Trigger Warnings: Drug Abuse, Death, Body Image, Fat Shaming, mention of suicide attempt
SO, let’s get right into it with a film that shaped the way I saw family life and viewed myself in childhood; Little miss Sunshine.
For those that are unfamiliar with this masterpiece, it is about a young girl from a unique and working class family, who has a passion for pageants. She has come second place in one before and she wants to go to another called Little Miss Sunshine. Her family, who are already worried about her interest as she is plus sized (well, has “puppy fat”) and looks very different from the other contestants, do not want to take her. This is also because they do not have the money to go and her uncle just tried to commit suicide but that’s by-the-by. Anywho, they go on a road trip as a dysfunctional family and A LOT of shit goes down but I will not ruin it.
So, what did this film teach me about life as a very lost and traumatised little kid? 1.Well, it taught me that child beauty pageants are toxic and make me feel ill (how do they still exist after jonbenet?)
2. That I was not alone in the world as a confused fat kid with a family that confused the hell out of me
3. It was an introduction to what suicide attempts are and breaking the stigma of talking about them
4. That I wasn’t the only child who had parents who couldn’t stand each other
My favourite character: Uncle Frank. I love his transparency and bravery
How old I was when I watched it: around eleven years old
My favourite scene: The dance scene; It is epic, hilarious, inappropriate as hell but weirdly heartwarming
Ranking of favourite film: easily #2
If you haven’t, go and watch this beautiful film. It will make you laugh and cry so much but you’ll feel so inspired after I promise.
A Queer Film Buff 