Empire Waist

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2:05

Empire Waist

PG-13

2024

1h 37m

Comedy

Drama

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9 Reviews

93%

Popcornmeter

50+ Ratings

Lenore Miller is a plus size, insecure teen whose talent for fashion is discovered by her confident, plus-sized classmate, forcing her into the spotlight--and into the path of both bullies and new friends. Lenore's father Mark (Rainn Wilson) is her biggest cheerleader, but the fears of her image-conscious mother (Missi Pyle) and Lenore's own insecurities prevent her from wearing her own designs. Will Lenore ever feel the self-love she inspires in others?

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Monita Roy Mohan

Stereo Geeks (Podcast)

When you watch a film like Empire Waist, which has three fat characters wearing a range of amazing clothing and being very different people, and you’re like, wait, why isn’t this the norm? It’s so easy to have these plus-size people in the film.

Aug 9, 2025

Full Review

Shikhar Verma

High on Films

With genuine performance across the board, this uber-cute coming-of-age comedy is a good time at the movies, despite the occasional predictability and preachiness.

Rated: 2.5/5

Nov 18, 2024

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Sandie Angulo Chen

Common Sense Media

What's unique is that this movie isn't about transformation into conventional beauty but rather about accepting your body as it is, loving it, and showing it off.

Oct 2, 2024

Full Review

Joel Copling

Spectrum Culture

In Empire Waist, writer/director Claire Ayoub coasts on a good message and feel-good vibe.

Oct 2, 2024

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Taylor Gates

Collider

Empire Waist features a moving tribute to friendship dressed up in a bright, colorful package. While it’s not immune to tropes and predictable story beats in some areas, the way it tackles issues of body image is rare and refreshingly nuanced.

Rated: 7/10

Sep 28, 2024

Full Review

Samantha Puc

The Mary Sue

Empire Waist is brilliant on multiple levels. It’s a realistic portrayal of what it’s like to navigate the world as a fat teenager and a beautiful exploration of how unlikely friends can build each other up and make each other better.

Sep 28, 2024

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Yoli K

This movie was amazing! It was family friendly, motivational and funny. Everyone should see it.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/06/24

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Michelle

What an amazing movie ❤️

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/03/24

Full Review

Robin W

Uplifting and wonderful film. Shares an important and positive message so many people need!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/01/24

Full Review

Cynthia B

Excellent movie about positive body image and self confidence - very uplifting and entertaining! Highly recommended!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/29/24

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Jeffrey N

Its a great, positive story well acted and sincere.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

09/28/24

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KW

Great feel-good movie. The main character did a great job of making you feel her emotions from laughing to crying. Would definitely recommend seeing it.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/28/24

Full Review

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Claire Ayoub

Director

Mia Kaplan

Lenore

Rainn Wilson

Mark

Missi Pyle

Actor

Jemima Yevu

Kayla

Jolene Purdy

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Empire Waist: Trailer 1

2:05

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Synopsis

Lenore Miller is a plus size, insecure teen whose talent for fashion is discovered by her confident, plus-sized classmate, forcing her into the spotlight--and into the path of both bullies and new friends. Lenore's father Mark (Rainn Wilson) is her biggest cheerleader, but the fears of her image-conscious mother (Missi Pyle) and Lenore's own insecurities prevent her from wearing her own designs. Will Lenore ever feel the self-love she inspires in others?

Director: Claire Ayoub
Producer: Crystal Collins, Justin Baldoni, Andrew Calof
Screenwriter: Claire Ayoub
Distributor: Blue Fox Entertainment
Production Co: Wayfarer Studios, P&G Studios, Try Anyway Productions, American High
Rating: PG-13 (Teen Partying|Suggestive Material|Some Language|Thematic Elements)
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Sep 27, 2024, Limited
Runtime: 1h 37m

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