“Perfect Substance” has made a global impact with its groundbreaking visual effects. The makeup team, consisting of Pierre-Olivier Persin, Stephanie Guillon, and Marilyne Scarselli, successfully crafted an astonishing transformation for Demi Moore, moving from rejuvenation to extreme deterioration through their exceptional makeup and hairstyling designs, providing viewers with an unprecedented visual shock that ultimately earned them the honor of “Best Makeup and Hairstyling” at the 97th Academy Awards.
Makeup effects supervisor Pierre-Olivier Persin and his team painstakingly designed five transformation stages, named “Requiem,” “The Finger,” “Gollum,” “Monstro,” and “Gremlin.” Each stage requires a makeup process lasting 5 to 6 hours, gradually transforming Demi Moore from the glamorous Hollywood star Elisabeth Sparkle into the chilling “Monster Elishasu.” Persin stated, “We hope to showcase the horrific visage of the character while preserving her elegance and tragedy.”

To achieve the most authentic visual effect, the team insists on using practical effects on set, employing traditional techniques such as silicone models, clay sculptures, and explosive gelatin skulls. The most challenging stage, “Monstro,” requires custom full-body latex suits that incorporate multiple body parts. To depict the final blood-spraying scene, director Coralie Fargeat insisted on avoiding CGI. The team even utilized fire hoses to inject 30,000 gallons of artificial blood, creating a stunning visual impact.


Makeup Design Director Stephanie Guillon paid special attention to Elisabeth’s initial flawless look: “The character must begin with beauty before falling from grace to highlight the dramatic transformation.” The team utilized a large number of custom silicone prosthetics and professional makeup techniques to present Demi Moore in an eerie state of being both young and old, showcasing the dual struggle of the character’s inner self and outer appearance.

Persin revealed: “The director asked to maintain the feminine traits of the monster, rather than just a simple rubber creature. We drew inspiration from the tragic elements of ‘The Elephant Man,’ making the overall look both chilling and slightly elegant.”

Hair stylist Marilyne Scarselli focuses on the character Sue, played by Margaret Qualley: “We designed vibrant hairstyles for Sue that showcase her passion for life. Each hairstyle is meticulously crafted to reflect the character’s psychological transformation.”

Demi Moore demonstrated incredible dedication, patiently undergoing a six-hour makeup process every day. Guillon praised, “She never complained and always remained focused, which allowed us to perfectly present every detail.” It is precisely this commitment and professionalism that created the most memorable visual effects in the film, ultimately winning the Academy Award for Best Makeup and Hairstyling for “Perfect Material.”
