Thinspiration

Thinspiration, alternatively titled "Starving in Suburbia," is a 2014 drama movie that masterfully portrays the unsettling reality of eating disorders, the gravitating influence of dangerous websites, and the immense pressure of social expectations in suburban America.

The movie stars Laura Wiggins, widely recognized for her commendable role in Shameless, as the lead character, Hannah Warner. Hannah is a high-school ballet dancer with a seemingly ordinary life in the affluent suburbs. However, beneath the facade of comfort and regularity, she harbors intense insecurities about her physical appearance and weight. Embarking on a maladaptive pursuit of “perfection," Hannah stumbles upon a dark corner of the internet - an online community dedicated to the promotion of dangerous, anorexic behaviors. It's here that she is introduced to what is modeled as perfections - thinning bodies and inspiration - a dangerous mix.

Izabella Miko, known for her roles in "Coyote Ugly" and "Clash of the Titans," plays ButterflyAna, a character that is shrouded in mystery. Her name is an evident reference to anorexia nervosa, colloquially known as "Ana." ButterflyAna operates a website that endorses unnerving, pro-anorexia practices, going by "thinspiration." Through her blog, ButterflyAna becomes a harmful mentor to Hannah, manipulating her vulnerability and guiding her down a treacherous path of self-destruction.

Callie Thorne, known for her role in "Necessary Roughness," plays another critical character in the movie as Hannah’s resilient yet distraught mother. She watches Hannah’s disheartening transformation with growing concern, failing to comprehend or intervene effectively. As Hannah continues spiraling deep into the tunnel of her eating disorder, her mother feels increasingly helpless, demonstrating the collateral damage eating disorders can have on families and friends.

Directorial genius, Tara Miele, helms the movie, demonstrating her deftness in dealing with sensitive topics sensitively and in a way that relates to the viewers. During the film, Miele masterfully oscillates between glaring reality and the distorted perception of Hannah, enabling the audience to perceive the complexity and depth of eating disorders. She focuses heavily on the false perception of 'thinspiration' being an enabler to superior aesthetic appeal and how it affects young impressionable minds who are swarmed by society's unrealistic standards of beauty and the escalating pressure to conform.

Thinspiration is not a generic after-school special; instead, it goes beyond simple storytelling to delve deeper into the socio-cultural factors contributing to eating disorders. The film unflinchingly paints a realistic picture of the affliction, narrowing in on the struggle of the afflicted individual as well as the bewildering pain experienced by their loved ones.

The screenplay, penned by Tara Miele herself along with Dara Resnik, is sharp and profound. It keeps the audience engrossed, following Hannah’s journey - her initial enthrallment and subsequent entrapment in the web of her distorted self-image. The dialogues are poignant, highlighting the distorted perception affected individuals have towards their bodies and life itself.

The cinematography needs a special mention too. Richard Wong's camera captures suburban life's serenity and Hannah's turmoil with equally impressive detailing, underpinning the paradox of external appearance and internal chaos.

The movie is a visual representation of urgent and escalating conversations around mental health, body positivity, and the need for inclusively defined beauty standards. Thinspiration not only unravels a heart-wrenching narrative of a young dancer's struggle with anorexia, but it also sheds light on the role of the digital age and its dark underside in perpetuating dangerous beauty ideals and behaviors. It is a vital, thought-provoking film that encourages deeper conversations around these significant issues.

Thinspiration is recommended for audiences who appreciate realistic drama that encourages dialogue and reflection. A caveat, however. The subject matter that Thinspiration explores is sensitive and disturbing. Viewer discretion is advised for individuals who might find depictions of eating disorders distressing. Ultimately, it is a pertinent film that addresses the societal issue of eating disorders, their causes, and their deadly consequences head-on.