The Walt Disney Company has released a new short film that features its first-ever plus-size female protagonist. The film focuses on the issue of body dysmorphia.
The animated movie, “Reflect,” tells the story of a ballet dancer who overcomes her fears and doubts by drawing on her inner strength, grace, and power.
“Reflect” is a short film from Disney’s “Short Circuit” series, which explores topics like self-esteem and body positivity. The film is directed by Hillary Bradfield, whose previous credits include the Disney hits “Frozen 2” and “Encanto.”
In a short video clip released by Disney, we see Bianca practicing ballet in front of a mirror. The image of herself reflected in the mirror breaks apart, symbolizing her negative self-image.
The release of the plus-size protagonist caused a lot of debate on social media. Some Twitter users said that Disney was “glorifying obesity” while others disagreed. They said that it is important for media companies to show a realistic portrayal of different types of people in society.
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
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
Earlier this year, conservatives were outraged after a leaked video of an episode of the kids show “Baymax!” featured a transgender man who buys tampons at a supermarket.
The shift in policy is in response to a Disney executive’s remarks about increasing the production of entertainment content featuring characters from groups that are often marginalized, such as racial minorities and the LGBTQ community.
Disney President Karey Burke announced that the company plans to have at least 50% of its regular characters be from “underrepresented groups.” The decision has caused Disney to be caught in the middle of the culture war surrounding the question of whether or not children should be educated about gender and sexual identity at an early age.
