Disney has introduced its first plus-size protagonist, Bianca in an animated short film, ‘Reflect‘. The short film is a six-minute animation about a ballet dancer who endeavours to overcome body dysmorphia and self-doubt. Inclusion and feeling safe in one’s own skin are not still prevalent in society. People are still being shunned for just existing in their own natural way. One of the main reasons for people to have stereotyped views about a certain structured body as the standard is because of the modelling industry and film industry. These culture-based industries promote a certain body standard and ignores to acknowledge considerably a larger part of the society.
Big people were reduced to sidekicks or even worse made as a laughing stock in many films. These stereotypes started breaking down recently, as more plus-size models and actors were introduced on the screen to represent people. On that note, we all could certainly agree that Disney tries the most when it comes to representation and inclusion. Be it ‘Moana’, ‘Brave’, or our recent ‘Little Mermaid‘, Disney is challenging the way princes and princesses are viewed in animations. Following these incredible animations, joining is our very first plus-size protagonist, Bianca. Know more about the Disney short film, ‘Reflect’ and its’ first plus-size protagonist Bianca.
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Everything To Know About Disney’s ‘Reflect’
Disney has debuted its first plus-size heroine in a short film ‘Reflect‘. It’s being praised for exploring body positivity and overcoming self-doubt. The animation, Reflect, tells the story of Bianca, a young ballet dancer who “battles her own reflection, overcoming doubt and fear by channelling her inner strength, grace and power”. It forms part of Disney’s Short Circuit series of experimental films, released over the Disney+ streaming service last month. The six-minute feature has been pitched as an uplifting tale of conquering body dysmorphia and self-doubt.
The Disney animation artist and director Hillary Bradfield, who also worked on ‘Encanto’ and ‘Frozen II’, said she hoped viewers could “feel more positively about themselves and how they look” after watching the short. “Sometimes you go to the dark place to get to the good place. And that just makes the good place that much more beautiful,” she said in an interview before the film’s release. In a clip released by Disney over social media, Bianca is seen practising ballet in front of a mirror as the reflected image begins to break apart. Struggling with her confidence, she eventually finds her feet and dances until the mirror fades away.
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Twitter Reacts To The Experimental Short Film And Its Plus-Size Heroine Bianca
Obviously, people will have difference of opinions on topics that relate to the body. Whilst some might look at Bianca as a body-positive person, the majority will look at her as an obese person who does not take care of her health. Regardless of what others think of the body, it is only fair that all types of people are represented in films. By not presenting diverse people and their stories in films, a very bitter message is sent across that their lives are not fit to have representation. Just remember that every one of us is protagonists of our own stories and it is only fair that all types of people are being included and represented in art-related endeavours.
One person tweeted, “This is very encouraging and I am glad Disney decided to include a ‘plus-sized’ heroine.” “I wish I could have seen this when I was younger! But so happy things are changing!” another said. Others had reservations. Adam Bray, the author of the Marvel Studios Visual Dictionary, said the film “isn’t long enough to parse nuances of the message”. Another person tweeted, “Focus on the health aspects please BMI.” “This is a tough one. On the one side, we do need to improve body positivity. In the other, we can’t fall into approving unhealthy lifestyles. Yes, she dances, but something is not quite healthy in her life if she’s that big,” another tweet read.
An all-new Short Circuit Experimental Film has arrived! Stream “Reflect” and all the Short Circuit Experimental Films by Walt Disney Animation Studios artists now on @DisneyPlus. 🩰 🎆 pic.twitter.com/c0gw5U4ecc
— Disney Animation (@DisneyAnimation) September 14, 2022
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