Dumplin'

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It should be known by now that there’s something about predictable comedies set in small towns. They are a certain strain of movies that I find fascinating and endearing: Priscilla, To Wong Foo, Whip It etc. Currently, added to my list of cute favourites is Dumplin’.

This Netflix original tells the story of plus-sized teenager Willowdean (Danielle Macdonald) who enters her town’s Miss Teen Bluebonnet beauty pageant in a body-shaming protest and as a bit of a ‘screw you’ to her mom, former winner and current head of the pageant (Jennifer Aniston). Along with her best friend and a couple of other loveable misfits along for the ride, Willowdean embarks upon a mission of self discovery that ends in more than she initially bargained for.

A modern teen comedy that’s also a perfect reflection of current social attitudes, Dumplin’ is more than just a coming-to-terms-with-your-identity film. Through simple setting and wonderful wit, this film blends together a whole bunch of warm and beautiful messages of acceptance and embracement. Tackling everything from body-shaming  -“every body is a swimsuit body”- to institutionalised patriarchy, the necessity to sometimes break tradition, and embracing your fellows to raise them up and make the world better, Dumplin’ is truly beautiful.

Image credit: INews

Armed with sweet, fresh, and funny performances as well as a wonderful script, and a bunch of really sweet and vibrant characters –including, of course, a bunch of drag queens- this is one of those cute little movies you curl up with a bowl of ice cream and a warm smile.

Arguably the story can be a tad predictable and the film –in keeping with Aniston’s character one might say- does not stray from traditional generic tropes. But at the end of the day, it’s a really sweet film; the type of movie that makes you feel warm in your tummy, which then creeps up and manifests itself as a smile on your face.

Director: Anna Fletcher, 2018

Cast: Danielle Macdonald, Odeya Rush, Maddie Baillio, Bex Taylor-Klaus, Luke Benward, Harold Perrineau, Hilary Begley, Sam Pancake, Joshua Allan Eads, Kathy Najimy, and Jennifer Aniston