The Substance: The Film Set Designs (Video Podcast)

In this episode of The Film and Furniture Podcast, host Paula Benson sits down with production designer Stanislas Reydellet to explore the striking production design of Coralie Fargeat’s The Substance. Reydellet, a key creative force behind the film, shares the details of crafting a visually immersive world—one that is both unsettling and meticulously designed. From grand, minimalistic apartments to corridors that evoke a psychological journey, this episode explores the interplay of set design, furniture, décor, colour, and symbolism in storytelling.

 

🎥 Episode Highlights

• A visionary approach to filming The Substance—including a 110-day shoot and 20 days dedicated to microscopic details.

• Elizabeth’s apartment—how its vast emptiness reflects isolation, status, and a retreat from the world.

• Furniture transformations—how the evolving bed, chairs, and décor reflect shifting psychological states.

• The mechanics of blood—how 2,000 litres of fake blood were engineered for one of the film’s pivotal moments.

• Design influences—the impact of the Memphis Group and Ettore Sottsass on the film’s aesthetic.

• A nod to The Shining—the hexagonal carpet in the TV studio corridor and how it was adapted as a subtle yet powerful homage.

• The bathroom as a lightbox—inspired by Jean-Pierre Raynaud, its sterile, minimalist design heightens the film’s surrealism.

• Obsessive attention to detail—from designing the perfect USB key to crafting a unique custom typeface for the film’s fictional brand.

🎭 Guest & Host Info Guest:

Stanislas Reydellet – Production Designer for The Substance

Host: Paula Benson – Founder and Editor of Film and Furniture

 

📌 Links & Resources

🔗 The official Hicks Hexagon carpet and rugs as seen in The Shining – https://filmandfurniture.com/product/the-shining-overlook-hotel-rug-hicks-hexagon-official-240-170/

🔗 Read the article: https://filmandfurniture.com/2025/03/behind-the-scene…of-the-substance/

🔗 Discover where to find furniture and décor in film in our marketplace: https://filmandfurniture.com/store/

🔗 Explore the Film and Furniture features on the design, furniture, and décor of film: https://filmandfurniture.com/features/

🔗 Sign up for our Newsletter for exclusive content and giveaways: https://filmandfurniture.com/membership/

 

⏰ When to Watch/Listen to This Episode?

You can watch or listen to this episode before seeing the film to enhance your viewing experience. However, please note that it contains SPOILERS. If you prefer to avoid them, watch after seeing The Substance—it might even make you want to watch the film all over again!

 

🎬 Films Mentioned

The Substance (2024)

The Shining (1980) – Kubrick’s influence, including the hexagonal carpet reference

2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) – The film’s visual language and lighting effects

A Clockwork Orange (1971) – Aesthetic references in the film’s mood boards

The Fly (1986) – Body horror and transformation influences

Requiem for a Dream (2000) – Psychological and stylistic elements

The Picture of Dorian Gray – The film’s thematic connection to identity and transformation 🎨

 

Credits

Film and Furniture Founder/Editor: Paula Benson

Podcast Producer: Suzanne Courage

Video/Podcast Editor: Laura Spini

Graphics: Paul West (@Form Design and Branding)

With thanks to MUBI

 

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