It was recently announced that streaming giant Netflix would be breaking the mold. The service made the decision that its original films “Roma,” “The Ballad Of Buster Scruggs,” and “Bird Box” would seek a limited theatrical release before hitting the platform. A bit of a jarring move, the creative teams at Netflix are fully committing themselves to an awards season push. Add to the list of films hitting Netflix, and select theaters, in the heat of awards season, “Dumplin’.”
The film is directed by Anne Fletcher (“The Proposal,” “27 Dresses“) and stars Jennifer Aniston and Dannielle Macdonald. While Aniston is a household name, Macdonald’s career has been gaining traction within the last few years. Her breakout performance was in Geremy Jasper‘s 2017 film “Patti Cake$,” where Macdonald played an aspiring rapper dealing with adversity and downtrodden circumstances while living in New Jersey, with Macdonald’s performance received wide acclaim.
Since then, Macdonald appeared in smaller roles but is slated play opposite Sandra Bullock in “Bird Box” this year along with her crowning role in Fletcher’s “Dumplin’.” Taking place in a small town in Texas, Macdonald plays the daughter of Aniston, a former beauty queen who now runs her own pageant. In a move of protest, her daughter decides to enter, igniting a revolution and a movement. America’s own beauty pageants have been revisiting their assessments and criteria. “Dumplin'” will likely bolster the commentary to a contemporary conversation.
Here’s the synopsis and trailer:
Dumplin’ (Danielle Macdonald) is the plus-size, teenage daughter of a former beauty queen (Jennifer Aniston), who signs up for her mom’s pageant as a protest that escalates when other contestants follow her footsteps, revolutionizing the pageant and their small Texas town.
Also featured in the film will be music from Dolly Parton including a song entitled “Girls in the Movies.” Netflix may likely be pulling for an original song nomination for Parton given the film’s December release and decision to play in select theaters. Regardless, those who were fans of Macdonald’s work in “Patti Cake$” and have been waiting for what could come next should start polishing their crowns for this pageant.
“Dumplin'” hits select theaters and Netflix December 7th.