Dumplin’ is a heartwarming and inspiring story that has captivated audiences both on the page and on the screen. Originally a bestselling novel written by Julie Murphy, Dumplin’ was adapted into a film directed by Anne Fletcher in 2018.
In this article, we’ll explore the world of Dumplin’ in-depth, from its book and film summaries to the memorable quotes and soundtrack. We’ll also provide a parent guide and delve into the characters, settings, and behind-the-scenes details that make Dumplin’ a must-see and must-read.
Book Summary: Exploring Dumplin’s World
Dumplin’ follows the story of Willowdean “Dumplin'” Dickson, a plus-sized teenager living in a small Texas town. Her mother, Rosie, is a former beauty queen and the organizer of the local Miss Teen Bluebonnet Pageant. Willowdean has always felt overshadowed by her mother’s beauty and success, but she finds solace in her friendship with Ellen “Elle” Dryver, her best friend since childhood.
When Willowdean begins working at a local fast-food restaurant, she meets Bo, a handsome and charming coworker who seems to be interested in her.
As their relationship blossoms, Willowdean’s insecurities about her weight and appearance begin to surface, causing her to question her self-worth.
Inspired by her late aunt’s love for Dolly Parton and a desire to prove her worth, Willowdean decides to enter the Miss Teen Bluebonnet Pageant, along with her new friends Millie Mitchellchuck, a fellow plus-sized girl, and Hannah, a rebellious outcast.
Throughout the novel, Willowdean faces numerous challenges and learns important lessons about self-acceptance, friendship, and love. The novel is a moving and empowering portrayal of a young woman’s journey to self-discovery and confidence.
Film Summary: Bringing Dumplin’ to the Screen
Anne Fletcher’s adaptation of Dumplin’ brings the inspiring story of Willowdean Dickson to life on the screen, with Danielle Macdonald in the lead role. The film follows the same plot as the book, with some minor changes and additions. One notable difference is the inclusion of several drag queens who play a more significant role in the film, teaching Willowdean and her friends about self-confidence and self-expression.
The film captures the essence of the novel, showcasing the importance of self-esteem, body positivity, and the power of friendship. The film received positive reviews for its heartwarming and empowering message, as well as its talented cast and engaging plot.
Cast and Characters: Who’s Who in Dumplin’
The cast of Dumplin’ features a mix of talented actors who bring the characters from Julie Murphy’s novel to life.
Danielle Macdonald stars as Willowdean “Dumplin'” Dickson, the protagonist on a journey to self-acceptance and empowerment. Jennifer Aniston plays her mother, Rosie Dickson, a former beauty queen struggling to understand her daughter’s choices. Odeya Rush portrays Ellen “Elle” Dryver, Willowdean’s loyal best friend, and Maddie Baillio plays Millie Mitchellchuck, a fellow plus-sized contestant in the pageant.
Other notable cast members include Bex Taylor-Klaus as Hannah, a rebellious outcast who joins Willowdean in the pageant, and Luke Benward as Bo, Willowdean’s charming coworker and love interest.
Harold Perrineau, Ginger Minj, and Hilliary Begley also appear as drag queens who help the girls prepare for the pageant and teach them about self-confidence and self-expression.
Parent Guide: Understanding Dumplin’s Themes and Messages
Dumplin’ is a story that tackles important themes and messages that can be both educational and inspiring for young audiences.
The key themes in Dumplin’ include self-acceptance, body positivity, friendship, and the importance of breaking stereotypes and challenging societal norms. The novel and film encourage readers and viewers to embrace their uniqueness and be proud of who they are, regardless of their appearance or background.
Parents should be aware that the film and book do contain some mild language and romantic themes, as well as references to bullying and body shaming. However, these elements are portrayed sensitively and are essential to the story’s overall message of self-acceptance and empowerment.
Setting the Stage: When and Where Dumplin’ Takes Place
Dumplin’ is set in a small Texas town, where the annual Miss Teen Bluebonnet Pageant is a significant event for the community.
The story takes place in the present day, allowing readers and viewers to relate to the characters and their experiences. The Texas setting is integral to the story, as it highlights the contrast between traditional beauty standards and the diverse and empowering message that Willowdean and her friends embody.
Behind the Scenes: Film Locations and Production
The film adaptation of Dumplin’ was primarily shot in Atlanta, Georgia, with several locations around the city serving as the backdrop for the small Texas town where the story takes place. The production team transformed various locations in Atlanta to create the world of Dumplin’, including the fast-food restaurant where Willowdean works, the local high school, and the venue for the Miss Teen Bluebonnet Pageant.
The film was directed by Anne Fletcher, known for her work on films like The Proposal and 27 Dresses. Fletcher worked closely with Julie Murphy, the author of the novel, to ensure that the film stayed true to the spirit of the book while bringing it to life on the screen.
Memorable Quotes: Words of Wisdom from Dumplin’
The novel and film adaptation of Dumplin’ are filled with memorable quotes that inspire and empower readers and viewers. Some notable quotes from the story include:
- “I’m not the Joan of Arc of fat girls.” – Willowdean Dickson
- “You don’t have to be a swan to enter a swan contest, and you don’t have to win to prove you’re not ugly.” – Willowdean Dickson
- “Sometimes figuring out who you are means understanding that we are a mosaic of experiences.” – Julie Murphy, Dumplin’
These quotes, along with many others, serve as reminders of the importance of self-acceptance, self-confidence, and embracing our uniqueness.
The Soundtrack: Jake Monaco’s Musical Contributions
The film adaptation of Dumplin’ features a vibrant and uplifting soundtrack composed by Jake Monaco, with several original songs performed by Dolly Parton.
Parton’s music plays a significant role in the story, as her songs and persona inspire Willowdean and her friends throughout their journey. Some standout tracks from the soundtrack include “Girl in the Movies,” “Red Shoes,” and “Here I Am,” which feature Parton’s signature style and add an extra layer of emotion and inspiration to the film.
Curiosities and Trivia: Fun Facts about Dumplin’
There are several interesting facts and behind-the-scenes tidbits about Dumplin’ that fans of the book and film may not know:
- Author Julie Murphy was inspired to write Dumplin’ after watching a reality TV show about child beauty pageants.
- The film adaptation of Dumplin’ was released on Netflix, making it accessible to a wide audience and allowing for the story’s message of empowerment and self-acceptance to reach even more people.
- Dolly Parton, who plays a significant role in the story through her music and influence on the characters, was personally involved in the film’s production, contributing original songs to the soundtrack and promoting the film.
Tips for Dumplin’ Cosplay: Dress like Your Favorite Characters
Dumplin’ offers several unique and memorable characters for fans to cosplay as, whether it’s for a convention or a themed party.
Here are some tips to help you dress like Willowdean “Dumplin'” Dickson, Rosie Dickson, Ellen “Elle” Dryver, and Millie Mitchellchuck:
- Willowdean “Dumplin'” Dickson: To dress like Willowdean, opt for casual and comfortable clothing, such as jeans, t-shirts, and sneakers. Add a touch of Southern charm with a bandana or cowboy boots, anddon’t forget to wear a tiara to channel her inner beauty queen.
- Rosie Dickson: Rosie is a former beauty queen, so opt for elegant and sophisticated clothing, such as a cocktail dress or a pantsuit. Add some bling with statement jewelry and style your hair in a sleek updo.
- Ellen “Elle” Dryver: Elle is a quirky and fun character, so embrace your playful side with bright colors and fun patterns. Opt for a retro-inspired look with a polka dot dress or a denim skirt paired with a graphic t-shirt.
- Millie Mitchellchuck: Millie is a fellow plus-sized contestant in the pageant, so embrace your curves with a bold and colorful outfit. Opt for a statement dress or a jumpsuit and add some sparkle with statement jewelry or a clutch.
Video Games Inspired by Dumplin’: Interactive Fun
While there are currently no video games based on Dumplin’, there are several games that feature themes and messages similar to the story.
Games like Life is Strange, A Normal Lost Phone, and Night in the Woods all explore themes of self-discovery, acceptance, and challenging societal norms. These games offer an interactive and engaging way to explore the themes and messages of Dumplin’ in a unique and immersive way.
About the Author: Julie Murphy’s Bio and Books
Julie Murphy is the author of several bestselling young adult novels, including Dumplin’, Side Effects May Vary, and Puddin’.
She was born and raised in Texas and currently lives in Los Angeles, California. Murphy’s novels explore themes of body positivity, self-acceptance, and empowerment, and she is a vocal advocate for diversity and representation in literature.
Ending Explained: Unraveling Dumplin’s Conclusion
The conclusion of Dumplin’ sees Willowdean and her friends compete in the Miss Teen Bluebonnet Pageant, with each of them embracing their unique qualities and challenging traditional beauty standards.
Willowdean ultimately chooses to withdraw from the pageant, realizing that her worth does not depend on a crown or a title. Instead, she chooses to embrace her true self and pursue her passions, inspiring her friends and community along the way.
Other Films by Anne Fletcher: Exploring the Director’s Work
Anne Fletcher has directed several other films throughout her career, including The Proposal, 27 Dresses, and Step Up.
These films share themes of self-discovery, empowerment, and challenging societal norms, making them a great choice for fans of Dumplin’ looking for similar stories.
Similar Films to Dumplin’: More Inspiring Stories
If you enjoyed Dumplin’, there are several other films that explore similar themes and messages.
These include Lady Bird, The Edge of Seventeen, and Eighth Grade, all of which offer empowering and inspiring stories of self-discovery and acceptance.
Other Books by Julie Murphy: Expanding Your Reading List
Julie Murphy has written several other young adult novels that explore themes of body positivity, self-acceptance, and empowerment.
These include Puddin’, Ramona Blue, and Side Effects May Vary, all of which offer unique and inspiring stories for readers looking to expand their reading list.
Similar Books to Dumplin’: More Empowering Reads
For readers who enjoyed Dumplin’, there are several other young adult novels that explore similar themes and messages.
These include Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell, The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas, and Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon. These books offer poignant and inspiring stories of self-discovery and acceptance, making them a great choice for fans of Dumplin’.
Conclusion: Celebrating the World of Dumplin’
Dumplin’ is a story that has captured the hearts of readers and viewers alike, offering an inspiring and empowering message of self-acceptance, friendship, and breaking stereotypes.
From its novel and film summaries to its memorable quotes and soundtrack, Dumplin’ is a celebration of uniqueness and individuality that resonates with audiences of all ages. Whether you’re a fan of the book or the film, or just discovering the world of Dumplin’ for the first time, this story is sure to leave a lasting impression and inspire you to embrace your true self.
