Watch Straight/Curve: Redefining Body Image

Straight/Curve: Redefining Body Image is a powerful and thought-provoking documentary that delves into the issues of body image and how it affects people of all shapes and sizes. The film features a diverse group of models, activists, and industry insiders who discuss their personal experiences, insights, and opinions on the topic. The documentary begins with a sobering statistic: 91% of women are unhappy with their bodies. From there, the film explores the root causes of this dissatisfaction, including the unrealistic beauty standards perpetuated by the media and fashion industries. Interviewees discuss the way that these standards have traditionally excluded plus-size and non-white models, perpetuating damaging ideas about what is considered attractive or desirable.

Throughout the film, various models share their personal stories of how they have struggled to break into the fashion industry despite not meeting the narrow beauty standards that have long been the norm. One of the most prominent voices in the film is Denise Bidot, a model and body positivity activist who has worked to redefine the industry's beauty standards. Bidot discusses how she been told she was too "big" for traditional modeling, but has since found a successful career as a leading plus-size model.

Other models featured in the film include Iskra Lawrence, who has made headlines for her bold body-positive activism, and Barbie Ferreira, who has challenged the fashion industry by promoting her natural body shape and size.

In addition to featuring models and industry professionals, Straight/Curve also interviews psychologists and researchers to provide a scientific perspective on the impact of beauty standards on our self-esteem and mental health. Experts discuss the harmful effects of unrealistic beauty standards on people of all genders and ages, and offer suggestions for how individuals can build a more positive relationship with their bodies and selves.

One of the most interesting aspects of the film is the behind-the-scenes look at the fashion industry. The documentary features interviews with leading fashion insiders who discuss the viability of using diverse models in mainstream advertising campaigns. For example, Emme, a pioneering plus-size model, discusses the role of the fashion industry in promoting unrealistic beauty standards and the need for greater representation of diverse body types.

Towards the end of the film, the discussion shifts towards constructive ways that individuals can promote positive body image and self-esteem. The film offers a range of suggestions, including emphasizing the importance of physical health over appearance, avoiding unhealthy dieting and exercise practices, and learning to love and accept oneself for who they are.

Overall, Straight/Curve: Redefining Body Image is a powerful documentary that addresses an important issue affecting millions of people around the world. The film delivers an important message about the importance of accepting ourselves and others for who they are and the harm that unrealistic beauty standards can cause. Through interviews with leading models, activists, and industry professionals, the film provides a hopeful framework for promoting a more inclusive and compassionate definition of beauty.

Straight/Curve: Redefining Body Image is a 2017 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 22 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9.