Embrace

Embrace is a thought-provoking documentary directed by Taryn Brumfitt, which initially premiered at the 2016 Sydney Film Festival before later going on to achieve global acclaim. Taryn Brumfitt is not only the director of the film but also the central figure, as the film essentially chronicles her journey to self-acceptance amid a society that constantly reinforces unrealistically high beauty standards.

In Embrace, Taryn Brumfitt gives a candid account of her personal journey. As a mother of three who was uncomfortable with her post-childbirth body, she resorted to rigorous exercise to get her 'pre-baby body back. After achieving the desired results and on the surface appearing to possess a body lauded by society, Brumfitt was still left feeling deeply dissatisfied and unhappy. She became haunted by an all-important question- Why did the perfect and ideal body, as promoted by society, not make her instantly happy?

Brimming with a fresh perspective, she shifted her focus from wanting to change her body to changing the perception associated with it. This switch led her to enter a before-and-after body photo into a contest. This photo differed from typical before-and-after photos - in Brumfitt's, the 'before' image showed her toned body post rigorous training while the 'after' image was of her more natural, curvier body. This counter-normative presentation and her embracing natural body caused this photograph to go viral, setting a precedent for what was about to follow – a global crusade on body positivity and self-acceptance.

As the film progresses, Embrace takes the viewers around the world as Brumfitt interviews an eclectic mix of women- from celebrities, experts, to everyday individuals; each with their unique experiences and perspectives on body image. The narratives vary from a fashion photographer who himself admits to the deception of Photoshop, to a woman who underwent numerous surgeries to look like an ideal beauty, and to a naturally skinny woman who finds herself equally scrutinized by society's beauty norms.

Featuring unapologetic appearances by renowned individuals such as TV presenter Amanda de Cadenet, body image blogger Jes Baker, and Harnaam Kaur, a woman with polycystic ovary syndrome who has chosen to fully embrace her body hair, Embrace addresses the harmful effects of body shaming and promotes body positivity. It also puts light on subjects such as the profit-driven beauty industry, the damaging effects of social & traditional media, and the constant scrutiny women face regarding their bodies.

Embrace is more than just a documentary; it's an advocate for transformation. Not the kind of transformation that results in a smaller dress size or more toned muscles, but a mental transformation. It presents a crucial need to banish destructive body shaming and instead, foster acceptance, and celebrate diversity.

A pertinent message of the movie is that beauty is not a one-size-fits-all concept, but a fluid notion that extends far beyond physical appearance. Importantly, the body should be respected for its abilities instead of being valued just for the way it looks.

The film itself has acted as a catalyst, inspiring a global conversation about body image. It paints the raw realities of grappling body image, showcasing emotions from tears to joy, thereby touching the heart of the viewers.

Embrace serves to remind us that every body is unique, every body is special and most importantly, every body is worthy of love and respect. Brumfitt's courage to bare her insecurities and journey on-screen incites viewers to question the unrealistic standards set by society.

Embrace is not just a film containing stories about bodies and body image narratives – it is a transformative and revolutionizing movement promoting positive body image and challenging the way we perceive beauty. A manifesto for all to love their bodies, Embrace serves as a body positivity handbook — reminding and encouraging us to embrace and respect our bodies as they are. By breaking down constructed beauty standards, Embrace serves an essential reminder that real beauty lies within the eye of the beholder.

Embrace is indeed a call to action, to change our perspectives and acceptance of our bodies, evoke self-love, and in doing so, give impetus to a paradigm shift in societal perceptions of body image, beauty, and acceptance. The film is a beacon of positivity and empowerment that calls us all to embrace who we are and to find beauty in ourselves just the way we are.