Body dysmorphia is a real issue and affects real people, and “Reflect” is paving a way for plus-sized girls to feel seen and understood.
Disney’s Newest Protagonist Conquers Dysmorphia By Channeling Her Grace
“Reflect”, a Disney+ short film, featuring the production studio’s first plus-sized female protagonist, revolves around “a ballet dancer [called Bianca] who battles her own reflection, overcoming doubt and fear by channeling her inner strength, grace and power.”
It is one of the short movies in Disney’s Short Circuit of Experimental Films by Walt Disney Animation Studios meant to explore body positivity and the importance of protecting your own self-esteem.
Directed by Hillary Bradfield, a Disney Animation story artist (Frozen 2, Encanto) since 2017, “Reflect” centers on a young ballet dancer who battles her own reflection as she overcomes self-doubt by channeling her inner strength and power.
The short clip sees Bianca practicing her ballet moves in front of the mirror, only for her image to be broken apart, representing the way she perceives her body.
This is a message that is sure to inspire young people to prevent them from seeing themselves through the lens of a society that has a twisted view about body image. Many people are seeing themselves in Bianca and understand what it’s like to look into a mirror and hate what’s looking back at you.
A TikTok user said: “I used to dance (not exclusively ballet) and went though similar feelings, so I’m excited to see this!!” while another commented, “She looks exactly like me when I was her age ! I was in the same situation in dance classes.”
“As someone who’s dealt with and still deals with this, it’s very comforting to finally see it being depicted,” another TikTok user has said. Another posted, “I wish I could have seen this when I was younger! But so happy things are changing!”
Already many people are convinced that the subject of the movie will be heavy, yet hopeful, just by watching the teaser trailer.
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