2025, so far: films that have given me the feels
My thoughts on The Last Showgirl, Nickel Boys, Hard Truths and A Real Pain.
The Last Show Girl - Gia Coppola (starring Pamela Anderson)
Pamela Anderson shines in this poignant exploration of aging and the shifting entertainment landscape. Set against the decline of the golden age of Vegas showgirls, her character fights to hold onto her legacy as a younger, raunchier style of performance takes over. The film resonates with anyone who’s watched a career or era fade, and Anderson’s performance is a beautiful reflection of her own life’s journey—embracing reinvention at a time when she thought it was too late. While the writing at times feels conventional, Anderson’s rawness and vulnerability make this one a must-watch.
Nickel Boys - RaMell Ross
Based on Colson Whitehead’s novel, this haunting film tells the true story of what was branded as a rehabilitative facility for boys that turned out to be a state sanctioned vehicle to commit torture and oppression. RaMell Ross's documentary roots shine through as the film weaves archival footage with a deeply personal narrative. The story follows Elwood, a young Black boy who is sent to the facility after a miscarriage of justice. It’s not an easy watch, but the film’s quiet beauty and the tenderness in its portrayal of trauma and hope make it a striking piece of storytelling that stays with you long after it ends.
Hard Truths - Mike Leigh
Mike Leigh's latest is a raw, deeply introspective look at mental health, starring the incredible Marianne Jean-Baptiste as a woman grappling with anxiety and agoraphobia. The film lingers in uncomfortable, real moments, showcasing her character’s struggle with bitterness and longing for change. While the story is tough, the quiet moments of hope—like opening a window or hearing birds—remind us that healing comes in small, significant steps. A brilliant performance from Jean-Baptiste, and an insightful must-see.
A Real Pain - Jesse Eisenberg
Eisenberg’s second directorial effort is a striking meditation on grief, blending personal and ancestral loss. Starring Eisenberg and Kieran Culkin, the film follows two cousins on a journey to Poland to explore their family’s past. The tension between their emotional responses to grief—one suppressing, the other unable to contain it—builds a powerful narrative about the universality of pain. A beautiful, 90-minute exploration of how grief shapes us, this one deserves a watch for its originality and heartfelt portrayal of family dynamics.