Is the true gift of this season the impending and ongoing Lohanissance?
A renaissance is defined as: “the revival of art and literature under the influence of classical models in the 14th–16th centuries.”
What greater universal art form and avenue of communication of the 19th-20th centuries are there than the movie? Reaching mass audiences and connecting generations through tragedy, comedy, and beyond.
For many growing up in the 2000’s there are a few actors and actresses that come to mind when thinking of key players in the entertainment industry. However, very few had the staying power and true talent of Lindsay Lohan. From her first film, The Parent Trap 1998, Lohan proved herself to be a dynamic comedian and dramatic actress at the young age of 12.
In an era where twins were big - just take a look at the Olsen twin’s 14 films for proof - Lindsay proved she didn’t require a biological body double, simply portraying both young and gutsy Hallie and proper and poise Annie herself. To be completely transparent, I still don't understand how they pulled off this trick so seamlessly on screen. Maybe that is just a part of the magic that is perfectly captured in the comfort movie beloved by so many.
After The Parent Trap, it was clear that Lindsay was ready to embark on an extremely promising career - and that she did. Working with Disney, she starred in Get a Clue 2002, Freaky Friday 2003, and Confessions of Teenage Drama Queen 2004 (the most perfect movie ever created - but we don't have time for that conversation right now). Finally, she played Cady Heron, a new student navigating girl world and villainy in Mean Girls 2004.
After Mean Girls, Lindsay continued to act in popular movies but she was also now a permanent fixture in the unfortunately very volatile social scene of early 2000s celebrity culture. During the rise of social media platforms and gossip blogs, like Perez Hilton, it seemed like content constantly veered in the direction of chastising and bullying young women. Unfortunately, Lindsay was one of many notable victims of this endless barrage of shame. Although clearly difficult, Lindsay navigated this time with an attitude and knowing humor that continues to endear many to her.
After experiencing personal and public battles, Lohan took a backseat and understandably stepped away from her craft in the public eye.
In 2022, it was announced that Lindsay had signed a contract with Netflix and would be returning to the screen. Granted these holiday Netflix movies might be glorified hallmark specials, but for once it didn’t matter. Seeing everyone’s favorite redhead return to her rightful role as a leading lady was all it took for me and many others to tune in. Quickly, we started to see a general rise in enthusiasm for her return.
With her latest release, Our Little Secret, and her various media appearances, the goodwill being sent towards her is something beyond just the holiday spirit. Could it be that our culture is healing? Is Lindsay’s return and rise and reminder that we can evolve? Are finally we open to having imperfect women at the forefront of our media? Personally, I think Lindsay’s return to mainstream pop culture is a victory. Something that many fans who grew up with her on their screens are rooting for.
In 2024, we have seen a period of strange nostalgia sweep over our media and cultural conversations. With self-awareness and reckoning in films like The Substance coinciding with the praise of ozempic and celebrity figures returning to the looks of their “youth,” we cannot quite consider ourselves out of the woods. Yet, Lindsay’s embodiment of our past is one that we can all root for, one of redemption and recognition.
So, this season, unwind with a mindless watch of a slightly predictable rom-com, as we eagerly await Lindsay’s upcoming projects like Freakier Friday 2025 and maybe a completely different twist that we don't see coming.
Oh and before you go… just a reminder that she gave us this:
Long live the Lohanissance!
BY REBECCA DOYLE
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