Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- None
- witty
- warm
- uplifting
- feel good movie night
- teen movie night
What critics said
Critics broadly found the film sweet, uplifting, and well acted, with a strong soundtrack that makes its familiar pageant formula engaging.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Willowdean enters the Miss Teen Bluebonnet pageant as a protest, prompting other outsiders to join and reshape the event.
The plot centers on Willowdean's plus-size identity, fat shaming, and refusal to let beauty standards determine her worth.
Willowdean's conflict with former beauty queen Rosie is intertwined with grief, judgment, and the need for mutual recognition.
Drag queen Lee Wayne, performing as Rhea Ranged, becomes a mentor and links pageant spectacle with expressive self-invention.
Films like Dumplin', and why
The Edge of Seventeen
shared coming-of-age comedy, body acceptance themes, and warm small-town ensemble tone
Real Women Have Curves
shared body positivity, female friendship, self-acceptance, and uplifting comedy-drama
Little Miss Sunshine
shared beauty pageant setting, outsider protagonists, irreverent humor, and heartfelt community transformation
Pitch Perfect
shared female friendship, music-driven optimism, and empowering underdog competition narrative
Movie Details
- Director
- Anne Fletcher
- Release Date
- 2018-12-20
- Runtime
- 110 min
- Rating
- 6.8 / 10 (1456)
Cast
- Danielle Macdonald
- Jennifer Aniston
- Odeya Rush
- Maddie Baillio
- Bex Taylor-Klaus
- Luke Benward
- Georgie Flores
- Dove Cameron
- Harold Perrineau
- Kathy Najimy
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- Netflix, Netflix Standard with Ads
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Dumplin' about?
- A plus-size Texas teenager turns a beauty pageant protest into a joyful revolt against narrow ideas of beauty, belonging, and confidence.
- What is Dumplin' like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Dumplin' as brisk, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Dumplin' violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Dumplin'.
- What did critics think of Dumplin'?
- Critics broadly found the film sweet, uplifting, and well acted, with a strong soundtrack that makes its familiar pageant formula engaging.
- Which films are like Dumplin'?
- Films with a similar feel include The Edge of Seventeen, Real Women Have Curves, Little Miss Sunshine, and Pitch Perfect.
- How long is Dumplin'?
- Dumplin' runs 110 minutes.
- Where can I watch Dumplin'?
- In United States, Dumplin' streams on Netflix, Netflix Standard with Ads.
