Common Sense Media Review
By Renee Schonfeld
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Funny, romantic, insightful teen tale has a little swearing.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Dumplin'
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 21 parent reviews
Based on 20 kid reviews
Kids say the movie delivers powerful messages about body positivity and self-acceptance, featuring strong role models and emotional storytelling that resonates with older children, though some viewers perceive it as formulaic and overly predictable. Most agree it's suitable for ages 10 and up due to occasional swearing and themes that might be better understood by a more mature audience.
- body positivity
- strong role models
- emotional storytelling
- suitable for older kids
- not family-friendly
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
As DUMPLIN' opens, Willowdean "Will" Dickson (Danielle Macdonald) has recently lost her beloved Aunt Lucy (Hilliary Begley). Willowdean and Lucy had a special relationship that was cemented by a mutual Love (with a capital "L") for Dolly Parton. Both plus-size, Will and Lucy valued, loved, and protected each other, while Rosie (Jennifer Aniston) -- Will's mom -- has never let go of her teen beauty-queen ideals. Now in charge of the "Miss Teen Bluebonnet" pageant, Rosie loves her daughter but can't help being disappointed in not having given birth to "pageant material." In fact, she calls Willowdean "Dumplin'," which makes the girl cringe in embarrassment. At a low moment in their relationship, Will rebels. She throws caution (and self-consciousness) to the wind and, along with her loyal best friend, Ellen (Odeya Rush), signs up to compete for the title of Miss Teen Bluebonnet to show Rosie up. Will's bravado inspires two other atypical teens to sign up, too. What begins as a protest takes the feisty heroine and her friends on a journey of self-discovery and eye-opening new experiences, turning small-town Texas on its heels (stilettos, for sure).
Is It Any Good?
Part fairy tale, part coming-of-age story, and always about self-acceptance, this movie will make you laugh and warm your heart. Rising above some predictability, stereotyping, and dispensable profanity, Dumplin' delivers bright performances (especially from the very talented Macdonald), sparkling musical numbers, a solid story, and a resolution that, while not surprising, is more than satisfying. Teens who are enjoying the profusion of romcoms now streaming, many of them on Netflix, will find Dumplin' a cut above the rest. It's recommended, particularly as a shared experience.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Dumplin's rallying cry (credited to Dolly Parton): "Find out who you are, and do it on purpose." What does that mean? In what way(s) is the concept relevant for you?
Is Willowdean a role model? Why or why not? Do the filmmakers portray her appearance with dignity? What about Aunt Lucy? Millie?
It's often challenging for movies to blend humor and drama. How did the filmmakers use humor to heighten the serious issues here?
If you've read the book, which did you like better? Why?
How does the movie show the character strength of empathy?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : December 7, 2018
- Cast : Danielle Macdonald , Jennifer Aniston , Luke Benward
- Director : Anne Fletcher
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Book Characters , Friendship , School ( High School )
- Character Strengths : Empathy
- Run time : 110 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : brief strong language
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : December 5, 2025
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