Slanted (2025): Cast, Ratings & Plot
Slanted is a 2025 sci-fi thriller directed by Amy Wang, starring Mckenna Grace, R. Keith Harris and Vivian Wu. It runs 1 hour 42 minutes. Critics gave it 68% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 5.7/10.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 42m (102 min)
- Director
- Amy Wang
- Original language
-
English
- Studio
- Tideline Entertainment
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is Slanted About?
The premise of Slanted without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
A Chinese American teenager, desperate for acceptance and the title of Prom Queen, makes a shocking decision. Joan Huang undergoes experimental trans-racial surgery in a misguided attempt to fit in with her peers and gain their approval. The procedure leads her on a complicated journey of identity and belonging, forcing her to confront the true meaning of acceptance.
Slanted Cast & Characters
Mckenna Grace leads the cast, with R. Keith Harris as Willie and Vivian Wu. Directed by Amy Wang; 8 actors are credited in all.
- Director Amy Wang
Also Starring in Slanted
· 4 moreMore from Amy Wang
One more film directed by Amy Wang: Slanted.
Slanted Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave Slanted 68% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 5.7/10. Our Echo Score gives it 70/100, strongest in character & emotion (75) and weakest in rewatch factor (62).
Slanted Echo Score Breakdown
Slanted offers a bold, satirical take on immigrant identity, anchored by its energetic tone. Critics note the film’s witty dialogue and inventive blend of body‑horror, comedy, and social commentary, which give it a personal and emotionally resonant core. At the same time, several reviewers point to clumsy execution, heavy‑handed satire, and occasional tonal jumbles that dilute its impact. The result is a film that feels inventive and heartfelt but uneven in execution, yielding a mixed yet generally positive overall impression.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 70
Regarding art and craft, the direction displays confidence, especially in balancing satire with horror through sharp visual framing. Critics commend the film’s passionate production design and moments where anguished immigrant themes surface powerfully. Nonetheless, several reviewers describe the overall execution as clumsy and heavy‑handed, reducing the polish of its cinematographic intent.
- Character & Emotion 75
Character and emotional work benefits from nuanced performances, with witty dialogue that illuminates family dynamics and internalised racism. Reviewers highlight the heartfelt resonance of the protagonist’s struggle and the chemistry among the teenage ensemble. Yet some criticism notes a superficial edge to the satire, suggesting character depth occasionally falters beneath broader social commentary.
- Story & Flow 68
The narrative weaves satire, body‑horror and teen comedy to explore identity, offering an original premise that recalls Get Out while maintaining a personal tone. Critics appreciate its energetic pacing and witty plot twists. However, feedback points to formulaic moments and tonal inconsistency, which sometimes render the story’s flow jumbled rather than cohesive.
- Sensory Experience 65
Sensory elements combine vivid gore with a measured soundtrack, creating a striking visual style that underscores the film’s thematic concerns. Reviewers note that the bloody imagery is balanced by purposeful framing, enhancing emotional impact. Yet some find the overall sensory execution heavy‑handed, suggesting the sound design and visual cues occasionally overwhelm subtle narrative moments.
- Rewatch Factor 62
The film’s blend of humor, horror and cultural commentary offers replay appeal for viewers attuned to its teenage perspective. Positive remarks about its sharp wit and emotional beats suggest it can reward repeat viewings. Conversely, the noted superficial satire and uneven tone may limit its lasting attractiveness for broader audiences, tempering its rewatch factor.
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IMDb 5.7 /10
4402 votes
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Rotten Tomatoes 68% Tomatometer
Popcornmeter 65%
See on Rotten Tomatoes -
TMDB 58% User score
See on TMDB -
Letterboxd 2.8 /5
49018 ratings
See on Letterboxd
Slanted Plot Summary
What happens in Slanted from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 12 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 4-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
Joan Huang [Mckenna Grace] struggles to connect with her white peers, feeling a constant sting of not belonging in her own skin. Since childhood she has dreamed of prom queen, a goal that seems almost within reach when the era of popularity shifts: the school’s most popular girl reveals she won’t run for prom queen after all. In a bid to win favor, Joan dyes her hair blonde and secures a discounted mani-pedi at a Chinese nail salon, hoping to bridge a connection. Yet the girl who seems to hold the keys to social acceptance only mocks her efforts, leaving Joan hungry for something more. At the same time, she begins receiving messages from the creators of an ethnicity-changing social media filter called Ethnos, who promise a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Full summary
The whole story of Slanted, scene by scene
How Well Do You Know Slanted?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
Who plays the lead character Joan Huang?
Slanted Also Known As
Also known as “슬랜티드”.
- Also known as
-
- 슬랜티드
Seen Slanted?
Slanted FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date
Runtime, release date, director, cast, ratings and post-credit scenes of Slanted, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Slanted?
Slanted runs 1 hour 42 minutes (102 minutes).
When was Slanted released?
Slanted was released on March 8, 2025.
Who directed Slanted?
Slanted was directed by Amy Wang.
More films by Amy Wang Who is in the cast of Slanted?
Slanted stars Mckenna Grace, R. Keith Harris as Willie and Vivian Wu, among 8 credited actors.
How is Slanted rated?
Slanted has 5.7/10 on IMDb, 68% on Rotten Tomatoes, 58% on TMDB and 2.8/5 on Letterboxd.
Does Slanted have a post-credit scene?
No. Slanted has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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