Movie of the Day: The Last Showgirl (2025) by Gia Coppola

Link to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/the-last-showgirl (US), https://www.justwatch.com/uk/movie/the-last-showgirl (UK), https://www.justwatch.com/ca/movie/the-last-showgirl (Canada), https://www.justwatch.com/au/movie/the-last-showgirl (Australia)

Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt31193791/

Link Review: https://www.indiewire.com/criticism/movies/the-last-showgirl-review-pamela-anderson-gia-coppola-1235044791/

About movie: https://goodfellas.film/movie/the-last-showgirl/

Detailed Summary :The Last Showgirl is a poignant drama directed by Gia Coppola, starring Pamela Anderson as Shelly Gardner, a seasoned Las Vegas showgirl facing the end of her 30-year career when her long-running revue, "Le Razzle Dazzle," is abruptly closed. As Shelly grapples with the loss of her profession, she confronts personal challenges, including a strained relationship with her daughter, Hannah. The film delves into themes of aging, identity, and resilience, set against the backdrop of a changing Las Vegas.

Plot Summary: Shelly Gardner, once the star of a glamorous Las Vegas show, finds herself at a crossroads when "Le Razzle Dazzle" is shut down after decades. With her identity closely tied to her career, Shelly struggles to envision a future beyond the stage. Simultaneously, she attempts to reconnect with her estranged daughter, Hannah, who has grown up feeling secondary to her mother's career. The narrative explores Shelly's journey of self-discovery and reconciliation, highlighting the challenges faced by aging performers in an industry that often prioritizes youth.

Director's Vision: Gia Coppola aimed to shed light on the often-overlooked narratives of aging women in the entertainment industry. Drawing inspiration from the real-life decline of traditional Las Vegas shows and the city's evolving landscape, Coppola sought to capture the emotional complexities of performers whose identities are intertwined with their art. The film emphasizes authenticity, with Coppola choosing to shoot on 16mm film to evoke a sense of nostalgia and intimacy.

Themes:

• Aging and Identity: The film examines how aging impacts self-perception, especially for women in performance arts, and the struggle to redefine oneself beyond a long-held role.

• Mother-Daughter Relationships: Shelly's attempt to mend her relationship with Hannah underscores the sacrifices and misunderstandings that can arise when career ambitions overshadow familial bonds.

• Resilience and Reinvention: As Shelly navigates the end of her career, the story highlights the human capacity for adaptation and the pursuit of new beginnings.

• Cultural Shifts in Entertainment: The closure of "Le Razzle Dazzle" symbolizes the broader transition in entertainment preferences, moving away from traditional performances to modern spectacles.

Key Success Factors:

• Compelling Lead Performance: Pamela Anderson delivers a nuanced portrayal of Shelly, capturing the vulnerability and strength of a woman facing significant life changes.

• Authentic Setting: Filmed on location in Las Vegas, the movie provides a genuine depiction of the city's evolving entertainment scene.

• Strong Supporting Cast: Performances by Jamie Lee Curtis, Dave Bautista, and Billie Lourd add depth to the narrative, enriching Shelly's story.

• Visual Aesthetic: The choice to shoot on 16mm film enhances the nostalgic atmosphere, aligning with the film's themes of change and reflection.

Summary Short: The Last Showgirl is a heartfelt exploration of a performer's journey through the twilight of her career, addressing themes of aging, identity, and familial reconciliation, set against the backdrop of a transforming Las Vegas.

Awards and Nominations: The film received several accolades and nominations, including:

• Golden Globe Awards 2025:

  • Nominated for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama (Pamela Anderson)

  • Nominated for Best Original Song – "Beautiful That Way" by Andrew Wyatt, Miley Cyrus, and Lykke Li

• Screen Actors Guild Awards 2025:

  • Nominated for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role (Pamela Anderson)

  • Nominated for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role (Jamie Lee Curtis)

• Gotham Independent Film Awards 2024:

  • Nominated for Outstanding Lead Performance (Pamela Anderson)

• San Sebastián International Film Festival 2024:

  • Winner of the Special Prize of the Jury

Critics Reception:

• San Francisco Chronicle: Praised Anderson's performance as "intense and beautiful," likening it to Mickey Rourke's role in The Wrestler, highlighting the film's emotional depth.

• Film Ireland Magazine: Commended the film for its exploration of deeper themes, noting that it does them justice and expressing anticipation for Coppola's future projects.

• Critical Popcorn: Described the film as a "quiet portrait of ageing and irrelevance," emphasizing Anderson's performance as deeply personal and universal.

• Under the Radar: Acknowledged the film's relevant themes of age discrimination but noted it as "passably entertaining and engaging."

Overall Summary: Critics have generally responded positively to The Last Showgirl, particularly highlighting Pamela Anderson's transformative performance and the film's poignant exploration of aging and identity within the entertainment industry.

Reviews:

• Rotten Tomatoes: The film holds an 83% approval rating, with critics praising its emotional resonance and Anderson's standout performance.

• Metacritic: Scores a 66/100, indicating generally favorable reviews, with particular commendation for its thematic depth and character development.

Overall Summary: Audiences and critics alike have recognized The Last Showgirl as a significant work that offers a fresh perspective on the challenges faced by aging performers, bolstered by strong performances and thoughtful direction.

Box Office: As of the latest reports:

• Domestic Gross: $4.8 million

• International Gross: $2 million

• Worldwide Total: $6.8 million

The film performed well in limited release, especially considering its modest budget and niche subject matter.

Production: The film was shot over 18 days on location in Las Vegas, utilizing 16mm film to capture the city's authentic atmosphere. This choice contributed to the film's nostalgic aesthetic, aligning with its themes of change and reflection.

Production Companies:

• Utopia: United States

• High Frequency Entertainment: United States

• Pinky Promise: United States

• Digital Ignition Entertainment: United States

Sales Companies:

• Goodfellas: FranceManaged international sales, facilitating the film's distribution across various global markets.

Distribution Companies:

• Roadside Attractions: United StatesHandled the film's domestic release, ensuring it reached audiences nationwide.

• Picturehouse Entertainment: United KingdomOversaw the UK release, contributing to the film's international presence.

Release Dates:

• Streaming: Available for digital rental or purchase on major platforms as of April 8, 2025.

• Theatrical Release: Premiered in limited US theaters on December 13, 2024, with a wider release on January 10, 2025.

Why to Recommend This Movie:

• Empowering Narrative: Offers a compelling story about resilience and self-discovery, resonating with audiences facing their own life transitions.

• Strong Performances :Features standout performances, particularly from Pamela Anderson, showcasing her range and depth as an actress.

• Authentic Representation: Captures the nuanced experiences of aging women in the entertainment industry, offering a rarely seen perspective.

• Emotional Depth: Explores themes of identity, legacy, and reconciliation in a way that feels heartfelt and genuine.

• Rich Visual Aesthetic: The decision to shoot on 16mm film enhances the nostalgic and intimate atmosphere, drawing viewers deeper into the story.

Why to Watch This Movie:

• Humanizing a Unique Perspective: Provides insight into the lives of long-time performers as they navigate the challenges of aging and reinvention.

• Relatable Themes:Tackles universal issues like parent-child relationships, professional identity, and the struggle to remain relevant in a changing world.

• Captivating Lead Performance: Pamela Anderson’s portrayal of Shelly Gardner offers a career-defining performance, demonstrating her dramatic range and emotional resonance.

• Thought-Provoking Storytelling: Gia Coppola’s direction combines a keen eye for detail with a deep understanding of her characters’ inner lives, resulting in a film that lingers in the viewer’s mind.

What Movie Trend Film is Following:

• Age-Inclusive Storytelling Trend: The Last Showgirl aligns with a growing trend in cinema that focuses on telling stories about older characters, particularly women, exploring their complexities and contributions to the industry.

What Big Social Trend is Following:

• Conversations Around Ageism and Representation: The film reflects the broader cultural push for greater representation of aging individuals in media, challenging stereotypes and encouraging dialogue around career longevity and personal growth.

Final Verdict: The Last Showgirl is a deeply affecting and beautifully crafted film that shines a light on an underexplored segment of the entertainment world. Through its authentic storytelling, nuanced performances, and compelling direction, the film invites audiences to reflect on themes of aging, resilience, and familial bonds. Gia Coppola has crafted a poignant and unforgettable cinematic experience that will resonate with viewers long after the final curtain falls.

Recommendations for Filmmakers:

• Embrace Complex Characters: Develop nuanced roles for aging performers, allowing them to showcase their depth and experience.

• Explore Underrepresented Narratives: Seek out stories that provide fresh perspectives on well-known industries, bringing new depth and insight to familiar settings.

• Use Visual Style to Enhance Themes: Consider how cinematography and format choices, such as shooting on film, can add emotional weight and authenticity to the story.

• Prioritize Authenticity: Collaborate closely with performers and consultants to ensure an accurate and respectful depiction of the characters’ lives and experiences.

Recommendations for the Movie Industry:

• Support Age-Inclusive Projects: Encourage and invest in films that highlight the experiences of older characters, broadening the scope of stories available to audiences.

• Champion Female-Driven Narratives: Promote projects that place women, particularly older women, at the center of the story, showcasing their talent and leadership.

• Invest in Emerging Voices: Back directors like Gia Coppola who are willing to take creative risks and explore meaningful, socially relevant themes.

• Expand Distribution for Niche Films: Provide wider distribution opportunities for thoughtful, character-driven films, ensuring they reach diverse audiences both domestically and internationally.