The Last Showgirl (Coppola, 2024)

The Last Showgirl is a dazzling yet bittersweet ode to reinvention, resilience, and the glitzy world of Las Vegas, with Pamela Anderson delivering a career-defining performance.

Written by Mariane Tremblay

Set against the vibrant yet fading backdrop of the Las Vegas strip, the film takes us behind the curtain of the iconic show Le Razzle Dazzle, where Shelley (Pamela Anderson) has spent over three decades captivating audiences. When the show abruptly closes, Shelley faces the daunting challenge of reinventing her life after dedicating so much of it to the stage.

The story beautifully explores themes of aging, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of one’s dreams. Shelley and her friends, particularly Annette (Jamie Lee Curtis), navigate an industry that prioritizes youth and beauty, yet they refuse to let these societal pressures extinguish their passion. The film’s message is clear: age is not a barrier to reinvention, and pursuing one’s dreams is a lifelong journey filled with both hardships and triumphs.

The performances are a highlight, with every actor having their moment to shine. Pamela Anderson is utterly captivating, bringing vulnerability, strength, and charm to Shelley – Anderson’s deeply personal and nuanced performance is a revelation. Jamie Lee Curtis matches her stride for stride, delivering a heartfelt and grounded portrayal of Annette, whose vulnerability and humor anchors the story. Kiernan Shipka, Brenda Strong, and Dave Bautista also stand out, offering some of the film’s most memorable and touching moments.

In The Last Showgirl, director Gia Coppola skillfully juxtaposes the neon-lit glamour of Las Vegas with the raw realities of its performers, creating a visual and emotional contrast that adds depth to the story, revealing the tension between the dazzling allure on the surface and the harsh truths hidden beneath.

However, despite its strengths, the film feels slightly underdeveloped. Certain characters and storylines lack the depth they deserve. For instance, I felt like Shelley’s relationships outside of the stage were only lightly touched on – I learned things, yet nothing substantial, leaving an emotional gap in the narrative – I was moved by the film’s ending, but I expected more. Similarly, while the younger generation of performers, like Shipka and Strong’s characters, add an interesting dynamic, their arcs could have been more fully explored. These missed opportunities leave the film feeling as though it’s only skimming the surface of its rich themes.

Yet, even with these shortcomings, it succeeds in celebrating the strength and spirit of its characters. It’s a heartfelt tribute to Las Vegas’ golden age and the resilience of its last iconic showgirls.

The Pamela Anderson renaissance is real, and The Last Showgirl is the defining role she’s been waiting for. This film cements her as a talent worthy of more nuanced and meaningful roles — and I, for one, can’t wait to see what she does next.

The Last Showgirl is now playing in theatres. 

Photo credits : Mongrel Media