Criticism: Dumplin

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Netflix productions are getting better and better. It's no wonder that we have the best comedy, romance, drama and much more in our catalog. And so, today's review is about “Dumplin”, which brings a plot that runs through drama and comedy. What makes this movie so interesting? It's the fact that it creates social issues like self-acceptance and most importantly, no one should say what we are or who we are.

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Willowdean Dickson (Danielle Macdonald) and her mother Rosie (Jennifer Aniston)

The beauty universe can be very perverse for those who don't fit the standards. At first, I was captivated by beauty pageants in a small town in Texas, which brought together women in search of recognition and esteemed by others to feel complete and happy. But behind the scenes, we see how cruel and scary it is. We know three women from the same family, Rosie, Willowdean and Lucy Dickson. While Will apparently suffers alone with the loss of Aunt Lucy - a woman confident with herself -, he lives a conflicting relationship with his mother, who insists on practicing bullying, even if maternal, it is a simple nickname, but for Will it is overwhelming, because it penetrates deep inside and echoes the truth she already knows: Fat or simply “cute” as her mother insists on calling her. But that's not why it's a story of a young woman who hopes to be accepted by the public. It's a story of a “cute” young woman who knows who she really is, but needs a little help to be sure.

By far, it is one of the most mature films among Netflix original productions. Unlike “Sierra Burges Is A Loser” or “A Crush in the Heights”, Dumplin' is different. It makes us rethink issues such as self-love, accepting ourselves in society and not being afraid, because we are special for what we are.. The long is graceful and discusses the issues surrounding the plot very well. Packed with songs by Dolly Parton, the film alternates between Willowdean's insecurities and reflections, as well as moments of solitude where she finds the strength and courage to get up and keep going.

Your courage comes from Aunt Lucy. The film takes place six months after Lucy dies. She is the most important person to Will, as it was Aunt Lucy who raised her. The endless advice and courage were lessons that Wil is now trying to put into practice. Determined, Will defies his mother. Little did she know, she was challenging herself. It's not about a crown and a sash. There are more than that and that's what she intends to show. However, what she needs to ensure is her self-confidence and that her mother sees her for who she really is and not someone she should be.

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“Best friends have everything and nothing in common at the same time.” – Will quoting Dolly Parton

The most interesting thing is that Will ends up inspiring two more girls who are also not in the standards. But together they conquer and captivate those who watch the plot. In this way, they want to show that it's okay to not be part of the pattern. How different from what people in the region think, who by the way are conservative and superficial, see that it really is possible to be happy the way you are. In fact, Dumplin' reveals very well the mold, the model imposed over the years in order to make women want the approval of others to feel accepted, complete and happy. But inside, do they really feel that way? But that's not the "answer".

Standard and non-standard is reflected in Will and Ellen's friendship. On one side we have Will who is chubby and on the other we have Ellen who is thin. However, neither side prevails over the other. It's okay to have curls and wear the clothes you want, as well as wanting to enter a contest and prepare for it, as Millie wanted, who is a charismatic character and a symbol of courage as well. However, we have a change in Rosie's point of view, who in addition to seeing her daughter in another way, also sees herself from another aspect. All these details are connected to a single thread, Lucy's courage. That even though he always had such encouraging advice, he was, yes, a fragile person. She was ashamed of not being accepted and feeling ridiculed by others.

But why should I see this movie?

The film shows self-knowledge as the main message. This does not mean saying who should look for or adjust the perfect, but it is about respecting and accepting that not everyone is part of the same pattern, finally, a “bikini body, a body wearing a bikini”. We don't need to change our aura to be accepted, we need to love ourselves first and foremost. Launched in  February 8, 2019 on Netflix  (1h 50min).  Currently available in the Netflix catalogue. 

Dumplin' takes 4 lives out of 5.

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