The Last Showgirl - A Movie Review

Do you know what’s next?

The Last Showgirl is a 2024 film. Shelley, a showgirl veteran, is beside herself when her Las Vegas revue ends its run after 30 years. Now, Shelley and the performers must face the uncertain future and discover what’s next.

Are we ever too old for anything? There’s a lot beneath the layers of The Last Showgirl. Careers are a focal point in this movie, especially as you grow older. Guide your own way in the world and always be open to what’s next.

Pamela Anderson does a fantastic job in the role of Shelley Gardner, a showgirl who loves what she does. Shelley has never been the most responsible adult, making mistakes, but owning up to her faults. Anderson’s best performance is in the climax, where Shelley claps back at stinging remarks, affirming her beauty and talent.

One aspect of Shelley that isn’t seen a lot in protagonists is her selfish nature. Unlike most protagonists who put others' needs before their own, Shelley chooses herself. That’s a bold move. Think about yourself, too.

The Last Showgirl has a good cast of actresses who have donned impeccable acting careers. Brenda Song, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Kiernan Shipka are all wonderful. I noticed that each actress is part of a different generation, adding to the story’s theme of age.

The women have great chemistry, and I enjoyed watching them in their scenes. Each character has a story. I wish the film could have focused on the other women’s stories more, but this is Shelley’s story.

I mentally kicked myself for not recognizing Dave Bautista as the stage manager, Eddie. Bautista has really come into his own in the acting world. For the business he’s in, Eddie is a respectful person and looks out for others.

The film includes a subplot with Shelley and her daughter, Hannah (Billie Lourd). The pair doesn't have a normal mother-daughter relationship, but has made the best of it. Conversations arise about career goals, which vary in opinions.

“What’s the plan?” That’s a bigger question than you think. I heard this question so many times when college graduation was around the corner. This phrase angered me because I didn’t know. It’s hard to think about the road ahead for the next five or ten years because you never know what could happen. As I have learned, make a short-term plan.

Gia Coppola made a movie about aging and achieves the message with subtle storytelling. Fascinated by Vegas shows, she reached out to Kate Gersten, who adapted an unfinished play, and began work on The Last Showgirl.

The cinematography is also a constructive device, resembling the timely feel of the story. The screen looks blurred on the sides of the screen. It resembles someone recalling memories or remaining in the past, instead of recognising the present.

Camera angles also capture the whirlwind of the glamorous performing arts, which is what Coppola and Gersten wanted to represent authentically. Aging is one of the hardest parts about the entertainment industry. Hollywood directors have particular standards that have put most actresses out of work because of their age or appearance.

Shelley’s audition speaks to me at the end. Although disheartened by the changing world, she is happy with herself, which is a heartwarming lesson to viewers. Despite being around the corner from thirty, I found this movie relatable. All career goals have setbacks, but we will overcome them.

Check out The Last Showgirl for something different. It may seem slow-paced, but it’s a film that conveys more under the layers.