An Unforgettable Muse’s Journey Through Art and Chaos

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MOVIE REVIEW
GLOW
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Genre: Documentary
Year Released: 2017, 2023 US release due to COVID delay
Runtime: 1h 40m
Director(s): Gabriel Baur
Language: German with English subtitles
Where To Watch: coming to VOD November 28, 2023

RAVING REVIEW: Destination: Zurich, circa the late 20th century. Our guide is Gabriel Baur, director of GLOW, the film that takes a magnifying glass to the life of the legendary Swiss maven Irene Staub, or Lady Shiva. Buckle up as we navigate her ambition, triumph, tribulation, and tragedy.

2017 was the year for projects named GLOW; not only was this film initially released (it was delayed in the US due to COVID), but 2017 was also the start of the series starring Alison Brie about the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling, as well as a drama with the same title as well. That was the year of GLOW!

Baur’s GLOW dares to defy the typical biographical narrative instead of focusing on a pivotal chapter in Lady Shiva’s life. With expert vision, we are shown unseen aspects of Staub’s life and career, such as her fiery performances with the underground band, Dressed Up Animals. The film meticulously peels back the layers of her life, delivering a story that’s as comprehensive as it is unique.

Let’s remember Lady Shiva’s transformation from a sex worker to a revered figure in the art scene mirrors Zurich’s cultural revolution. Her undeniable charm and charisma paved the way from the raw streets to the chic art galleries, even landing her modeling gigs with notable Swiss designer Walter Pfeiffer. But every story has a dark side, and despite her rise to prominence, her life took a tragic turn with a fatal motorcycle accident in Thailand in 1989.

GLOW isn’t your run-of-the-mill documentary. Instead, it’s a beautifully crafted homage to a cultural powerhouse, encapsulating the spirit of a generation-spanning three decades. In weaving this historical fabric, Baur cleverly intersperses personal anecdotes from Lady Shiva’s close acquaintances, inviting viewers to seek their interpretations of this mysterious woman. One of GLOW’s most intriguing aspects is its exploration of the dichotomy of Irene’s identity. She was a force to be reckoned with, yet remarkably fragile, a luminary with dreams that soared high above her existence. The film exposes the varying viewpoints of those who knew her, from her die-hard fans to her critics, and the stark contrast in how society perceived her.

Federico Fellini said, “Someone who glows so brightly is not going to grow old.” She was no ordinary diva; she embodied life on the precipice of success, freedom, and self-destruction. GLOW serves as an invitation to dive into the complex themes surrounding Irene’s life and society.

Irene Staub was an unforgettable presence known as Lady Shiva; she dazzled Zurich with her unique style and energetic personality. Despite her apparent success as a muse, model, punk singer, and escort, her life was marred by personal demons.

GLOW is a chronicle of a distinctive period in Zurich’s history, an era of emancipation, awakening, and resistance that still echoes in the present. At its core, it delivers a moving depiction of a woman characterized by her creativity and self-destruction. But don’t be mistaken; GLOW isn’t just a peek into Irene’s past; it’s a wide-angle lens on the vibrant life of a woman who lived in the heart of a city in transition.

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[photo courtesy of FIRST RUN FEATURES]