Elizabeth Berkley’s Performance in Showgirls Is Trending Again, and Fans Have a Lot to Say

A clip from the 1995 film Showgirls has resurfaced on social media, capturing the attention of millions and reigniting discussions about the controversial film. The video, uploaded to X (formerly Twitter) by user Taner Akil, has accumulated nearly 9 million views, sparking a wave of nostalgia and debate among film enthusiasts and casual viewers alike.

Elizabeth Berkley in Showgirls pic.twitter.com/DVbi8vyJfE

— Taner Akıl (@rasinemaatlasi) February 27, 2025

Showgirls: A Cult Classic with a Complex Legacy

Directed by Paul Verhoeven and written by Joe Eszterhas, Showgirls tells the story of Nomi Malone, an ambitious young drifter played by Elizabeth Berkley, who arrives in Las Vegas with dreams of becoming a top showgirl. The film explores themes of ambition, exploitation, and the cutthroat nature of the entertainment industry.

Upon its release, Showgirls was met with overwhelmingly negative reviews from critics, who criticized its excessive nudity, over-the-top performances, and perceived lack of depth. The film also performed poorly at the box office and became a notorious example of a big-budget Hollywood misfire. However, over the years, Showgirls has undergone a critical reassessment and has been embraced as a cult classic, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community and by fans of camp cinema.

Social Media Reacts to the Viral Clip

The resurfaced clip has elicited a wide range of reactions from social media users, with many expressing their appreciation for the film’s unique qualities. Some have hailed Showgirls as a misunderstood masterpiece, while others acknowledge its flaws but still find it irresistibly entertaining.

One user enthusiastically declared, “Greatest movie ever made!” Another shared their long-standing admiration for the film, stating, “I have genuinely always thought Showgirls was a good film.”

Other users expressed a more nuanced appreciation, with one commenting, “This movie probably isn’t one of the best movies I’ve ever seen, but it strangely attracts me and makes me want to rewatch it from time to time.” Another viewer reflected on how their perception of the film has evolved over the years, writing, “This film is for me the embodiment of inflation of any value. Watching it as a teenager, you are first shocked by the number of naked female breasts, and then you get used to it and simply stop noticing.”

Some reactions were centered around nostalgia and changing filmmaking trends. One person tweeted, “They don’t make ’em like this anymore.” Another user humorously reminisced, saying, “This was premium milk back in my day lol.”

Discussions about Elizabeth Berkley’s career also emerged, with one social media user reflecting on how her beauty may have limited her opportunities in Hollywood. “Some actresses had so much potential but were just so gorgeous it was hard to break through their beauty stereotype. I think Elizabeth Berkley fell into the blonde Becky type cast and never rose above it,” the user wrote.

Elizabeth Berkley’s Perspective on Showgirls

Elizabeth Berkley has openly discussed the challenges she faced in the aftermath of Showgirls. At the time of its release, she was widely ridiculed for her performance, and the film’s failure significantly impacted her career. In later years, however, Berkley has received recognition for her role, particularly from the LGBTQ+ community, which has embraced Showgirls for its campy aesthetic and outsider narrative.

In a past interview, Berkley reflected on the film’s reception and how she has come to appreciate its cultural impact. She acknowledged the difficulties she faced but expressed gratitude for the film’s resurgence and the newfound appreciation for her performance. Berkley has also been moved by the love and support she has received from queer audiences, who have celebrated Showgirls as an empowering and entertaining piece of cinema.

Why Showgirls Continues to Resonate

Despite its initial failure, Showgirls has become a film that people continue to discuss, analyze, and rewatch. It represents a unique blend of satire, excess, and unfiltered ambition, making it stand out from other films of its era. Some fans view it as an unintentional comedy, while others believe it was always meant to be a critique of Hollywood and the entertainment industry.

The film’s resurgence on social media underscores its lasting influence and ability to provoke discussion. Whether viewed as a guilty pleasure, a misunderstood work of art, or simply an outrageous piece of cinema, Showgirls remains a film that refuses to be forgotten.

With millions engaging in conversations about the resurfaced clip, it is clear that Showgirls still holds a special place in pop culture, proving that some films, no matter how controversial, can stand the test of time.