Common Sense Media Review
By Christie Cronan
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Bold, uneven satire cuts into racism; language, body horror.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Slanted
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
SLANTED follows Joan Huang (Shirley Chen), a Chinese American teen girl who's so desperate to win prom queen and be accepted by her peers that she undergoes an experimental "ethnic modification" surgery to become White. But her "dream come true" results soon reveal an even bigger nightmare.
Is It Any Good?
A bold take on the horrors of racism, this satire cuts deeply into the Asian American experience with a provoking, shocking, genre-bending stab. In some ways, Slanted is what you might get if you gave Mean Girls a horrific makeover: It's a mature but confident twist on the teen coming-of-age story that doesn't play by the rules, using dark humor, exaggeration, and gore to express passion, emotion, and courage. And while Chen's performance certainly sells internalized racism, it's co-stars Vivian Wu and Fang Du who really emote and support her with their authentic roles.
Though Slanted's ending is a bit superficial (all puns intended), the movie's unapologetic message penetrates beyond skin deep, resurfacing the continuing need for conversation about serious issues like racism and racial injustice. Amy Wang, in her feature directorial debut, makes a compelling and unsettling statement that is likely to leave audiences uncomfortable—but with a purpose. Racism is still here, and we still have many layers of skin to pull back on.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Slanted uses satire to make a point. Do you think the movie's satirical approach makes its messaging about racism clearer, or more confusing? Why? Do you think that using satire is an effective way for movies to address serious issues like racism?
Who do you think the movie's target audience is? How do you think that the humor, shock, and horror elements might affect the way viewers react to the film's message? Do you think the filmmakers want viewers to laugh, feel uncomfortable, and/or think critically about the film?
Does this film support or criticize the idea that people should change themselves to be accepted? How might entertainment, social media, or advertising influence the way people think about popularity and beauty standards? Can you think of a real-life example where someone felt the pressure to look or act a certain way to fit in?
Movie Details
- In theaters : March 13, 2026
- Cast : Shirley Chen , McKenna Grace , Elaine Hendrix , Maitreyi Ramakrishnan
- Director : Amy Wang
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Director(s) , Asian Movie Director(s) , Chinese Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Asian Movie Actor(s) , Indian/South Asian Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Writer(s) , Asian Movie Writer(s)
- Studio : Bleecker Street Media
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Activism ( Racial justice ) , Family Stories , Friendship , School ( High School )
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Integrity
- Run time : 102 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : language, some sexual material, teen drug use and brief violent content/bloody images
- Last updated : March 20, 2026
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