Dumplin’ Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A Dolly Parton-obsessed plus-size teen enters a beauty pageant run by her mom to stick it to the system, and ends up accidentally making everyone feel good about themselves, proving that small Texas towns are weird.

🍿 Dumplin’: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introducing Willowdean and Rosie

Willowdean, nicknamed ‘Dumplin’, is a confident, plus-size teenager living in a small Texas town. She has a close bond with her Aunt Lucy, who instilled in her a love for Dolly Parton. Her mother, Rosie, is a former beauty queen who runs the local Miss Teen Bluebonnet pageant, a source of friction between them.

Aunt Lucy’s Death and a Pageant Protest

After Aunt Lucy passes away, Willowdean discovers that Lucy had planned to enter the Miss Teen Bluebonnet pageant years ago. Inspired by this, and feeling disconnected from her mother, Willowdean impulsively signs up for the pageant as a form of protest against the narrow beauty standards it represents. Her best friend, Ellen, supports her decision.

The Revolution Begins

Willowdean’s act of rebellion inspires other unconventional girls to join the pageant, including Millie, a shy, plus-size girl with a passion for pageantry, and Hannah, a punk rock enthusiast. Their participation challenges Rosie’s traditional views and the established norms of the pageant. As they prepare, Willowdean navigates a budding romance with Bo, a charming coworker.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Willowdean (Danielle Macdonald): A plus-size teenager who challenges beauty standards by entering her mother’s pageant.
• Rosie (Jennifer Aniston): A former beauty queen and Willowdean’s mother who struggles to connect with her daughter.
• Ellen (Odeya Rush): Willowdean’s best friend who supports her decisions and participates in the pageant.
• Millie (Maddie Baillio): A plus-size girl inspired by Willowdean to join the pageant despite her mother’s disapproval.
• Bo (Luke Benward): A charming boy who works at a local diner and shows romantic interest in Willowdean.
• Lee (Harold Perrineau): A drag queen who helps the girls prepare for the pageant and find their confidence.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Willowdean: “As far as I’m concerned, a swimsuit body is a body with a swimsuit on it.” – Willowdean says this to express her body-positive attitude and challenge conventional beauty standards.
• Willowdean: “I’m not doing this for you. I’m doing this for me.” – Willowdean says this to her mother to explain that she’s entering the pageant for her own personal growth and not to fulfill her mother’s expectations.
• Rosie: “You don’t have to prove anything to anyone.” – Rosie shares this to remind Willowdean that her worth is not determined by external validation or achievements.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $15,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $1,468,530
• Worldwide Gross: $399,198

💥 Dumplin’ Reviews

Personal Review

I really enjoyed Dumplin’. As someone who has struggled with body image, I found the movie to be surprisingly touching and relatable. The scene where Willowdean finds her aunt’s Dolly Parton collection really resonated with me. It reminded me of how music can be such a source of comfort and strength. It’s not a perfect movie, but it left me feeling good, and sometimes that’s all that matters.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of coming-of-age stories”
  • “Viewers interested in body positivity themes”
  • “Dolly Parton fans”
  • “Anyone who enjoys heartwarming family dramas”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Brief mild language”
  • “Themes of body image issues”
  • “Discussion of grief and loss”

Professional Reviews

• Rollingstone.com: “Dumplin’ delivers a heartwarming message about self-acceptance and challenging beauty standards. Aniston shines as the mom struggling to connect with her daughter, but the film occasionally relies on predictable tropes. Still, the Dolly Parton soundtrack and the film’s overall positivity make it an enjoyable watch.
• Country Music Alley: “Dolly Parton’s music elevates Dumplin’ beyond a typical teen drama. The film’s exploration of body image and mother-daughter relationships is sincere and relatable. While some plot points feel rushed, the performances, particularly Danielle Macdonald’s, are strong, and the film’s message of self-love resonates.

Audience Reactions

Viewers loved the film’s heartwarming message about self-acceptance.: The movie’s positive portrayal of female friendships and its rejection of typical high school movie tropes were widely appreciated.

Many viewers connected with Willowdean’s struggles and found her journey inspiring.: Dolly Parton’s music and its integration into the film received high praise for adding depth and emotion.

Overall Consensus: Dumplin’ is a feel-good movie with a strong message of self-acceptance, elevated by its Dolly Parton soundtrack and the cast’s performances. While some find it predictable, many appreciate its heartwarming story and positive themes.

Awards

1. Hollywood Music In Media Awards (Original Song – Feature Film)- 2018

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is based on the young adult novel of the same name by Julie Murphy.”
• “Dolly Parton wrote and performed several original songs for the film’s soundtrack, which became a significant element of the movie’s appeal.”
• “Author Julie Murphy has a cameo in the movie”

🖥️ How to Watch Dumplin’?

Dumplin’ is available to stream on Netflix. It’s also available for rent or purchase on platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your preferred platform for pricing and availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Dumplin’, you might like these similar films:

• Miss Congeniality (2000): Both films feature unconventional women challenging beauty pageant norms, though ‘Miss Congeniality’ is more comedic.
• Little Miss Sunshine (2006): Features a quirky family supporting an unconventional child in a beauty pageant, emphasizing the importance of individuality.
• Hairspray (2007): Deals with themes of body image, acceptance, and challenging societal norms through a talent competition.
• Sierra Burgess Is a Loser (2018): A coming-of-age story about a girl who doesn’t fit traditional beauty standards finding her own way.

🛒 Dumplin’ Related Products

• Dumplin’ [Original Motion Picture Soundtrack]: Listen to Dolly Parton and other inspiring music featured in the movie ‘Dumplin’. Download or stream on Amazon Music to keep the empowering vibes going!
• Dumplin’ Movie Poster: Get the official ‘Dumplin” movie poster! Featuring the cast and the iconic film title, it’s a great way to decorate your room and show your love for the movie.
• Dolly Parton: My Life in Lyrics: A definitive collection of Dolly Parton’s lyrics, showcasing her evolution as a songwriter and storyteller. The perfect companion for those inspired by her music in Dumplin’.
• Miss Teen Bluebonnet T-shirt: Show your support for embracing your unique self with this ‘Miss Teen Bluebonnet’ t-shirt, inspired by the movie! A fun and stylish way to celebrate individuality.

🎧 Soundtrack

Dumplin’ features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Dumb Blonde” – performed by Dolly Parton
• “Here I Am” – performed by Dolly Parton & Sia
• “Girl in the Movies” – performed by Dolly Parton

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Jennifer Aniston on Dolly Parton & New Movie Dumplin’

Ever wondered what it was like for Jennifer Aniston to work with Dolly Parton? She spills the beans on Jimmy Kimmel, and it’s a super fun peek into the making of ‘Dumplin’!

Sandra Bullock Crashes Jennifer Aniston & Dolly Parton’s ‘Dumplin’ Interview & Brings Tequila!

Sandra Bullock crashing an interview with Jennifer Aniston and Dolly Parton with tequila? Yes, please! It’s a hilarious and spontaneous moment that shows how much fun they had making ‘Dumplin’.

Dumplin’ | Drag Queens Cover Dolly Parton’s “Jolene” | Netflix

Drag Queens covering Dolly Parton’s “Jolene”?! This is a must-see! It’s such a fun and empowering take on a classic song, and it really captures the spirit of ‘Dumplin’.

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