The Last Showgirlis an intimate look intoPamela Anderson’s Shelly, a Las Vegas showgirl who desperately clings to a career that is pulling away from her. Directed byGia Coppolaand written byKate Gertsen,it’s a bittersweet film that explores motherhood, ageism, and sexism, with supporting roles byJamie Lee CurtisandDave Bautistathat further humanize the story of facing an uncertain future. The final minutes might leave some viewers unsatisfied, but an ending with no loose ends wouldn’t stay true to what came before.
‘The Last Showgirl’ Shines a Spotlight on Shelly’s Messy Life
Shelly Gardner is an older Las Vegas showgirl, who learns the revue she has spent three decades with,Le Razzle Dazzle, is closing due to poor ticket sales. During her final two weeks, the past and present collide. Her estranged daughter Hannah (Billie Lourd) resurfaces, worrying that her aspiration to go into photography isn’t a safe financial one as her college graduation looms. Shelly’s advice to follow through with a creative career only frustrates Hannah.These feelings get worse after Hannah finally attends one of Shelly’s performancesand believes the semi-nude dancers and a nearly empty audience prove that her mother picked a lackluster career over raising a daughter. The attempts to reconnect with Hannah then strain themother-daughter relationshipwith the fellow showgirls that look up to her, Mary-Anne (Brenda Song), and especially Jodie (Kiernan Shipka).
A heartbreaking scene has a tear-stained Jodie arrive unannounced at Shelly’s house. The young woman hopes to find support that her own family hasn’t given her, viewing Shelly as asurrogate mother, but Shelly denies her entry. This comes after a fight with Hannah and in the middle of Shelly trying to practice a dance for an upcoming audition. Even if it does seem cruel, Shelly distancing herself from Jodie is understandable. All of this messiness makesPamela Anderson’s performancecaptivating to watch.The Last Showgirlnever judges Shelly, and Coppola and Gertsen never forget to treat Shelly’s passion for being aLas Vegasshowgirl with tremendous dignity. Then another conflict arises with Eddie (Bautista), the producer ofLe Razzle Dazzle, who is revealed to be Hannah’s biological father, something that only Shelly knows.
Shelly Finds Support and Criticism as ‘Le Razzle Dazzle’ Nears the End
Dave Bautistaportrays the producer as a sweet man with no self-awareness. When Shelly decides to go on a date with him, it doesn’t go well once Eddie admits his disapproval of Shelly putting a career over Hannah. It’s uncalled-for, but at least Shelly can find unwavering support from longtime friend and ex-showgirl, Annette (Curtis), a cocktail waitress who is constantly getting hours given to younger coworkers.Annette represents a future of being forgotten, building onto asense of anxietythat runs throughout the film as Shelly feels the crushing weight of ageism and sexism.
The failed date is uncomfortable, but her failed audition is devastating.A newcomer to a modern casting call, she is rejected quickly for not being the right age and not having the right dance skills. Angry and embarrassed, Shelly hurries to the parking lot, while lashing out at Mary-Anne, who was also at the audition and has followed to comfort her. Despite how grounded this film is,several scenes feel almost fantasy-likewhen Shelly, by herself, or in another scene with Annette, walks around Las Vegas with no one else around. It’s as if they are both ignored by society, but with the camera on them, they are worthy of being seen. It’s not until the final minutes that the grounded realism of theslice-of-lifenarrative truly shifts into fantasy.
‘The Last Showgirl’ Ends With Uncertainty
When Shelly makes amends with her fellow showgirls, viewers might question if it takes place in reality due to how suddenly the wordless scene appears, with Shelly crying and embracing the women.According to screenwriter Kate Gertsen, “After that scene in the parking lot, there was a scene that was cut of dialogue between Mary-Anne and Jodie and Shelly sort of moving on to what’s next in their lives.” During the final show ofLe Razzle Dazzle, the slo-mo editing and dreamy camera work strongly imply these final minutes exist in her head. On the way to the stage,Shelly sees Hannah, but her daughter seems to disappear amidst the lineup of dancers.While performing, she finds her two lives united whenHannah sits next to Eddie in the audience, both with proud faces.
Gertsen explained she put into the script, “that Hannah is there photographing the show and that she has decided to preserve it.” But Coppola decided on theambiguous ending, choosing to keepa lack of uncertainty inThe Last Showgirlfor what comes next for ShellyafterLe Razzle Dazzle, or how she can fix her relationship with Hannah. Instead, viewers geta peek into what she feels when on stage.It’s the only time the film allows us to see a performance, and this special access is magical. You understand why it means so much to her. The rhinestones on her costume shine under the stage lights as brightly as the smile on her face. You are left with the hope Shelly can find that happiness again.
The Last Showgirlis now playing in theaters.
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The Last Showgirl
A veteran Las Vegas showgirl reassesses her life and relationships after her long-running show abruptly ends. This drama explores themes of resilience, family dynamics, and the pursuit of new beginnings amidst personal and professional upheavals.
