Steel Magnolias

Steel Magnolias (1989)

Directed by Herbert Ross

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Plot: A film that truly represents what girlhood means, Steel Magnolias follows six friends with all different backstories but find comfort and friendship within each other. Put together the mother of a bride-to-be, a hairdresser, an aspiring beautician, a crabby neighbor, the rich friend, and a diabetic/bride-to-be, you have a friend group that grows stronger and closer when faced with tragedy and blessings. 

Characters: Since there are six characters, I believe that it is righteous to cover each of them, as they all have a role in the plot for a reason.

Mother of the bride-to-be - M'Lynn (Sally Field): M'Lynn is a strong, Southern woman who loves her daughter, Shelby, deeply. She juggles with the joys and agonies of motherhood, grappling with Shelby's marriage and struggle with diabetes. M'Lynn evokes a strong sense of will throughout the film, making her character easy to relate too and sympathize with. She depicts maternal grief in a very raw, emotional scene at the end of the film, showing that mothers and their emotions should not be overlooked. 

Hairdresser - Truvy (Dolly Parton): Truvy is the glue of the group. Truvy runs the town's beauty salon out of her home, providing a safe space for women to gather and support one another. This salon is where most of the gossip is spilled amongst the friend group. Although she does not have a dramatic storyline, she holds a strong presence throughout the film, being someone who is steady and warm with the added bonus of witty comebacks. She is the epitome of classic Southern glamour. 

Aspiring beautician - Anelle (Daryl Hannah): Anelle is the newbie who gets hired by Truvy to work in her salon. She starts out as a nervous, soft-spoken woman who recently separated from her lost cause husband, but develops into a faithful, strong woman who adds humor to the group as the girls tease her for becoming a deeply religious person. With the help of the other woman in the group, she is able to find her voice and find comfort in the people and places she is surrounded by. 

Crabby neighbor - Quiser (Shirley MacLaine): Known as the cranky one of the group, Quiser is a sharp-tongued woman with no patience for tricks. While Quiser adds comedic relief throughout the film, it is important to notice that she also adds an edge to the group that keeps everyone on their toes. Underneath the Southern sass and bluntness, she is a loyal friend and deeply cares for her friends. We all need someone in our lives who says exactly what they are thinking, no shame or sugar-coating!

The rich friend - Clairee (Olympia Dukakis): Clairee is full of surprises, but she is calm, cool, and collected throughout the film, living up to her title as the wealthy and elegant friend. You are able to tell that she has been around the block a few times, as she offers her wisdom and wit to the girls in the movie, making her possess the energy of the cool aunt who always has a drink in her hand and the best gossip. Clairee is humorous and her banter with Quiser holds the film together, making it easy to love her. 

Diabetic and bride-to-be - Shelby (Julia Roberts): Shelby is M'Lynn's only daughter, and the heartbeat of this film. She is a beautiful young woman surrounded by love, but is also a type 1 diabetic, which becomes the core tension of her storyline. However, Shelby is determined to live life the way she wants too, and doesn't left diabetes define her. Her relationship with her mother is challenging, but with no doubt loving and steadfast. She is the reason that at the end of the film, the other woman must pull each other back up and lean on each other in times of grief. Her character shows that love is always around. 

Cinematography: The cinematography in Steel Magnolias strongly emphasizes southern living, as the setting is comforting and inviting, allowing the audience a glimpse to what life was like in 1980's Louisiana. Between the use of natural sunlight and golden tones, the warmth and softness of this movie is tangible. Also, there is a heavy emphasis on group shots, which is reflective of the sense of community they have created within each other. The beauty of the surroundings such as flowering trees and church interiors contrast with the feelings of pain and loss in this film, stressing the relatable aspect and emotional impact it can have on those watching. This movie is feminine and traditional in all regards. 

Score: The score of Steel Magnolias is one that lingers with the storyline, always there as a backbone for monumental or intimate scenes. It supports the emotions being shown on screen, hinting to the audience that we should also be sharing these emotions. It is timeless and carries that Southern charm, and overall helps to balance the moments between joy and heartache.

Underlying themes: Some of the most prominent underlying themes in Steel Magnolias is what I believe to be wisdom and solidarity. The older women in the film, M'Lynn, Truvy, Quiser, and Clairee, act as mentors to the younger women, Anelle and Shelby, as they learn about girlhood and life. The older women share what they know and the lessons they have learned throughout life, while also prioritizing how important it is to have fun and surround yourself with people you love. Between all six women, they are able to be sensitive and vulnerable with each other, while also having those joyous moments filled with laughter. This is also despite their different personalities, showing that even in conflict friendship remains strong and they can show up for each other without judgement. 

Final thoughts: Five stars for a REASON!! Absolutely adore this film and it is one of my all time favorites. Like I have said earlier, it is comforting, warm, and sincere, depicting girlhood in all the right ways. Female friendships are so important, and finding those you can confide in while also spewing the stupidest jokes is something that should never be taken for granted. This movie makes me wish I grew up in the South, surrounded by women with big hair and the best gossip. I also could not have imagined a more perfect cast, as these actresses represent their characters flawlessly. Steel Magnolias empowers the realities of being a woman, of loving deeply, and getting through the battles that life throws at you. It would be insane to say that I don't recommend this film, so here is my recommendation. However, the ending of this film left me a blubbering mess, so take that as a warning if you don't like to cry at movies.