While
Disney has created many iconic characters, we think nothing comes close to the stunning Disney princesses. Most of the female protagonists have been described with a long slim neck, impossibly thin waist, or narrow wrists. However, Disney has debuted its first plus-size female protagonist in a short film that is praised for exploring body positivity and overcoming self-doubt. The movie calls Reflect.
The animation, Reflect, tells the story of Bianca, a young ballet dancer who "battles her own reflection, overcoming doubt and fear by channelingreflexc her inner strength, grace, and power". The six-minute over the Disney+ streaming service feature has been pitched as an uplifting tale of conquering body dysmorphia and self-doubt.
About the empowering animation
Source: © Reflect / Disneyplus and co-producers
Bianca, who is a young ballet dancer dealing with Body Dysmorphia, is sucked into a dark and ominous space, where she must dance without inhibition to successfully battle her reflection. She battles her own reflection, overcoming doubt and fear by channeling her inner strength to develop self-confidence.
Source: © Reflect / Disneyplus and co-producers
The short was introduced by its director, Hillary Bradfield, a Disney Animation story artist who’s behind “Frozen 2 and “Encanto." She said she wanted to tell this story because "I feel like I’m a very body-positive person in principle. But when it’s on a personal level, it’s a lot harder to be body positive."
Source: © Reflect / Disneyplus and co-producers
About Body Dysmorphia Disorder
Source: © Reflect / Disneyplus and co-producers
Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), or body dysmorphia, is a mental health condition where a person spends a lot of time worrying about flaws in their appearance. These flaws are often unnoticeable to others. The sufferer develops compulsive behaviors and routines, like the excessive use of mirrors or avoiding them completely. People with this condition may also isolate themselves to avoid situations where their appearance may cause them anxiety or awkwardness. The condition is most common in teenagers and young adults.
Disney has previously been criticized by its fans
Source: © Inner Workings / Walt Disney Animation Studios and co-producers
last year, the
Entertainment giant was criticized for pushing unrealistic beauty standards on young audiences after featuring a character with exaggerated proportions in one of its animations entitled Inner Workings.
Disney’s previous efforts to make children feel good about themselves
Source: © Encanto / Walt Disney Animation Studios and co-producers
In recent years, Disney has made a huge effort to create the diversity in its characters. “
Encanto” is an example. The movie is about the story of a family with magical powers, which was actually inspired by a letter sent to the company by a 9-year-old, who wished for a character that wore eyeglasses just like her.
Fans are delighted and full of praise for the cultural turning point
Source: © Reflect / Disneyplus and co-producers, © Reflect / Disneyplus and co-producers
Throughout its 85-year history of making movies, Disney has never featured a plus-size lead. These characters only appeared in supporting roles. A fan of Disney wishes the film has been made when she was still a kid. She tweeted, “16-year-old me needed this Disney short before I quit ballet because I didn't want to be the fat girl in class anymore. I'm glad little ones will have this”.
Source: © Reflect / Disneyplus and co-producers
The short might raise a new debate
Source: © Reflect / Disneyplus and co-producers
Portraying overweight or obese characters in a positive light is raging. While many are fighting for the Fat Acceptance movement, others are concerned about people’s health which is damaged by obesity and overweight.