Slanted – Beauty, Race & Body-Horror
Genre: Drama, Horror, Comedy
Directed by: Amy Wang
Starring: Shirley Chen, McKenna Grace, Maitreyi Ramakrishnan
Release Date: TBD – Premiered March 8, 2025 (SXSW Film Festival)
Platform: TBD
Rating: 4/5
By Crystal Justine
“A perfect balance between horror, satire, and poignant social commentary.”
SLANTED, the striking and thought-provoking film that swept the 2025 SXSW Film Festival by storm, is so much more than the teen movie and body horror comparisons it has garnered. While some might see it as a hybrid of Mean Girls and The Substance, this film transcends those references, offering an emotionally charged narrative wrapped in dark comedy and body-horror galore. With its win for Best Narrative Feature, it’s clear that SLANTED is a cinematic experience that demands attention.
Written and directed by the immensely talented Amy Wang, SLANTED tackles an array of pressing sociopolitical themes, skillfully blending humor with disturbing imagery. The film centers on Joan (Shirley Chen), a teenage girl whose family emigrated from China to the U.S. when she was young. Growing up surrounded by American culture, Joan feels the weight of society’s beauty standards that champion blonde-haired, blue-eyed perfection while subtly (and not-so-subtly) marginalizing people of color. Despite being immersed in the American way of life, Joan still feels the sting of not fitting in, especially in a school where prom queens are predictable. Joan’s dream is simple, she wants to be prom queen. But in a school where the “ideal” girl looks nothing like her, she feels defeated before the fight even begins.
In the midst of it all, a local company offers a controversial solution, which is transracial surgery, a procedure that promises to transform people of color into Caucasians. The opportunity is tantalizing, but Joan must wrestle with the life-altering decision of whether to change her identity to fit in, or remain true to herself, despite the external pressures. The film explores Joan’s journey with a raw intensity, delving into the complexities of race, self-image, and belonging in a way that’s both painful and captivating.
What makes SLANTED stand out is how effortlessly it balances dark humor and chilling body horror with a sharp critique of the world we live in. While the pacing may start slow, the tension steadily builds, particularly as Joan’s decision leads her down a disturbing path. The second half of the film unleashes a frenetic energy as the consequences of her choice spiral into uncharted territory, escalating the anxiety and transforming the film into a truly disturbing experience. The body horror elements, amplified by practical effects, become increasingly grotesque, forcing viewers to confront not just the physical but also the psychological toll of Joan’s transformation.
The performances in SLANTED are nothing short of incredible. Shirley Chen, a rising star in Hollywood, delivers a powerful, nuanced performance as Joan. While she may be relatively new to leading roles, Chen’s portrayal proves she’s a force to be reckoned with, offering an emotionally resonant performance that’s bound to be remembered. McKenna Grace, who’s been in the industry since childhood, brings her seasoned acting chops to the table in a role that demands both emotional depth and physical intensity. As the journey takes an increasingly surreal turn, Grace’s performance rises to meet the challenge.
The final act of SLANTED evokes the eerie, chaotic energy of Carrie, using horror to explore the ways in which societal expectations can warp a young person’s sense of self. The body-horror, while undeniably unsettling, becomes a powerful metaphor for the dissonance between inner identity and external expectations. Amy Wang’s direction and writing are exceptional, striking a perfect balance between horror, satire, and poignant social commentary. She deftly critiques the damaging effects of media-driven beauty standards and the often invisible racism that plagues our world, all while reminding us of the inherent value of embracing one’s authentic self.
At its core, SLANTED is a film about identity and the tension between fitting in and staying true to oneself. It’s a story that will resonate deeply with anyone who’s ever felt out of place, whether due to race, ethnicity, or any other societal pressure. For those who are white, the film offers a rare opportunity to understand the internal struggles and prejudices that people of color often face, shedding light on the privilege many might not even realize they possess.
Though SLANTED may not have the enormous budget of the films it’s being compared to, it’s brimming with quality, both in terms of its production and its themes. It’s a film that will stick with you, challenging how we perceive beauty, race, and self-worth. With Amy Wang’s impressive talent on full display, it’s clear that her career is one to watch. She’s also behind the highly anticipated Crazy Rich Asians 2, and based on SLANTED, it’s safe to say she’s destined for even greater things.
Although the release date has not yet been announced, SLANTED is a must-see movie to watch out for. With stellar performances, a compelling story, and a thought-provoking examination of identity and so much more, it’s a film that will leave a lasting impression. Don’t miss it, because this is a story that needs to be told, and Amy Wang is a talent who’s poised to take Hollywood by storm. I, for one, can’t wait to see what she does next.
