The Last Showgirl Movie Review: Pamela Anderson delivers a career-defining performance in a poignant and realistic drama

Story: Shelly, a middle-aged showgirl, finds her future in limbo when she discovers that the revue she has performed in for over three decades is closing down.Review: Watching ‘The Last Showgirl,’ one can’t help but wonder why Pamela Anderson hadn’t showcased this side of her acting before. In this poignant and realistic drama, Anderson delivers the best performance of her career as a 57-year-old showgirl facing an uncertain future when the revue she has devoted decades to is set to close. The film brilliantly captures the vulnerabilities and fears of an ageing woman with no safety net—neither financial nor familial. It draws inevitable comparisons to Demi Moore’s performance in ‘The Substance,’ which also explored themes of youth, beauty, and the harshness of reality. ‘The Last Showgirl’ is an emotionally resonant film, and full credit goes to Gia Coppola for crafting a fictional story that feels real.The film revolves around Shelly (Pamela Anderson), a veteran showgirl who has spent over three decades performing at Le Razzle Dazzle, a Las Vegas revue. She shares a maternal bond with fellow performers Mary-Anne and Jodie and has a deep friendship with Annette (Jamie Lee Curtis), a cocktail waitress at the casino. Shelly’s world is shaken when Eddie (Dave Bautista), the show’s producer, announces that the revue will be replaced by a burlesque circus. For Shelly, the news is devastating—being a showgirl is all she has ever known, and the uncertainty of her future fills her with fear. Desperate to find work, she auditions for other shows, only to face rejection and humiliation. At one audition, she is bluntly told that she was hired by Le Razzle Dazzle only because she was young and beautiful at the time. As she comes to terms with her fading career, unexpected encounters with Hannah, her estranged daughter, and Annette force her to confront a new reality.In many ways, ‘The Last Showgirl’ is an ironic film, exposing the harsh realities beneath the glitz and glamour of show business. Behind the dazzling lights and spectacle lies a world that is far less forgiving—one that is cold, uncertain, and often brutal. The choice of 16mm cinematography enhances this rawness, giving the film a textured, unpolished feel that suits its tone perfectly. Though poignant and, at times, melancholic, Gia Coppola’s direction ensures that Shelly’s journey is not shrouded in despair. Instead, there’s a quiet resilience to her, making the film’s exploration of loss and reinvention feel refreshingly human. The camaraderie between the showgirls is touching; after years of working together, they have become more like a family. A touching moment in the film is when Eddie arrives unannounced at Shelly’s place with a bottle of wine—it feels less like a scripted scene and more like a glimpse into real life.It may seem unexpected, but Pamela Anderson delivers a stunning performance as an ageing showgirl in thisdrama. In many ways, the role mirrors her own life—after years in the spotlight, she now struggles to find her place. Alone, she dances for herself, stitches her costumes to avoid fines, and smiles at memories of the past. Anderson pours her heart and soul into the role, and the result is fabulous. Equally captivating is Jamie Lee Curtis, who shines as a cocktail waitress. Like Anderson’s character, she is real and authentic, bringing warmth and depth to her performance. One of the film’s standout moments is a scene where she dances alone in the casino—a beautiful cinematic gem. In this film, Dave Bautista steps away from his usual action-hero persona. As Eddie, he delivers a controlled performance that goes far beyond expectations.At its core, this is a heartbreaking drama that lays bare the hidden struggles of those who entertain others. Beneath the glamour are tears, sacrifices, and an uncertain future. ‘The Last Showgirl’is also a reminder that even following your dreams doesn’t always guarantee security. It’s an emotional and thought-provoking film, powered by some truly remarkable performances.