Empire Waist

I went to see this film with my husband. I expected it to be funny and entertaining. It was all that - and much, much more! We laughed, we cried, we loved it! I went back with some friends and still laughed, cried, and loved it just as much. Yes, it does a great job tackling a lot of sensitive issues - but besides the message - it is just a great, very enjoyable film! In front of me was a family with 9-year-old daughters who both understood the issues and who loved the film. It left me thinking about so many things - among them, about which kind of mother I would have been if I were trying to protect my daughter from all the nastiness high school can offer.

The most heartwarming movie I've seen in years! Absolutely loved this! It has a powerful message which is conveyed through jokes, heartfelt moments, and friendships/relationships. Empire Waist is my new comfort movie when I need my faith restored in humanity. The characters are relatable and their motivations are clear/they all make sense (unlike so many recent movies). I wish this movie existed when I was younger, and I'm so glad it's out there now for this next generation. Everyone deserves to experience Empire Waist for themselves.

I laughed, I cried, and I learned about the power of believing in yourself. A must-see for all ages.

One of the most heartwarming and important films I've ever watched. It's a perfect blend of wit and charm. It has an important message for everyone who has struggled with body image. Mia Kaplan and Jemima Tevu do a fantastic job and give beautifully emotional performances. Their on-screen chemistry is at the heart of the film. The supporting cast also gives amazing performances. Holly McDowell and Rainn Wilson in particular are comedic highlights in the movie. McDowell is a queen of physical comedy and someday she'll join the big leagues. Wilson also isn't afraid to pull any emotional punches with his performance, giving a great blend of comedy and emotional sincerity (just like the film as a whole). Aric Floyd is also amazing and you will absolutely fall in love with his character Charlie.

I went to see a screening of this at Capital Theater in Arlington. Writer-director, Claire Ayoub, was there in attendance. Ayoub is a graduate of Wellesley college and the theater was packed with proud alumni there to see Ayoub's debut film.

The movie is funny. Like, really really funny. Rainn Wilson and Missi Pyle are the big names in the movie, and while they certainly shine, the whole cast stands out. The movie definitely has many serious moments to it. I would call this movie a dramedy, but you will really laugh your ass out throughout this movie. The main cast of six girls are all so funny and work so well together. I love a movie where an ensemble of kids or teens work so well together on camera you would think they have been friends forever.

After the film ended, Ayoub did a Q&A with the audience. She talked about how long it had been since the movie was first written. How she toured the screenplay around the country to get buy-in, the audition process for the teen stars, and how much research and resources when into making an inclusive and powerful movie like this one. I want a director's cut!

This film is a godsend! It made me realize that going to the gym and eating right was the right path all along and I thank everyone involved for showing me that body positivity starts at the gym! I started by looking at myself in the mirror, which stemmed my insecurity much like the characters in this film. Then I assessed that its time to change, not only for how I look but for my health as well. This film shows just how painful it is to be a plus size person and I couldn't agree more. So many opportunities in life are missed because of these insecurities and to anyone on the same boat I say, Hit the gym.