‘Slanted’ Review: Extreme Makeover Satire Critiques Lopsided Beauty Standards Through Asian Eyes

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From a devoted cinema enthusiast’s perspective, if high school is all about popularity – a concept that Amy Wang, the writer-director of the SXSW-winning film “Slanted”, explores as a satirical commentary on assimilation – then Chinese American senior Joan Huang (played by Shirley Chen) might feel tempted to abandon her cultural roots for a chance at becoming prom queen. This is the dangerous compromise that Wang delves into in this thought-provoking blend of comedy and experiment, pushing the narrative towards the intense realm of “The Substance” when Joan agrees to an extreme racial makeover so profound, Wang switches to a different actress (Mckenna Grace) for the remainder of the film, portraying Joan’s new identity.

Confronting challenging questions about identity, “Slanted” delves into Wang’s personal background to explore the societal pressures that could potentially lead Joan towards a transformation similar to Michael Jackson’s. Although Michael Jackson is not explicitly mentioned, he serves as a highly prominent example of someone who significantly altered his appearance to fit popular beauty norms.

As soon as 8-year-old Joan steps foot in the U.S., she encounters signs of what locals find attractive: billboards showcasing blonde, bikini-clad models; classroom walls adorned with Norman Rockwell-style propaganda art; and a freckle-faced bully who teases her about her eyes.

Nine years later, we find Joan, portrayed by an actor who’s now in graduate school, bleaching her hair and digitally altering her selfies using the Ethnos app, a tool designed to make individuals appear more Caucasian. This behavior, which can seem self-deprecating and driven by a need for validation, is quite common in today’s society where cosmetic transformations are prevalent and widely accepted. However, it might be seen as contentious to imply that Joan yearns to be white the most.

In a contrasting perspective to Jordan Peele’s “Get Out,” where rich white individuals craved Black excellence and transplanted their minds into Black bodies, Wang, who is writing the sequel to “Crazy Rich Asians,” seems less adept in handling intricate themes. Her script for “Slanted” can be quite humorous at points, however it leans towards being overly cautious as it humorously explores whether being white offers more advantages – or simply more convenience, at least.

As I found out that Olivia, the most admired girl in my class, wouldn’t be vying for prom queen, I decided to step up my game. However, things took a surprising turn when representatives from Ethnos approached me with an offer to make those changes everlasting. This is where “Slanted” deviates from the usual “Mean Girls” tale. The Ethnos pitch was simple yet intriguing: “If you can’t beat them, join them.

Prior to this, “Slanted” covers familiar themes such as dissatisfaction with not belonging to the popular group and fruitless efforts to fit in. In Joan’s situation, it doesn’t make things easier that her mother (Vivian Wu) prepares strong-smelling homemade meals, like chicken feet, for lunch which Joan gives to her ever-supportive best friend Brindha (Maitreyi Ramakrishnan). However, Joan’s hair color change does seem to gain her some favor from Olivia, who invites her for manicures and pedicures at the Asian-owned nail salon, hoping that Joan (who speaks Mandarin at home) can secure them a discount for locals.

Details unique to a non-white screenwriter, likely not initially considered by someone working behind a blank screen, bring the authenticity of real-life stand-up comedy, making them relatable yet distinctive. The script’s pivotal moment happens when Joan steps out of the Ethnos procedure, remarkably transforming into Mckenna Grace in appearance. Wang opted against the “White Chicks” approach, using makeup for dramatic effect and potential satire of the transformation. Instead, the humor lies in the fact that she emerges as an entirely different person, disguising herself as a new student named Jo Hunt.

This move could be quite daring, similar to Emilia Pérez’s approach last year, as it balances a delicate tone. Viewers are curious about Wang’s intentions regarding this new twist. Fortunately, there’s no need for healing or bandaging. As soon as Joan leaves the clinic, her life changes dramatically: Strangers start smiling at her and initiate conversations, while young men glance at her admiringly.

Even more amusing is the moment when Joan arrives home and her parents fail to recognize her. Back in the 1980s and ’90s, Hollywood frequently churned out comedies cautioning “be careful what you ask for,” ranging from “Something Special” to “Big” to numerous body-swapping movies. Despite being awkward to watch, this genre continues to offer a distinctive platform for examining prejudice and identity concerns.

The main issue with “Slanted” lies not in the realization that self-acceptance trumps peer validation, but rather in an unpleasant consequence: her freshly enhanced face begins to flake and ultimately disintegrate completely – a stark critique of cosmetic surgery that overshadows the identity transformation she undergoes.

Joan’s cultural transition isn’t solely due to racism, as Wang’s tactful manner overlooks aspects like class and gender. However, it’s essential to consider that Fang Du, Joan’s father, works as a janitor at Clarksville High School and cleans houses in the community. This might be a source of embarrassment for Joan when compared to her peers. It’s no surprise then that after her surgery, Joan made a significant move to bolster her popularity by claiming a friend’s mansion as her own and throwing a lavish party there.

In this production, Grace takes on the toughest part by revealing the vulnerable spirit hidden beneath the character’s fresh exterior. As the film progresses towards its grand prom climax, director Wang cleverly throws in some unexpected twists that eventually lead to a somewhat predictable, yet not clichéd conclusion. Despite being simplified, the writer-director demonstrates remarkable courage by turning an inferiority complex into comedy and achieving success.

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2025-03-15 03:47