Dumplin' – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Dumplin'

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2018

68%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

A plus-size Texas teen enters her mom's beauty pageant to prove a point—cue Dolly Parton soundtrack and mother-daughter feelings.

86%

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Dumplin'

movie

PG-13, 2018

68%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

A plus-size Texas teen enters her mom's beauty pageant to prove a point—cue Dolly Parton soundtrack and mother-daughter feelings.

86%

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Screenwise Verdict

Dumplin' is one of those Netflix teen movies that actually has something to say beyond 'hot guy notices quirky girl.' It tackles body positivity and self-acceptance without being preachy, and the mother-daughter relationship feels real—messy, complicated, ultimately loving.

The 86% critic score vs. 72% audience score tells you something: it's well-made and meaningful, but not everyone's going to love the pacing or find it super entertaining. It's more 'thoughtful coming-of-age' than 'binge-worthy teen romp.'

For families with teens navigating body image stuff, this could be genuinely helpful viewing. For families where that's not a current struggle, it might feel a bit heavy-handed. The Dolly Parton soundtrack slaps regardless of where you land.

It's 2018, so not ancient, but also not super current in terms of teen culture references. Still totally watchable and relevant for the themes it explores.

Age Fit

Best for ages 13-17, particularly teen girls navigating body image and identity questions. Younger kids won't connect with the teen drama, and older teens might find it a bit too earnest, though the Dolly soundtrack has universal appeal.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Models self-acceptance, body positivity, and standing up for yourself in healthy ways. The mother-daughter relationship has tension but ultimately resolution. Positive friendship dynamics and supportive community. Some mild language and teen drinking scenes keep it from being squeaky clean, but overall emotionally healthy messaging about self-worth and not conforming to narrow beauty standards.

Imaginative

Fairly conventional coming-of-age story structure with the 'underdog enters pageant' premise that's been done before. The Texas setting and Dolly Parton soundtrack add some flavor, but it's not breaking new ground narratively. More focused on character growth than creative world-building or inviting audience imagination. Solid execution of familiar themes rather than innovative storytelling.

Safe

Common Sense Media rates it 13+, which aligns with teen-appropriate content. Contains some mild language, brief teen drinking, and discussions of body image that could be sensitive for younger viewers. No graphic content, violence, or sexual content. The body image themes are handled positively but could trigger anxiety in kids already struggling with self-image. No major surprise content that would shock within the PG-13 realm.

Enriching

Strong themes of self-acceptance, challenging beauty standards, and finding your own path. Addresses body positivity in a meaningful way without being preachy. Explores complex mother-daughter dynamics and the pressure parents can inadvertently place on kids. Good discussion material about confidence, friendship, and authenticity. Entertaining enough to hold teen attention while delivering genuine emotional growth moments.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Body positivity messaging that feels genuine rather than after-school-special preachy—tackles real insecurities teens face
Mother-daughter relationship complexity that goes beyond stereotypes; they're both flawed and learning
Dolly Parton soundtrack is genuinely delightful and adds heart without being cheesy
Shows a protagonist who's confident AND vulnerable, which is refreshingly realistic for teen representation
Good conversation starter about beauty standards, self-worth, and the pressure to fit in

⚠

What to Watch For

Body image discussions throughout—could be empowering for some kids, anxiety-inducing for others already struggling with self-image
Brief scenes of teen drinking at a party; not glorified but present
Some mild language and teen relationship drama (nothing graphic)
The pageant world might feel foreign or uncomfortable to families who find that culture problematic

Conversation Starters

"What did you think about how Willowdean's mom showed love? Was it helpful or hurtful?"
"Have you ever felt pressure to look or act a certain way? How did you handle it?"
"Why do you think Willowdean was so drawn to Dolly Parton's music and message?"
"What would you do if your best friend started acting differently around new people?"
"Do you think beauty pageants can be empowering, or are they always about judging appearances?"

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