The Last Showgirl

Frank’s Film Review: The Last Showgirl
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ /5

Walking out of The Last Showgirl gave me the rare feeling of witnessing something special. This isn’t just a movie—it’s a cinematic gem that manages to be intimate and larger-than-life. The film weaves the poignant story of a woman, Stella (Pamela Anderson), who sacrificed motherhood to dedicate her life to the glitzy world of show business. After 35 years as the star of a celebrated Las Vegas show, the curtains close for the last time, leaving Stella grappling with the loss of her career, her identity, and the choices she made along the way. What unfolds is an unflinching look at resilience, regret, and the search for self in the aftermath of dreams deferred.

First, I have to highlight Pamela Anderson’s performance. Her portrayal of a sensitive, soft, and world-weary woman struggling to hold onto herself after her long-running show closes struck such an emotional chord. She wasn’t just acting—she was living this role. Her character felt raw and authentic, as if her pain, hope, and quiet moments of vulnerability had been plucked right out of real life. Anderson’s commitment to the role was notable, and her performance completely captivated me. She carried her part with such grace, giving us a woman who is fragile but fierce, tired yet resilient. It was as if we were watching her rebuild herself on screen—and it was heartbreaking and inspiring all at once. Pamela truly deserves an Oscar trophy for her portrayal.

Then, there’s Jamie Lee Curtis, who blew me away. She took on the role of an aging showgirl-turned-cocktail waitress with unapologetic boldness, giving us a raw, complex, and deeply human character. What impressed me most was her ability to strip away any sense of glamour to show us the gritty reality of her character’s life. Curtis didn’t shy away from playing the unvarnished truth of this woman, and that vulnerability made her performance unforgettable. There’s so much courage in how she embodied her character—she wasn’t afraid to get messy, emotional, or even unlikeable. You couldn’t look away. To say she deserves an Academy Award nomination doesn’t feel like enough—she deserves the win.

The actor who played Eddie (Dave Bautista) was another revelation. He brought such a quiet intensity to the screen, and I rooted for him. He felt genuine, like someone you’d recognize from your own life, and that’s not always easy to pull off. Every moment he was on screen added depth and heart to the story. The supporting cast, particularly Pamela Anderson’s fellow dancers (Brenda Song and Kiernan Shipka), were magnetic. They added layers of authenticity and gave the film a sense of community that felt alive and genuine. Each character, major or minor, played a part in creating this realistic, lived-in environment.

The cinematography in The Last Showgirl deserves its standing ovation. The film opens with grainy, slightly unfocused shots along the edges, creating this nostalgic, almost dreamlike feeling. It’s not perfect or polished in the typical way, but that’s the beauty of it. This technique draws you in, making everything feel less like a movie and more like a memory. It’s like you’ve stumbled into someone’s life and are experiencing their world through their eyes. The visual choices were bold and unconventional but never overshadowed the storyline—instead, they elevated it. The graininess, the light, and the color palette all worked together to make the film feel organic and authentic, emphasizing the characters’ humanity.

None of this would have been possible without Gia Coppola’s incredible direction. This film feels like a passion project brought to life with care, skill, and vision. Coppola’s ability to weave together so many elements—the stunning visuals, the deeply emotional performances, and the compelling narrative—is nothing short of extraordinary. She didn’t just tell a story—she created a vibrant, flawed, and achingly beautiful world. It’s clear that every detail, every moment, was carefully considered. She deserves all the praise for bringing something so unique and emotionally rich to the screen.

The Last Showgirl isn’t just a movie—it’s an experience. It’s a story about loss, resilience, and the pursuit of identity in a world that doesn’t always seem to notice you. It’s about how people rebuild themselves after their dreams are gone and find meaning in what’s left. The performances are stellar, the cinematography is stunning, and Gia Coppola’s direction is brilliant. I strongly urge you to watch this film—it requires viewing, feeling, and deep contemplation. Bravo to everyone involved in this masterpiece. This one will stick with me for a long, long time.