I Feel Pretty

The 2018 film I Feel Pretty is a comedic exploration of body image, self-esteem, and the transformative power of confidence. Directed by Abby Kohn and Marc Silverstein, this film features an ensemble cast led by comedian Amy Schumer. Schumer adeptly delivers a performance that is both heartfelt and uproarious, while successfully spearheading a range of conversations about beauty, value, and self-worth.

Schumer steps into the shoes of protagonist Renee Bennett, a vivacious yet self-deprecating woman grappling with deep-seated insecurities about her physical appearance in the midst of an image-obsessive society. A seemingly normal day at SoulCycle, her favorite spinning class, takes a peculiar turn when an unimaginable accident happens. The head injury she sustains strangely prompts a dramatic change in her self-perception. In a vibrant display of cognitive dissonance, Renee wakes up believing she has miraculously morphed into the ultra-gorgeous woman she's always coveted to be, despite no actual physical alteration. Schumer is able to masterfully portray this radical transition in Renee's self-image, hilariously navigating through the world with a newfound and unshakeable confidence.

This film is also supported by powerful performances from Michelle Williams and Emily Ratajkowski. Williams offers an unexpectedly comedic turn as Avery LeClaire, the aspirational and well-intentioned but clueless CEO of the high-end cosmetic company where Renee works. Despite her stunning appearance and successful career, Avery has her own set of insecurities which subtly highlight that no one, regardless of their success, is immune to self-doubt. Ratajkowski plays a pivotal role in the exploration of the story's central theme. Her character is an ethereal beauty who seemingly epitomizes Renee's dream look, a symbol of 'perfection' that indirectly contributes to Renee's insecurities. However, as the narrative progresses, even her character doesn't escape the clutches of self-doubt and insecurities, humanizing her stereotypical 'it-girl' persona.

Body-positive and brimming with humor, I Feel Pretty challenges societal expectations of beauty, suggesting that confidence is born from self-love and internal validation rather than external approvals. By having Renee shift her perspective due to a fluke accident, the film opens up enlightened dialogues about self-perception, drawing viewers to the identification that attractiveness is as much about how one views oneself as it is about physical appearance.

While primarily a comedy, the film doesn’t shy away from grounding its narrative in real, tender moments that resonate with audiences. The movie invites laughter while simultaneously tugging at the heartstrings—offering both comedic and poignant commentary on society's expectations and the different ways people deal with self-image.

The premise, coupled with a series of engaging narrative arcs and Amy Schumer's lovable performance, make I Feel Pretty an enjoyable cinematic experience for a diverse audience. The film delivers a good mix of humor, drama, and life lessons while packing a punch when it comes to topics about body image and self-confidence.

From a technical perspective, the film is adeptly crafted with beautiful cinematography that captures an array of aesthetic scenes. Yet, despite its visual appeal, it is the narrative's depth that leaves the most potent impact. The playful, upbeat soundtrack enhances the tone of the movie, emphasizing important scenes and complementing the overall narrative.

In conclusion, I Feel Pretty is an uproarious comedy that tackles issues of self-esteem and body image with light-hearted humor and incisive social commentary. It may be far from a conventional romantic comedy, but it does highlight that the journey of self-love can be as beautiful, flawed, and rewarding as any love story. An entertaining film with a relevant message, I Feel Pretty captures many nuances of the human struggle with self-perception and reminds us that beauty is more than just skin deep.