Let me just start by saying I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this movie! It stars Danielle Macdonald as Willowdean and Jennifer Aniston as Rosie, Willowdean’s mom. Odeya Rush is Ellen, Willowdean’s best friend. It is based on a book of the same name by Julie Murphy.
This is a coming of age and love story with flair. When I say love story I don’t specifically me bSource Netflixetween a boy and a girl, though that is in there. It’s a love story between family and friends, both old and new and most of all falling in love with yourself.
Willowdean is a high school student in the great state of Texas. Her mother Rosie calls her Dumplin’, a name she hates. Rosie is a former beauty pageant queen and a current nurse. Her sister Lucy did a lot to take care of Willowdean Unfortunately Lucy died 6 months ago. Willowdean and Rosie’s relationship is complicated. Going through her Aunt Lucy’s things Willowdean finds an application for the same beauty pageant that Rosie was in. Willowdean, who has been against pageants decides to enter in as an act of rebellion.
Here’s the thing. A beauty pageant, what’s the big deal, right? Well for Willowdean it is a big deal. She isn’t a size two. She is a bigger girl and therefore has insecurities about her looks. Before you say “Everybody has insecurities about their looks”, I realize this. As I bigger girl myself, I totally understand Willowdean’s struggle. Going into a pageant with girls that are a size two when you aren’t is very intimidating. Luckily, while Lucy can’t be there for Willowdean, Lucy’s friends are and what a colorful bunch they are.
Trust me, this a movie worth seeing. Even my husband and son liked it. It’s on Netflix so you can view it anytime. Let me know what you think in the comments below. Till next week…
