“Dumplin’” Movie Review

    Netflix keeps pumping out their original movies and the platform seems dead set on competing with the multiplex.  So seeing films of higher quality will hopefully grow more and more common in a few years.  The streaming service has already worked with the likes of Alfonso Cuarón and The Coen Brothers and the platform is even bigger internationally than it is in the United States (shows such as CBS All Access’ “Star Trek: Discovery” and DC Universe’s “Titans” are available on Netflix outside the US).  Short of a few movies here and there, their original films have been lacking somewhat.  Still, my girlfriend and I thought “Dumplin’” looked interesting so we gave it a shot and I was pleasantly surprised by the film.

    The film is essentially the coming of age story for a character named Willowdean Dickson.  Willowdean’s mother, Rosie, is a former beauty queen and the two have a strained relationship.  Willowdean was primarily raised by her Aunt Lucy, a Dolly Parton loving carefree type whom Willowdean adored.  Unfortunately, Willowdean’s Aunt passed away and her and her mother Rosie must try to mend their relationship.  Willowdean is plus-sized and feels unaccepted by her mother and peers as a result.  When she finds out her Aunt Lucy, who has also plus-sized, had half filled out an application to a beauty pageant years ago (the one her mother won), she decides to sign up to the one her mother is hosting as a form of protest.  During the pageant however, she learns more about accepting herself than she realized.

    I thought the movie was a unique coming of age story about the importance of feeling comfortable and confident in your own skin.  What better message can a movie have then the simple truth that beauty is in the eye of the beholder.  It also goes into the importance of family as a theme.

    The film had comedic elements but was primarily a drama.  The scenes with the drag queens were very entertaining and provided some sweet moments as well as some chuckles.  I really thought setting the movie primarily to Dolly Parton music made it feel different and special.  Parton was famous for her strong yet vulnerable vocals which very much connect with the themes of this film.

    The film stars Danielle Macdonald as Willowdean.  Macdonald, an Australian actress who resides in the UK, pulls of an amazing performance which would shock you to learn that she isn’t from Texas.  Jennifer Aniston also gives a surprisingly strong performance as Rosie, a role which could have easily came off as one dimensional but Aniston manages to give a layered performance.  Luke Benward gives a sweet performance as Bo, the guy who sees Willowdean for who she really is and loves her for it.  Harold Perrineau from “Lost” is almost unrecognizable as a drag queen who helps Willowdean and gives her guidance.

    Michigan native Anne Fletcher directs the film and does a stellar job.  It is more complex and emotional than her previous films which include romantic comedies like “27 Dresses” and “The Proposal”.  The film is based on the novel by the same name by Julie Murphy.

    “Dumplin’” was surprisingly sweet and original.  The film dives into struggles we can all relate to and helps to show the beauty in individuality.  You can only be you, so be the best you that you can be.

Grade: B