Watch Whip It: Writer's Draft with Shauna Cross Featurette

Whip It is a coming-of-age dramedy film directed and produced by Drew Barrymore, based on the novel Derby Girl by Shauna Cross. The film stars Ellen Page, Kristen Wiig, Drew Barrymore, and Juliette Lewis. The film tells the story of Bliss Cavendar, a small-town Texas teenager who finds herself drawn into the world of women's roller derby, and how it changes her life.

Bliss (Ellen Page) is a misfit in her small town, beauty pageant obsessed family. Her mother (Marcia Gay Harden) wants her to compete in beauty contests, but Bliss would much rather go to indie rock shows with her best friend Pash (Alia Shawkat). One day, while shopping in a thrift store, Bliss sees a flyer for a roller derby game in Austin, and becomes fascinated by the tough, badass women who make up the teams. She convinces her parents to let her go to a game, and she's instantly hooked. Bliss decides to try out for the team, the Hurl Scouts, and with the help of the team's star player, Maggie Mayhem (Kristen Wiig), she makes the cut.

As Bliss trains and learns the rules of roller derby, she bonds with her colorful teammates, including Smashley Simpson (Drew Barrymore), the team's coach, and Rosie Riot (Zoe Bell), the team's enforcer. She also begins a romance with Oliver (Landon Pigg), a cute musician she meets at a diner. However, Bliss's new secret life as a roller derby player causes conflicts with her family, particularly her mother, who is embarrassed by her daughter's choice to be a part of such a rough sport.

Whip It tells the story of one girl's journey of self-discovery, as she finds a group of people who accept her for who she is, and learns to stand up for herself. The film also explores themes of female empowerment, as the women's roller derby league provides a space for women to express themselves and challenge societal norms.

Shauna Cross, the writer of the novel and screenplay for Whip It, provides insight into the inspiration behind the story and the process of adapting it for the big screen in the accompanying featurette. Cross, a former roller derby player herself, talks about how her own experiences influenced the story, and how she worked with Drew Barrymore to ensure that the film captured the spirit of roller derby.

The featurette also includes interviews with the cast and crew of the film, who discuss the challenges and rewards of bringing the story to life. Ellen Page talks about how she trained for the physical demands of the role, while Kristen Wiig discusses the bond that developed between the actresses who played the members of their roller derby team. Drew Barrymore, in her first feature film directing role, shares her passion for the project and her desire to make a film that was both entertaining and meaningful.

Overall, Whip It is a funny, heartfelt film that celebrates individuality and female strength. It's a must-see for anyone who has ever felt like they didn't fit in and wants to be inspired to find their own community.