When it comes to the substance, the scene that hit me was when Elizabeth was getting ready for a date with her classmate. The images are almost palpable; you can see her obsessing over something in her reflection, just trying to perfect her look. Any woman can relate to those frenetic moments before a date, where every flick of the hair, adjustment of the lipstick, and tug at the dress feels weighted with importance.

We all know that feeling of poking, prodding, and fixing, but nothing seems to cooperate. It's only getting more frustrating because things are not going as planned, and you're rapidly running out of time. Panic mode? Full force. After all, how many of us haven't experienced that anxiety about our appearance? We scrutinize every tiny detail, tweaking and adjusting elements that, in reality, might go utterly unnoticed by anyone else.

It's a ritual many of us undertake, yet few stop to question why. Society has convinced us that our worth somehow hinges on these fleeting, superficial fixes, closing our eyes to the deeper truths about beauty, self-worth, and age. The movie does an excellent job of exposing these grotesque realities.

It peels back the layers of patriarchy, misogyny, and societal pressures that chip away at Elizabeth's self-esteem, laying bare the ugly truths many women confront daily. The cinematography is jarring. Unsettling. Because let's be honest—that's how society often treats women.

We watch Elizabeth's slow-motion descent as she grapples with the harsh narrative that she is no longer beautiful or valuable once she reaches a certain age. It's a visceral representation of the message that women are fed: they have little to offer past 50. The men in the film are noticeably awful, reacting cruelly every time Elizabeth shows signs of aging or reverts to her "older" self. It provides a stark reminder of how society often marginalizes women based on age.

The filmmakers use camera angles that feel equally disturbing—nothing particularly flattering about them, reinforcing the narrative of inadequacy. The subtlety of these choices impacts the viewer in a way that mere dialogue cannot convey.

While the film's theme isn't groundbreaking, it amplifies the conversation surrounding women's worth beyond appearances. There's a tendency for films to rely on that tired mantra of "love yourself, you're beautiful," which has often turned into nothing more than a sales pitch by the beauty industry.

This movie is different; it pulls back the curtain and shows us the darker side of those platitudes. The truth it reveals is that chasing an ideal of beauty can sometimes lead to a spiral into nightmares, echoing the harsh judgments we impose on ourselves and others.

As the film unfolds, Elizabeth faces increasing cruelty from men and society at large. Each time she reverts to signs of aging, the barbs grow sharper, and people's dismissive attitudes become more pronounced. This treatment wears her down, pushing her to the brink.

The poignant moments where she starts talking to herself in a derogatory manner reflect how many of us can be tremendous critics of ourselves. It is an uncomfortable mirror of society's influence, where we let external standards define our self-worth.

Additionally, the film explores the broader implications of these themes, underscoring that societal pressures are not merely superficial. They penetrate deeply into our psyche and can shape our identities. 

Elizabeth's journey is a clarion call, reminding us of the pervasive culture that treats aging as an affliction rather than a natural process entire of wisdom and beauty. Society's obsession with youth perpetuates injustices and emphasizes how women are relegated to a background past a certain age.

This film ultimately puts forth a crucial reminder: we cannot let the world convince us that we are not enough. We must resist those outside pressures that urge us to conform to narrow definitions of beauty and self-worth.

The final message is empowering: spoiler alert—we are enough. These portrayals are essential in a world where self-doubt can creep in at every age. They beckon us to challenge the status quo and embrace every facet of ourselves, imperfections included. 

When Elizabeth looks in the mirror, it's an opportunity for every viewer to do the same, confront their own internalized negativity, and recognize the strength and beauty of age and authenticity.

This film boldly reminds us that real beauty doesn't fade but transforms—just like us. Instead of succumbing to society's unrealistic standards, let's embrace the reality of our evolving selves, reclaim our worth, and celebrate our existence in all its glorious complexity.