Slanted, an audacious feature debut by Amy Wang, is a thought-provoking film that explores the complexities of identity, race, and societal power dynamics. This provocative race-swap body horror film delves into the experiences of an insecure Asian American high schooler, Joan, who undergoes a transformative procedure at a mysterious cosmetics clinic called Ethnos. The film's premise is unhinged, yet it resonates deeply with Wang's personal experiences and memories of racism and the struggle of fitting in.
The film's genre-mixing of dark satire, body horror, and coming-of-age drama creates a unique narrative style. While it could have bitten harder, the most affecting scenes are grounded in Wang's memories, particularly the relationship between Joan and her parents. The comedy of cross-cultural misunderstandings shades into something more painful, highlighting the sacrifices of parents in a new country and their daughter's desire to disappear into it.
Setting the story in high school was both instinctive and strategic. The social world of adolescence provides a believable backdrop for the film's absurdist moments. Wang wanted to flip the all-American girl trope on its head, and the film's unsubtlety allows for contemplation of societal power dynamics and the immigrant experience without feeling like a lecture.
The film's impact extends beyond its narrative. It raises deeper questions about confronting one's discomfort and putting it on the surface. Wang believes that everyone has wished to look different at some point, and the film explores the internal struggles and external racism faced by individuals like Joan. The film's message is about embracing one's true self and reclaiming one's past.
Slanted is a powerful commentary on representation and its absence. Wang, who has been part of Hollywood for over a decade, describes the film as a necessary flip side to the triumph of representation. It highlights the cost of not having representation and the lifelong journey of finding one's true self. The film's exploration of identity and race is a testament to Wang's personal experiences and her desire to help others feel seen and less judged.
In conclusion, Slanted is a must-watch film that challenges viewers to confront their own biases and embrace their true selves. It is a powerful commentary on identity, race, and societal power dynamics, and it serves as a reminder that representation matters and the cost of its absence can be profound.
