Disney has introduced its first plus-size female protagonist, and the news has gone viral on TikTok. Reflect is a Disney+ short film about “a ballet dancer [called Bianca] who battles her own reflection, overcoming doubt and fear by channeling her inner strength, grace and power”.
It will be part of Disney's Short Circuit series of experimental films, focusing on the issue of body image and the importance of channeling your own identity while developing and protecting your own self-esteem.
The announcement read: "Disney has released a new trailer for a brand new original short, “Reflect”, which is from the second season of “Short Circuit Experimental Films” from Walt Disney Animation Studios.
The short is directed by Hillary Bradfield, a Disney Animation story artist (“Frozen 2,” “Encanto”) since 2017, and centers on Bianca, a ballet dancer who battles her own reflection, overcoming doubt and fear by channeling her inner strength, grace and power."
The small clip from the film shows Bianca practising ballet in the mirror, and the mirror image of herself breaking apart – symbolising the broken way in which she perceives her body.
Growing up, many of us internalised toxic expectations of our bodies, so it's super positive that Disney is spotlighting these stories in this way. TikTok users have spoken out about what Reflect and Bianca means to them, as well as their own similar experiences, and it's really quite amazing to see.
One posted: “I used to dance (not exclusively ballet) and went though similar feelings, so I’m excited to see this!!”, while another commented: "she looks exactly like me when i was her age ! i was in the same situation in dance classes".
Survivors and current sufferers of body dysmorphia have spoken up, proving how important seeing yourself and your experiences in films like this is to recovery and inclusivity.
“As someone who's dealt with and still deals with this, it's very comforting to finally see it being depicted,” one TikTok user has said. Another posted: “I wish I could have seen this when I was younger! But so happy things are changing!”
The Reflect teaser has definitely had an emotional reaction. One TikTok fan even said: “Have a feeling I might sob at this”. And honestly? Same.
Reflect is available to stream now on Disney+.
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