Slanted, an audacious feature debut by Amy Wang, is a provocative race-swap body horror that explores the complexities of identity, race, and societal power dynamics. The film, which won the 2025 narrative feature grand jury prize at SXSW, presents a unique and unsubtle take on the struggle of being an insecure Asian American high schooler. Wang, an Asian Australian writer and director who emigrated to America in 2015, draws from her own experiences to create a compelling and thought-provoking narrative.
The story centers around Joan, an Asian American teenager who feels like an outsider in her high school. She idolizes the popular girls and their proximity to the all-American ideal, but her life takes a turn when she discovers a mysterious cosmetics clinic called Ethnos. The clinic offers a procedure that can render people of color visibly white, permanently. Joan, driven by her desire to fit in, undergoes the surgery and becomes Jo, a transformed version of herself. However, the transformation comes at a cost, and the film delves into the complexities that arise.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Slanted is its genre-mixing. Wang blends dark satire, body horror, and coming-of-age drama, creating a unique cinematic experience. The film's unsubtlety allows for a deeper exploration of societal power dynamics and the immigrant experience without feeling like a lecture. The comedy of cross-cultural misunderstandings adds a layer of pain and reality to the story, highlighting the sacrifices made by parents in a new country and their children's desire to disappear into it.
The high school setting is both instinctive and strategic. It provides a backdrop for the film's absurdist moments, making them more believable. Wang wanted to flip the all-American girl trope on its head, and the film's unapologetic approach to race and body image challenges the status quo. The performances, particularly those of Didi's Shirley Chen and McKenna Grace, bring authenticity and depth to the characters, allowing the audience to connect with their struggles.
Slanted also raises deeper questions about identity and self-acceptance. The film prompts viewers to consider what they would do if given the opportunity to change their appearance. Wang's personal interpretation of the film is that it's about confronting one's discomfort and putting it on the surface, whether it's related to one's body, face, or internal struggles. She believes that everyone has wished to look different at some point, and the film serves as a reflection of that universal human experience.
Wang's journey in Hollywood, from producing Netflix's The Brothers Sun to writing on the forthcoming Crazy Rich Asians 2, showcases her versatility and talent. Slanted, however, is a necessary flip side to her previous work, focusing on the cost of representation's absence rather than its triumph. The film's impact extends beyond the screen, as evidenced by the response from KCRW podcast host Sam Sanders, who found himself questioning whether he would have taken the surgery as a teenager. Wang's exploration of identity and race in Slanted is a powerful commentary on the complexities of human existence.
In conclusion, Slanted is a thought-provoking and provocative film that challenges viewers to confront their own biases and insecurities. Wang's unique approach to storytelling and her personal experiences make it a must-watch for those seeking a deeper understanding of identity, race, and societal power dynamics. The film's impact and resonance are a testament to the power of art in exploring the complexities of the human condition.
