SLANTED
(director/writer: Amy Wang; cinematographer: Ed Wu; editor: Ryan Chan; music: Shirley Song; cast: Shirley Chen (Joan Huang), McKenna Grace (Jo Hunt), Vivian Wu (Joan’s mom), Maitreyi Ramakrishnan (Brindha), Amelie Zilber (Olivia Hammond), Fang Du (Joan’s father, Roger Huang), Elaine Hendrix (Harmony), R. Keith Harris (Willie); Runtime: 102; MPAA Rating: NR; producers: Amy Wang, Mark Ankner, Trevor Wall, Adel “Future” Nur; Mountain Top Pictures; 2025)
“A bold satirical teen comedy turned into a body horror film that’s rife with black comedy.”
Reviewed by Dennis Schwartz
The Chinese-Australian filmmaker, based in LA, Amy Wang, handsomely directs and writes her feature film debut. It’s a bold satirical teen comedy turned into a body horror film that’s rife with black comedy.
The Chinese-American teenager Joan Huang (Shirley Chen) always dreamed of being a Prom Queen ever since coming to America at a young age, but is aware those of her race never get chosen in American schools because of their complexion. To remedy things, Joan undergoes an irreversible experimental treatment she learns about on social media that transforms her into a possible winner as Jo Hunt (McKenna Grace) with a white complexion. But the change creates a nightmare for her.
The provocative plot reveals a generational divide between Joan and her proud business owning immigrant Chinese parents (Vivian Wu & Fang Du), and also creates a divide with her best friend Brindha (Maitreyi Ramakrishnan).
Filled with challenging set pieces, it’s easy to root for Joan to want to successfully assimilate and for the viewer to confront how racist America can seem to the outsider.
The film’s highlight scene shows the anger, shame and horror from the reactions of her parents to her transformation.
The third act, depicts how uncomfortable Joan is in her own skin, as it becomes heartbreaking to see how she ponders if it was worth doing what she did to become popular. In its obvious conclusion, it reveals how easily the children of immigrants can be misled about trying to fit into American society.
The fine acting by the ensemble cast keeps things from becoming superficial. Also, Amy Wang does a good job tackling the subjects of cultural heritage and identity that concerns the younger Asian American generation.
If you’ve seen films such as The Substance or Mean Girls, you know the direction the story is heading. If less predictable and peeling back more layers to the Asian American assimilation problem, we would probably have an even more insightful film.
It played at SXSW Film Festival.
REVIEWED ON 4/19/2025 GRADE: B
dennisschwartzreviews.com