Here is the rewritten content: What Is ‘Empire Waist’ About? Empire Waist follows Lenore (Mia Kaplan), a teen girl who’s essentially invisible at scho
Here is the rewritten content:
What Is ‘Empire Waist’ About?
Empire Waist follows Lenore (Mia Kaplan), a teen girl who’s essentially invisible at school — and likes it that way. Bigger than most of her classmates, she’s a prime target for bullies like mean girl Sylvie (Isabella Pisacane). Instead of attempting to make friends, Lenore plays it safe and embraces her loner status, avoiding eye contact and spending all of her time sketching outfits. Her home life isn’t the easiest either. While her quirky dad (Rainn Wilson) is supportive, her mom (Missi Pyle) constantly works out and goes on intense diets, putting pressure on Lenore to do the same.
Lenore’s life changes, however, when she’s paired up with Kayla (Jemima Yevu) for a class project. Though Kayla’s also plus-sized, she has no interest in hiding anything about herself. Confident and charismatic, Kayla eventually gets Lenore out of her shell, even encouraging her to enter a competitive fashion design showcase. The two enlist the school outcasts as models, including the queer and disabled Marcy (Daisy Washington), shy and petite Diamond (Kassandra Tellez), and trans tall girl Tina (Holly McDowell). Though they’re a diverse group, they all have one thing in common: They can’t seem to find any clothes they like that fit them. Lenore is able to make her new friends feel empowered with the outfits she makes, and in the process, she slowly starts to gain some self-esteem, too.
‘Empire Waist’ Captures the Nuances of Fatphobia
Empire Waist features a moving tribute to friendship dressed up in a bright, colorful package. While it’s not immune to tropes and predictable story beats in some areas, the way it tackles issues of body image is rare and refreshingly nuanced. It’s a necessary film for a younger crowd who can relate to Lenore in the present moment and a healing one for those who have graduated to the next phases of their lives but still carry the painful memories of a doctor’s office scale.
Empire Waist
Follows a group of teens learning to love their bodies through inclusive fashion design and friendship.
- Run Time
- 1 hr 34 min
- Director
- Claire Ayoub
- Release Date
- September 27, 2024
- Actors
- Mia Kaplan, Jemima Yevu, Rainn Wilson, Missi Pyle, Jolene Purdy
Empire Waist is now in theaters in the U.S. Click below for showtimes.
Conclusion
Empire Waist is a heartwarming film that tackles the complexities of body image and self-esteem with sensitivity and nuance. With its diverse cast of characters and uplifting message, it’s a must-see for anyone who has ever struggled with body image issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the story of Empire Waist about?
Empire Waist follows a group of teens who use inclusive fashion design to build confidence and self-esteem, while also navigating the challenges of high school.
- Who stars in Empire Waist?
The film stars Mia Kaplan, Jemima Yevu, Rainn Wilson, Missi Pyle, and Jolene Purdy.
- When does Empire Waist come out in theaters?
Empire Waist is now in theaters in the U.S. and can be found on Fandango.
- Is Empire Waist suitable for all ages?
While the film deals with mature themes, it is suitable for viewers of all ages who are interested in stories about body image and self-acceptance.
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