One of 2026's boldest horror movies, 'Slanted', is a must-watch on Paramount+. This film delves into the disturbing world of ethnic modification surgery, where Chinese-American teen Joan undergoes an experimental procedure to fit skewed beauty standards that favor whiteness. The premise is controversial, as it explores the idea of a person of color voluntarily seeking whiteness to escape racial discrimination. The film's director, Amy Wang, tackles this ambitious subject with grace, weaving a scathing satire that attempts to understand the complexities of the Asian-American experience.
The film's exploration of beauty standards and their twisted relationship with social currency is particularly intriguing. Joan's transformation into Jo Hunt, a new identity played by Mckenna Grace, raises questions about identity and self-perception. The film's blunt satire is effective in raising pertinent questions, but it only scratches the surface of the deeper themes it attempts to address.
'Slanted' is an imperfect yet compelling satire, with committed performances from Chen and Grace. While it may lack thematic consistency, the film's exploration of problematic beauty standards and the dangers of narrow societal norms is worth watching. The film's body horror elements and bold setting make it a worthwhile entry in the horror genre.
The roots of this satirical concept can be traced back to George S. Schuyler's 'Black No More', which critiques the use of race as a commodity in 20th-century America. Schuyler's book centers on a surgical process similar to the one in 'Slanted', which is used to deconstruct race-based economic inequity and how internalized racism heightens alienation among Black communities.
In conclusion, 'Slanted' is a thought-provoking film that raises important questions about beauty standards and the complexities of identity. While it may not be perfect, it is a bold and ambitious entry in the horror genre, and a must-watch for fans of the genre.
