Revolution in The Movie Reels: Dumplin’

“Dumplin’” was directed by Anne Fletcher, who also directed “The Proposal” and “27 Dresses.” The screenplay was written by Kristin Hahn, and the original book both the movie and screenplay are based on was written by Julie Murphy. The film has some well known actors and actresses such as Jennifer Aniston who is most known for her role as Rachel on “Friends” but also features Danielle Macdonald, Maddie Baillio and Bex Taylor-Klaus who are less well known. “Dumplin’” is rated PG-13 and is currently enjoyed by 83 percent of audiences on rottentomatoes.com.

Willowdean Dickson, played by Danielle Macdonald, is a Dolly Parton loving teen, who is struggling with the recent death of her main supporter and caregiver, her Aunt Lucy. After discovering her Aunt Lucy almost participated in the Miss Teen Bluebonnet pageant, Willowdean decides to sign up herself. Her mother, Rosie, played by Jennifer Aniston, is a past winner of the same pageant and fears her overweight daughter will dishonour the tradition of the pageant. Rosie tries to discourage Willowdean from entering but Willowdean manipulates her mother. Willowdean threatens to reveal her mothers lack of support in her, forcing her mom to let her apply. Three other girls follow in Willowdean’s footsteps and sign up for the pageant as well. This decision takes the four of them on an adventure to discover the true meaning of self-confidence, acceptance, friendship and a little bit of love.

This movie is very special it positively represents the life of overweight women, and accurately depicts the daily struggles and harassment they receive. “Dumplin’” does everything the other Netflix movies and television shows couldn’t do. Rather than forcing the character to lose weight, like “Insatiable” or to pretend to be someone else, like in “Sierra Burgess is a loser” in order to find love. Dumplin’ shows characters loving each other for who they are, and embracing their differences rather than covering them.

The story of “Dumplin’” isn’t very stereotypical but the characters are extremely relatable and catch your attention and draw you in from the start. The performances by the actors and actresses in the film tied the movie all together. Aniston had one of the most notable performances. Aniston played the overdramatic pageant mom Rosie. She managed to perfectly perform the dynamic character development her character required. Baillio also had a notable performance and flawlessly depicted the happy go lucky Millie without taking the character too far, making Millie a character you absolutely fall in love with and cheer on throughout the movie.

“Dumplin’” is a powerful and rejuvenating film, with the help of amazing actors and actresses the film shared an amazing message of acceptance and self-love. This film is definitely worth seeing and will fill your heart with joy and comfort, without being kitschy or predictable. You can watch this movie on Netflix if you have an account starting Dec 7.