Home / Arts and Entertainment / Body Horror Meets Mean Girls: New Teen Satire!
Body Horror Meets Mean Girls: New Teen Satire!
14 Mar
Summary
- A teen undergoes surgery to erase her ethnicity for popularity.
- The film features disgusting practical effects and unsettling visuals.
- Critics are divided on the film's satirical depth and execution.
The body horror-comedy Slanted, the directorial debut of Amy Wang, arrived in theaters on Friday, March 13, 2026. The film stars Shirley Chen as Joan Huang, a Chinese American teenager who seeks popularity among her white peers by undergoing an experimental surgery to remove traces of her ethnicity, with Mckenna Grace portraying the transformed Joan.
Critics have offered mixed reviews for Slanted. Some, like Luna Guthrie of Collider, praised the film's authenticity and its exploration of the immigrant family experience, awarding it 8 out of 10. Grant Hermanns of ScreenRant also gave it an 8 out of 10, highlighting its progression into "wonderfully disgusting practical effects" and a chilling take on the "American Dream."
However, other reviewers found the film's execution lacking. Jen Yamato of the L.A. Times noted that while Chen and Grace effectively portrayed the conflicted protagonist, the satire did not delve deeply enough. Peyton Robinson of RogerEbert rated it 1 star out of 4, calling it "meek" and stating it failed to fully embrace its various thematic elements.
Despite divided critical opinions, Slanted holds a 70% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, suggesting it offers a unique cinematic experience for those interested in its blend of satire, cultural criticism, and body horror.
