“I’m not the Joan of Arc of fat girls.” It’s a line that perfectly embodies “Dumplin’” and its main character — bold, honest and witty.
When Willowdean Dickson (Danielle Macdonald), lovingly referred to as Dumplin’ throughout the film, finds herself fed up with her mother’s (Jennifer Aniston) beauty pageant-obsessed lifestyle wrapped in a size two bow, the plus-size teen signs herself up for a good old-fashioned Texas pageant.
Feeling neglected by her mother, the former Miss Teen Blue Bonnet of 1991, Willowdean hopes to prove a point and fight the perfect pageant powers that be.
Hailey Stewart | Argonaut
While she’s not trying to win the pageant — she’s not the “Joan of Arc of fat girls” after all — Willowdean finds more than victory in the process. Instead of toppling the pageant system, she finds self-love and a healthy dose of feminism in building friendships with all women, no matter their size.
However, “Dumplin’s” leading actress isn’t without her insecurities. These moments in the film are what make the story so compelling. Whether it be about Willowdean’s late aunt, her new crush on a small-town heartthrob or body image, the insecurities showcased in this film can resonate with anyone.
Based on the best-selling Julie Murphy novel of the same name, “Dumplin’” doesn’t disappoint with its Dolly Parton-based soundtrack.
Thanks to her late aunt, also a plus-sized body-positive influence on Willowdean’s life, Willowdean and her best friend are obsessed with the blonde bombshell that is Dolly Parton. The singer perfected the soundtrack herself by reworking several of her classics and recording six new songs.
It’s not just the soundtrack where Parton is inserted into this film. Although the country singer doesn’t make an appearance, the idea of “what would Dolly do?” is felt throughout the story. Willowdean and her mother, Rosie, use these words of wisdom throughout the film.
In the supporting role, Aniston shares the screen well with rising star Macdonald. With a prim southern twang and tight up-do, Rosie contrasts Willowdean’s free spirit.
Aside from prepping salads for Willowdean, Aniston’s character, a single mother and pageant runner, shies away from any talk surrounding body image — as stark difference from her sister.
Willowdean and Rosie are not the only characters, however, that shine in “Dumplin’.” With a cast of three other bold females, all with different reasons for joining the pageant alongside Willowdean, the film is rounded out by a strong set of characters.
To add even more comedic relief, wit and flare, a group of drag queens aid Willowdean and her friends in preparing for pageant day.
The only thing “Dumplin’” misses the mark on is not bringing the real Dolly Parton to the screen.
Other than that, this film has it all — humor, drama, young love and true friendship. It’s everything a young adult film should be.
Hailey Stewart can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @HaileyAStew