Pamela Anderson has often been remembered for her iconic role on the 90s TV show Baywatch, but her latest film, The Last Showgirl, marks her return to acting with newfound depth. Directed by Gia Coppola, the film features Anderson as Shelly, a veteran Las Vegas showgirl whose life is thrown upside down when the revue she dedicates her career to, Le Razzle Dazzle, is set to close.
Anderson, who has described The Last Showgirl as “life-changing,” portrays Shelly as she grapples with aging and the harsh realities of her career. While Shelly has been the sparkle of the Vegas show for three decades, she now finds herself at a difficult crossroads, unsure of her future. Anderson’s performance captures this internal conflict beautifully, earning her considerable attention during awards season.
“I wouldn’t have thought this was going to be the number one TV show in the world… It doesn’t matter. I mean, it all evens out in the end,” says Anderson, reflecting on her unpredictable career. The film mirrors both her character's dilemmas and Anderson's own turbulent path through fame and public perception.
Throughout the movie, comparisons to Darren Aronofsky’s The Wrestler are unavoidable, as both stories feature characters confronting the reality of their fading star status. Critics have noted the uplifting tones of Coppola’s film compared to the bleakness of its predecessor. According to various reviews, Anderson’s performance is punctuated with vulnerability and optimism, making it relatable and deeply engaging.
Anderson's character Shelly is thrust back to her childhood dreams, trying to reconcile her past successes with her current fears. The film paints Shelly's character not as just another fading star but as someone full of unresolved potential, showcasing the emotional weight behind Anderson’s portrayal. She asserts, “I’m 57, and I’m beautiful!” confronting criticisms head-on, encapsulating the film's themes of self-acceptance and resilience.
The ensemble cast of The Last Showgirl also shines, with Jamie Lee Curtis taking on the role of Annette, another aging showgirl who adds depth to the story through her friendship with Shelly. Billie Lourd plays Shelly’s estranged daughter, Hannah. Their scenes together form the emotional core of the film, illustrating family dynamics and the consequences of life choices. Critics have praised the movie for its standout performances, stating, "Each and every actor within The Last Showgirl is operating at the top of their game."
The film shifts focus between Shelly's personal reflections and the external spectacle of Las Vegas, yet it never loses sight of the characters' intimate struggles. Viewers witness Shelly wandering through the neon-lit Strip, contemplating her relationships and career. According to Kat Hughes, “Without Anderson at the center, Gia Coppola’s film would not work; it is Anderson’s own life experiences bleeding onto the character.”
While the film’s narrative may seem loose, it conveys the poignancy of Shelly’s life through artful direction and cinematography. Coppola’s choice of shooting on grainy 16mm film adds to the nostalgic feel, said to evoke the corrupted glamour of the city’s entertainment world.
Despite mixed reviews acknowledging its flaws, the film succeeds immensely at showcasing Pamela Anderson's emotional range and acting prowess. Critics note how Anderson seems to transcend the usual stereotypes associated with her image, inviting audiences to empathize with her character’s plight.
The Last Showgirl is set to appeal to anyone who appreciates stories about empowerment, redemption, and the realities of aging—a timely message delivered through the lens of one of Hollywood’s most recognizable icons.
With its UK release on February 28, 2025, Anderson’s performance is likely to resonate, hoping to usher her back onto the radar of awards bodies, who have overlooked her talent for too long. For Anderson, The Last Showgirl is not just another role but perhaps the beginning of the next chapter of her career, one grounded firmly in authenticity and soul.