Review of *The Last Showgirl*
*The Last Showgirl*, now streaming on Hulu, might even have Pamela Anderson in line for an Oscar nomination. This movie, which focuses on an aging Vegas dancer, confronts the reality of how quickly youth and beauty can fade, leaving us—and perhaps her—wondering about the future. However, Anderson’s performance is captivating. She embodies a woman whose life has revolved around youthful ideals and glamor; now at 57, she’s reflecting on her identity. This insightful portrayal builds on the themes explored in the 2023 documentary *Pamela, a Love Story*, as director Gia Coppola brings her own depth to the character.
Let’s talk about the essentials: set design, costumes, and, oh, that charm! Shelly Gardner, portrayed by Anderson, stepped into the world of entertainment for the sparkle it brings. Even at her age, she still radiates that sparkle, performing in the retro Vegas show *Le Razzle Dazzle*. “It’s all about breasts, rhinestones, and joy!” she exclaims. Behind the curtains, Shelly and her fellow dancers hustle—putting on makeup and slipping into costumes. Jodie (Kiernan Shipka) and Mary-Anne (Brenda Song) see her as a mother figure. Stage manager Eddie (Dave Bautista), a veteran of the show, rounds out the crew as a paternal presence. It’s chaotic and a bit tense backstage, but that’s just part of showbiz, I suppose.
Shelly lives a simple life and often hosts cookouts with Jodie, Mary-Anne, and Annette (Jamie Lee Curtis). You get a sense of her reality during these gatherings. For instance, she makes a comment about retirement savings—like who needs those when you’re living a glittery life? But then, Eddie interrupts the picnic with bad news: *Le Razzle Dazzle* is shutting down, replaced by a risqué show featuring more scandalous acts. You can feel Shelly’s frustration as she contrasts their approach with the elegance of her own show.
Where does this leave Shelly? Well, it’s tempting to dwell on the past when times are uncertain. She tries to reach out to her daughter, Hannah (Billie Lourdes), with whom she hasn’t spoken in a year. When Hannah drops by, it’s awkward. Each time she calls her “Sherry,” it feels like a stab to the heart. Yet, when Hannah shares her interest in photography, Shelly is encouraging, even enthusiastic about her daughter’s creative aspirations. It’s unclear what caused the rift between them—perhaps they’ll figure it out together. Shelly needs to confront reality now, with no more illusions to hide behind.
Comparative Film Themes
*The Last Showgirl* sits somewhere between *The Wrestler* and *Hustler*. It captures similar themes and tones as other films like *Anora* and *Material* that released in 2024.
Performance Insights
Without Anderson’s life experiences, this film wouldn’t shine as brightly. Her real-life journey lends a profound weight to her portrayal of Shelly.
Notable Dialogues
One memorable moment is when Shelly reacts to Hannah adopting a more practical approach to life over pursuing her dream of photography. It’s one of those lines we’ve all heard someone say to dreamers.
Content Warning
There are topless scenes and suggestive moments in the “Dirty Circus.” It’s not shy about the provocative elements.
Final Thoughts
*The Last Showgirl* doesn’t merely mirror Anderson’s own life experiences from *Pamela, a Love Story*. Shelly illustrates the folly of trying to define oneself solely through an idealistic lens, pushing the narrative to a thought-provoking extreme. While the script does have its clumsy moments, Anderson’s presence elevates it. She delivers a striking performance, especially in the poignant finale that feels like an Oscar moment, complemented by a slow-motion dance to Bonnie Tyler’s “Total Eclipse of the Heart.” Despite the film’s flaws, it resonates with a quiet power.
So, if you’re interested in witnessing Pamela Anderson in a new light, this film is worth streaming.
