From the very first frame, drenched in rhinestones and bathed in neon light, The Last Showgirl grabs you by the heart and never lets go. Pamela Anderson’s return to the spotlight feels like a personal triumph—a full-circle moment for someone I’ve admired since her Home Improvement and Baywatch days. In this poignant film of resilience, rhinestones, and feathers, Shelly, the showgirl at the center of Vegas’ glittering tradition, is forced to reimagine her future as the marquee act she’s headlined for decades draws its curtain.
Directed by Gia Coppola and written by Kate Gersten, the film’s modestly scaled narrative becomes a tender ode to a disappearing era and an aging woman. It’s an affectionate exploration of life’s inevitable transitions. Anderson’s Shelly isn’t just a fading icon—she’s a woman reclaiming her narrative with a raw, unfiltered “I don’t give a fuck” attitude about aging that warms the soul. Given Anderson’s internet-breaking make-up-free looks that have garnered headlines over the last months, I am here for it!
A particular standout is Jamie Lee Curtis, the undisputed GOAT of the recovery world at 25 years sober. As Annette, Shelly’s steadfast friend, Curtis delivers a performance that is equal parts heartbreaking and hopeful. Whether it’s the intimate scene in Shelly’s kitchen—where Annette’s implied drinking problem speaks volumes —or the gut-wrenching moment when Annette’s gambling leaves her with nothing but a car and a resilient spirit, Curtis nails the bittersweet realities of life on the margins. And then there are those unforgettable moments: two friends finding solace and joy in spontaneous Razzle Dazzle routines, whether in a parking lot, on a shift, or right at home. It’s in these vignettes that the film’s true heartbeat is revealed.
Visually, The Last Showgirl is as mesmerizing as it is thought-provoking. Coppola’s choice to shoot in 16-millimeter film, with custom lenses that softly blur the harsh edges of Sin City, transforms the backdrop into a luminous nimbus—a fitting metaphor for the twilight of an era and the warm glow of memories that refuse to fade.
I also want to give a nod to Miley Cyrus, who is also sober, and her song Beautiful That Way, which you’ll want to play over and over long after the movie show credits stop rolling.
Ultimately, this film reaffirms what I’ve long believed: Pamela Anderson has always had the makings of a leading lady. Beyond the familiar persona and glitzy exterior lies an actress who can bare her soul, inviting us to witness the vulnerability behind the glimmer. The Last Showgirl isn’t just a movie—it’s a heartfelt farewell to a bygone Vegas, a celebration of resilience, and a reminder that the show goes on even as the curtains fall.
Movie Night with The Sober Curator Sobees Score: 4 out of 5
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MOVIE NIGHT WITH THE SOBER CURATOR: We explore movies that intricately weave addiction, recovery, and mental health into their compelling storylines. Imagine us as your diligent, bee-zy movie critics of the silver screen. Our buzzing hive has meticulously curated movies and documentaries that delve into these themes, allowing you to buzz through our captivating movie review archives. Our digital shelves are neatly organized alphabetically into Drama, Dramaedy, and Documentary sections, ensuring a delightful viewing experience.
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