Top 10 Reasons We Love Dumplin'
#10: It's a Feel-Good Netflix Movie Netflix's track record dealing with socially pertinent issues has been somewhat hit and miss. "Insatiable" and "Sierra Burgess Is a Loser" endeavored to promote self-acceptance and tackle bullying, but the clumsy execution and often mean-spirited tone muddled the positive messages. For the most part, "Dumplin'" hits all the right notes. While the film does not shy away from depicting body-shaming and the impact such comments can have on someone's self-esteem, "Dumplin'" remains optimistic and lighthearted throughout its entire run-time. This is a film that can be enjoyed by families, group of friends, or just someone looking to be entertained.
#9: Every Body Is a Bikini Body
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"Dumplin'" could easily have come across as an anti-bullying after-school special, but the film has loftier ambitions. The daughter of a former beauty queen and pageant judge, Willowdean Dickson enters the town's annual Miss Teen Bluebonnet Pageant as a protest against the establishment's tendency to ignore anyone who does not reflect a specific body-type. Accompanied by her best friend Ellen, the always cheerful Millie, and the perpetually sarcastic Hannah; Will's decision motivates three very distinct girls to take a stand. "Dumplin'" promotes the acceptance of all body types, rather than just focusing on Will's own struggles.
#8: Bo
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Will works at a fast food joint, which also happens to employ Luke Benward's charming heartthrob. Throughout the movie, the down-to-Earth Bo flirts with the protagonist at every given opportunity, culminating in a brief date looking at a meteor shower. Due to Will refusing to believe that such an attractive guy would be interested in someone other than the prom queen, Bo is repeatedly shot down by the teenager. In fact, Will is the one who needs to be convinced to give the dude a chance, while Bo's interest never wavers or falters.
#7: Ginger Minj Mostly known for competing in "RuPaul's Drag Race," Ginger Minj is an extremely talented actor, singer, and drag queen. Putting aside a couple of one-off TV appearances and reality shows, "Dumplin'" serves as Ginger's first significant fictional film debut, and the actor completely knocks it out of the park! Initially, Ginger's character – Candee Disch – only had two lines in the script; however, director Anne Fletcher and scriptwriter Kristen Hahn were so impressed by the performer, the part was fleshed out into a far more important bit.
#6: The Hideaway
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Due to her mother Rosie being preoccupied with work and yearly pageants, Will spent most of her childhood with supportive and encouraging Aunt Lucy, whose death in the film is a huge blow to Will. But midway through the story, after discovering a flyer, Will explores a Dolly Parton-themed drag bar that Lucy frequented. And with Candee Disch and cohorts strutting onstage, "The Hideaway" manages to be as awesome as it sounds! Best of all, Will encounters one of the queens, Lee, who was friends with Lucy, and who then inspires Will with some Dolly-inspired advice: “Figure out who you are and do it on purpose.”
#5: Jennifer Aniston
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Speaking with an authentic-sounding twang and toeing the line between comedic brilliance and heartwarming drama, the accomplished actress delivers a stand-out performance in "Dumplin'." Jennifer Aniston's former beauty queen avoids coming across as simply a foil for Will, and, despite clashes, there is not a single scene that makes it seem like Rosie dislikes her daughter. Opting for a more subtle and often funny performance, Aniston injects Rosie with a warmth that is endearing and relatable
#4: Danielle Macdonald
Take note of the name Danielle Macdonald, as this actress is a force to be reckoned with! Making her feature-length debut in 2013's "The East," the Australian actress' breakthrough role came in 2017's "Patti Cake$," and Netflix's coming-of-age drama further showcases Macdonald's versatility and depth. Her grounded performance transforms Will into a genuine person rather than merely a martyr for a cause. In some scenes, Macdonald is hilarious; in others, she exudes confidence, sexuality, or vulnerability. "Dumplin'" asks a lot of the twentysomething actress, but Macdonald always answers the bell.
#3: Endearing Female Friendships
"Dumplin'" dedicates a notable amount of time to developing the relationships between the four main girls, and the effort is deeply rewarding! As the story's heart and soul, Will and Ellen bring out the best in each other, although "Dumplin'" does not hesitate to test their supposedly unbreakable bond. The school "weirdos" – as nicknamed by Will – have some of the most amusing banter in the entire flick. Without exception, each female relationship is treated with care and attention; in fact, "Dumplin'" opted against including a typical antagonist, as a villain has no place in such an uplifting story.
#2: The Soundtrack
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To celebrate the movie's release, Dolly Parton produced an accompanying soundtrack. The country legend might not actually physically appear onscreen, but Parton's influence can be sensed in nearly every scene. In a sense, the singer is just as prominent of a character as any of the main cast. As a giant of the music industry, any new offering from Dolly is always a cause for celebration; and "Dumplin's" soundtrack seamlessly blends Parton's classic sound with modern stylings and guest artists. The Golden Globes nominated "Girl in the Movies" for "Best Original Song."
#1: Its Self-Love Message
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"Dumplin'" advocates self-acceptance and love. Within the opening five minutes, Will nonchalantly describes herself as "fat," and nearly all the characters are satisfied with themselves. Initially, the girls enter the beauty pageant as a form of protest, but Will's journey is less about destroying society's stereotypical definition of beauty, and more about finding the courage to be yourself, regardless of anyone else's opinion. Rather than overshadowing the plot, the social commentary is a natural byproduct of Will's personal arc and works well because of it. "Dumplin's" empowering message is important and timeless.
