beauty and The Substance reflect a societal fixation on aesthetics influenced by modern platforms like Instagram.
The Beauty is set to premiere on January 22 on Disney+. With its compelling narrative and exploration of contemporary issues, it’s positioned to engage viewers in critical conversations about beauty standards.
