Directed by
Gia Coppola
Made by
Utopia
Discover the intricate plot of The Last Showgirl (2024). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
Shelly Gardner, a 57-year-old showgirl, has spent an impressive three decades dazzling audiences in Le Razzle Dazzle, a classic French-style revue that has become a staple of the iconic Las Vegas Strip. Among the vibrant ensemble now gracing the stage, she shares the spotlight with younger performers like Mary-Anne and Jodie, who affectionately regard Shelly as a mother figure. Even though Annette, Shelly’s close friend, was let go from the show years ago and now works as a cocktail waitress, her bond with Shelly remains strong and enduring.
The storyline takes a sharp turn when the show’s producer, Eddie, crashes an impromptu dinner at Shelly’s home alongside Annette, Mary-Anne, and Jodie. It is at this gathering that he delivers the devastating news: Le Razzle Dazzle is set to close in just two weeks owing to slumping ticket sales. This classic revue is to be replaced by a modern, neo-burlesque circus show that has already taken over its prime performance nights. Shelly’s heart sinks as she regards this new production as tasteless and crass. Meanwhile, Mary-Anne and Jodie start auditioning for parts in other Las Vegas shows, much to Shelly’s chagrin, as she believes these roles are beneath them and too risqué.
With no plans or resources for retirement, Shelly is haunted by the uncertainty of her future now that her income is dwindling due to the fewer shows and reduced audience numbers. To make matters worse, she has faced cuts in her pay for a torn costume that required new fabric to replace. Annette finds herself grappling with her own demons, notably her addictions to alcohol and gambling, which have led to her financial complications. In a moment of vulnerability, Shelly reaches out to her estranged daughter, Hannah, who spent her teenage years with family friends and is now on the verge of graduating as a photography student in Tucson. Their emotional reunion is brusquely strained, with Shelly displaying a disheartening disconnect from her daughter’s life—forgetting her age and failing to recognize her major. Although Hannah initially declines Shelly’s invitation to dinner, she later chooses to join her, opening the door to a fleeting moment of reconnection.
Things escalate when Hannah covertly attends a Le Razzle Dazzle performance, which leads to a confrontation in the dressing room where she accuses Shelly of prioritizing her career over their relationship. Feeling misunderstood, Shelly storms out, and shortly after, Jodie arrives at Shelly’s home, distraught over her own strained relationship with her mother. However, Shelly remains unsympathetic, leading to tension as Jodie decides not to help Shelly prepare for the next show, resulting in Shelly ruining her costume and missing her cue—leaving her devastated backstage.
Seeking clarity about her future, Shelly invites Eddie to dinner, during which they discuss her feelings of isolation as an older woman in show business. They share a shocking revelation that Eddie is actually Hannah’s father—information that has remained hidden from their daughter. This truth burdened with unfulfilled expectations leads to a deep friendship tension, as Shelly expresses her frustration over Eddie’s absence in Hannah’s life.
Desperate, Shelly auditions at a casting call, encountering Mary-Anne once more. The audition doesn’t go as planned; she is met with blunt criticism that she no longer possesses the youthful charm and moves that once secured her place. Humiliated and shattered by the harsh feedback, Shelly lashes out in her pain, unintentionally wounding Mary-Anne, who sacrifices her own audition to comfort her mentor.
As the story unfolds, Annette faces her own devastating circumstances, losing her home and revealing to Shelly that she’s been living in her car. In a magnanimous gesture, Shelly offers her friend refuge. Shelly finds the strength to leave a heartfelt voicemail for Hannah, seeking reconciliation, and shares a tender moment with Jodie and Mary-Anne, hinting at mending relationships.
On the final night of Le Razzle Dazzle, Shelly experiences a dreamlike vision of Hannah, smiling joyfully at her from the audience, with Eddie beside her. However, it leaves audiences pondering whether this moment of vision is a genuine reconciliation or merely an imagined hope for a future that’s yet to be realized.
Track the key events of The Last Showgirl (2024) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Shelly's Introduction
Shelly Gardner, a 57-year-old showgirl, has spent three decades performing in the iconic Le Razzle Dazzle revue. Despite her age, she remains a pivotal figure in the show, regarded as a motherly presence by her younger co-stars, Mary-Anne and Jodie.
A Shocking Announcement
Eddie, the show's producer, delivers devastating news to Shelly during an impromptu dinner with her friends. He reveals that Le Razzle Dazzle will close in two weeks due to a decline in ticket sales, replaced by a contemporary neo-burlesque circus show.
Concerns About the Future
Shell shocked by the closure announcement, Shelly worries deeply about her financial security. With shrinking paychecks and upcoming bills, she is haunted by the reality of having no retirement plan or alternative career opportunities.
Struggles of Friendship
Amidst Shelly's turmoil, her friend Annette shares her own financial struggles, revealing the dire straits she faces as a cocktail waitress. Her alcoholism and gambling addiction have cost her stability, yet she remains closely tied to Shelly.
Reconnecting with Hannah
Seeking solace, Shelly reaches out to her estranged daughter, Hannah, who is a photography student nearing graduation. Their reunion is strained, marked by Shelly's ignorance about Hannah's life and her attempts to bridge the gap.
A Tense Confrontation
Hannah attends one of Shelly's performances without her knowledge. After the show, she confronts her mother, expressing her hurt at Shelly prioritizing her career over their relationship. Their exchange leaves both feeling more disconnected than before.
Rejection and Misunderstanding
Distraught over her own family issues, Jodie turns to Shelly for support but is met with rejection. Shelly, consumed by her troubles, fails to empathize with Jodie's pain, leading to a rift between them during a critical performance.
Claiming Self-Agency
In desperation, Shelly invites Eddie to dinner to discuss her feelings of alienation as she grapples with aging and relevance. During the dinner, a shocking truth is revealed: Eddie is Hannah's father, a detail both have kept hidden from her.
Facing Disappointment
Shelly attends a casting call, hoping for a new beginning and is met with harsh reality. The director’s blunt assessment of her dance abilities shatters her confidence, reminding her of the industry's cold nature towards aging performers.
A Friend's Setback
Annette faces her own downfall as she loses her home due to unpaid rent. Her revelation to Shelly about living in her car and showering at the casino underscores the struggles that former showgirls face outside the spotlight.
Attempts at Reconciliation
Feeling the weight of her actions, Shelly reaches out to Hannah, leaving a heartfelt voicemail. She also seeks to mend her relationships with Jodie and Mary-Anne, trying to rebuild the bridges that her preoccupations had burned.
Final Performance
As Le Razzle Dazzle's final performance approaches, Shelly grapples with emotions of regret and hope. During the show, she imagines her daughter Hannah smiling at her, blurring the lines between reality and Shelly's own desires for forgiveness.
A Bittersweet Farewell
The closing night is a mixture of triumph and sorrow as the show comes to an end. Shelly's emotional journey culminates in her reflections on life, motherhood, and the theater, leaving her legacy behind even as the curtain falls.
Meet the characters that bring The Last Showgirl (2024) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Shelly Gardner (Pamela Anderson)
Shelly Gardner is a resilient yet vulnerable showgirl battling the realities of aging in a demanding industry. As a mother figure to her younger co-stars, she grapples with feelings of inadequacy when faced with dwindling opportunities. Throughout the film, her emotional struggles with motherhood, financial insecurity, and self-worth come to the forefront as she seeks connection and understanding with those around her.
Hannah (Billie Lourd)
Hannah is Shelly's estranged daughter who is navigating her own path as a photography student. Despite her achievements, she grapples with feelings of resentment towards her mother for prioritizing her career over their relationship. Throughout the film, Hannah's emotional evolution highlights the struggles of reconciling familial love with the pain of past neglect.
Eddie (Dave Bautista)
Eddie is the producer of 'Le Razzle Dazzle' and serves as a pivotal link between Shelly and Hannah. His character embodies the complexities of responsibility and regret, particularly regarding his past relationship with Shelly and his role as Hannah's father. Throughout the movie, Eddie’s interactions reveal deep-seated disappointments and the realities of adulthood.
Annette (Jamie Lee Curtis)
Annette, Shelly's older friend, provides a contrasting perspective on the fallout of a showbiz career as she struggles with her own financial and personal crises. Her presence in the narrative highlights the camaraderie among performers and the harsh realities of life after fame. Annette's resilience amidst adversity serves as both a support and a cautionary tale for Shelly.
Mary-Anne (Brenda Song)
Mary-Anne is one of the younger showgirls who looks up to Shelly while also facing her own insecurities in a competitive environment. Throughout the film, she embodies the tension between ambition and loyalty, demonstrating the struggles of navigating showbiz while maintaining personal integrity. Mary's journey illustrates the impact of mentorship within the industry.
Jodie (Kiernan Shipka)
Jodie is another young showgirl who grapples with her own familial relationships, mirroring Shelly's experiences. Her emotional conflict surfaces as she struggles between personal aspirations and the expectations of her mother. Jodie's character serves as a reflection of the evolving dynamics among performers and their relationships with family.
Uncover the settings of The Last Showgirl (2024), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
The film reflects a contemporary setting in the 21st century, showcasing the challenges faced by aging performers in a rapidly evolving entertainment industry. As modern trends shift towards more provocative shows, the characters grapple with their identities and the stark realities of their careers against the backdrop of Las Vegas' ever-changing landscape.
Location
Las Vegas Strip
The Las Vegas Strip is a world-renowned entertainment and gaming district known for its vibrant nightlife, extravagant shows, and iconic casinos. It attracts millions of visitors each year, hosting various performances that range from classic revues to cutting-edge entertainment. The Strip is synonymous with glamour and excitement, epitomizing the luxury and allure of Las Vegas.
Explore the core themes of The Last Showgirl (2024). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Aging
The theme of aging is central to the narrative, as Shelly confronts the harsh realities of growing older in a profession that prizes youth and beauty. Her struggles illuminate the emotional and financial vulnerabilities faced by many entertainers as they age. The film poignantly explores the feelings of alienation and loss individuals may experience when they can no longer thrive in their chosen fields.
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Motherhood
The complexities of motherhood are deeply explored through Shelly's relationship with her daughter, Hannah. Their strained bond highlights the sacrifices Shelly made for her career and the emotional distance that has developed over the years. This theme emphasizes the longing for connection and understanding between mothers and their children, as well as the impact of one's choices on familial relations.
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Performance
Performance serves as a powerful motif in the film, representing both the characters' livelihoods and their personal identities. The pressure to maintain perfection on stage juxtaposes their off-stage struggles, blurring the lines between reality and performance. This theme underscores the sacrifices made by showgirls and performers in pursuit of their aspirations, while highlighting the transient nature of fame.
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