From ‘Anora’ to ‘The Substance,’ Stories of Beauty and Its Cost Spark Excitement at Cannes

The Cannes Film Festival is in full swing, with a lineup of films that explore the complexities of beauty in all its forms. One standout film, “Parthenope,” directed by Paolo Sorrentino and starring Gary Oldman as author John Cheever, delves into the idea that beauty is like war – it opens doors.

But it’s not just “Parthenope” that is captivating audiences at Cannes. Sean Baker’s “Anora” has also made a splash, with Mikey Madison delivering a powerful performance as a Russian American stripper in Brooklyn. Baker’s film sheds light on the world of sex workers, portraying it as a livelihood that should be respected and decriminalized.

Meanwhile, Coralie Fargeat’s “The Substance” has sparked debate with its blunt and gory body-horror satire about beauty standards. Demi Moore shines in her role as a middle-aged Hollywood star who resorts to extreme measures to stay young in a male-dominated industry.

As the festival continues, these films challenge traditional notions of beauty and the lengths people will go to in pursuit of it. From the seedy world of strip clubs to the dark side of Hollywood, Cannes is showcasing a diverse range of stories that explore the power and pitfalls of beauty. And as the red carpet glitters with glamour, the films on display remind us that true beauty lies not just in appearance, but in the depth of character and the resilience of the human spirit.