What does it take to become the popular person everyone aspires to be? In Amy Wang’s upcoming body horror-thriller, Slanted, it simply takes one surgery to make all the difference, but not with the intended results one might be looking for.
Bleecker Street and Tideline Entertainment have released the official trailer for Slanted, which will be released in theaters on Friday, March 13. Recently, the film was also shown at SXSW 2025 and other previous festivals, building up to its theatrical release.
Although some audiences have fully seen what Wang has brought to life, this trailer fully showcases what’s in store for her inspired film.
and Tideline Entertainment
The trailer sees Joan Huang, played by Shirley Chen, a high school student who’s captivated on social media by the most popular girl at her school. She tries to physically beautify herself by taking up tips from the internet, but so far, it hasn’t worked.
Although her friend Brindha, played by Never Have I Ever‘s Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, tries to get her to just live with the results, Joan remains determined despite her failures. With the constant bullying, Joan is inevitably led to a cosmetic surgery company that “makes people of color appear white.”
When Joan undergoes this surgery, she’s surprisingly transformed into a white girl just like the social media maven she’s inspired to be. Regretting You‘s Mckenna Grace will be featured as this version of Joan, who does what she can to improve her own standing.
However, just like with any good thing, Joan is forced to face the consequences of her actions, from friends and family alike.
Watch the Slanted official trailer:
Wong’s statement about Slanted reads, “As an immigrant, I’ve always been aware that I looked different. As a teenager trying desperately to fit in, I used to wake up and wonder, wouldn’t life just be easier if I were white?”
“Slanted is a satirical exploration of whiteness that challenges that question. It examines the cost of chasing acceptance, and what it means to abandon yourself in the process.”
Wong’s statement also poses a question about what it’s like to be different in a systematic world: “Is belonging worth losing who you are for a system that was never built to value you?”
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Slanted‘s main cast is rounded out by Vivian Wu, Amelie Zilber, Fang Du, Elaine Hendrix, and R. Keith Harris.
In addition to Wang, the film is produced by Trevor Wall, Adel “Future” Nur, Cameron Boling, and Mark Ankner.
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Slanted releases in theaters on March 13.
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Chris Gallardo
Christopher Gallardo is an entertainment writer, critic, and member of New York Film Critics Online. While not running his own social channels, Chris can be found writing reviews and breakdowns on all things films and TV for multiple outlets. Plus, he loves Percy Jackson, animated films and shows, and Fallout! You can find him anywhere on social media at @chrisagwrites.