I Feel Pretty 2018
Directed by
Abby Kohn
Made by
STX Entertainment
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of I Feel Pretty (2018). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
Renee Bennett, portrayed by Amy Schumer, is an everyday woman grappling with her self-image and feelings of inadequacy regarding her appearance. Despite being a regular at SoulCycle, her confidence takes a hit every time she compares herself to her glamorous classmate, Mallory. Whether it’s children crying upon seeing her or her struggles within the cosmetics company’s basement office—where she manages the website for Lilly LeClaire—Renee feels the weight of societal beauty standards pressing down on her.
Things spiral when, due to a server crash, she must deliver printed reports to the corporate headquarters herself. Terrified and unprepared, Renee stumbles upon an opportunity for a receptionist position but hesitates after realizing the role’s emphasis on being the “beautiful face” of the company. She longs for a transformation, wishing at a fountain to be stunning like her colleagues.
One fateful day, after falling off her SoulCycle bike and hitting her head, Renee wakes up believing she’s become incredibly beautiful. This newfound confidence dramatically changes her life; she approaches situations with a fresh perspective, assuming men like Ethan are attracted to her, leading to a whirlwind of events. Renee seizes the opportunity when Avery LeClaire, the company’s CEO, hires her after being impressed by her self-assuredness.
However, beneath the glam of the high-fashion world lies conflict, especially between Avery and her grandmother Lilly, who advocates for making fashion accessible. As Renee rapidly climbs the corporate ladder, she struggles to maintain her friendships with Vivian and Jane, eventually alienating them as she immerses herself in the new, superficial world of her colleagues.
As the plot unfolds, Renee is faced with identity crises spurred by romantic tensions with both Grant, Avery’s brother, and Ethan, and the realization of her true self after a second head injury. Returning to her roots, she reconnects with her friends, apologizes, and experiences a pivotal change in her outlook on beauty and self-acceptance.
In a climactic moment, Renee crashes a product launch event, empowered to speak openly about her journey, stressing the importance of women loving themselves as they are. She showcases her “before-and-after” photos and presents a heartfelt message about inclusivity and acceptance, winning the support of both her friends and her colleagues.
Ultimately, Renee reconciles with Ethan, assuring him—and herself—that beauty is perceived through one’s own eyes. Their relationship blossoms as they embrace newfound confidence and understanding, creating an uplifting conclusion to Renee’s emotional journey toward self-discovery and acceptance.
Timeline
Track the key events of I Feel Pretty (2018) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Renee's Struggles with Self-Image
Renee Bennett, played by Amy Schumer, grapples with feelings of inadequacy about her appearance. She constantly compares herself to her glamorous classmate Mallory, which undermines her confidence.
Work Challenges at Lilly LeClaire
At her job in the basement office of Lilly LeClaire, Renee faces daily challenges, including disheartening comments from children and the pressures of societal beauty standards. These experiences further contribute to her low self-esteem.
The Server Crash Incident
A significant event occurs when the company suffers a server crash, forcing Renee to deliver reports to corporate headquarters herself. This unanticipated responsibility ignites her anxiety and fear of inadequacy.
The Receptionist Opportunity
While at corporate, Renee stumbles upon an opportunity for a receptionist position, but is hesitant due to the role’s focus on beauty. This marks a pivotal moment as she realizes the superficiality expected in the workplace.
The Wish at the Fountain
In a moment of desperation, Renee wishes at a fountain to be as beautiful as her colleagues. This wish symbolizes her longing for acceptance and transformation within a judgmental society.
The Life-Changing Fall
One day at SoulCycle, Renee falls off her bike and hits her head. When she awakens, she believes she has become stunningly beautiful, which triggers a series of life-altering changes in her attitude and confidence.
Empowered by Confidence
With her new self-perception, Renee takes bold actions, assuming that men, including Ethan, are attracted to her. Her newfound confidence opens doors for her within the fashion industry, leading to unexpected opportunities.
Hiring by Avery LeClaire
Impressed by Renee's self-assuredness, Avery LeClaire, the CEO, hires her for a prestigious role. This moment marks Renee's entry into the glamorous, yet superficial world of high-fashion.
Conflict with Colleagues
As Renee rises in her career, she faces conflicts, particularly between Avery and her grandmother Lilly, who advocates for accessible fashion. This conflict highlights the challenges of navigating a new, elitist environment.
Strain on Friendships
Renee's success creates a rift in her friendships with Vivian and Jane, as she becomes immersed in the superficial aspects of her new life. Their alienation serves to remind her of the importance of true connections.
Romantic Tensions Surface
While navigating her career, Renee finds herself torn between romantic interests: Grant, Avery's brother, and Ethan. This emotional turmoil leads her to confront her own identity and desires.
Identity Crisis and Second Injury
After experiencing a second head injury, Renee grapples with her identity once again. This pivotal moment forces her to reevaluate her perceptions of beauty and self-value.
The Apology and Reconnection
Realizing the importance of her friendships, Renee seeks to reconnect with Vivian and Jane. Her apologies demonstrate her growth and newfound understanding of self-acceptance.
Empowering Speech at the Launch Event
Renee crashes a major product launch event, empowered to share her journey. She delivers a heartfelt speech about the significance of self-love and inclusivity, resonating with many in attendance.
Reconciliation with Ethan
In the film's uplifting conclusion, Renee reconciles with Ethan, affirming her belief that beauty is seen through one’s own perspective. Their relationship blossoms as they both embrace newfound confidence and understanding.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring I Feel Pretty (2018) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Renee Bennett
Renee is an everyday woman grappling with her self-image and self-worth, feeling inadequate compared to her peers. Her character undergoes a profound transformation after an accident leads her to believe she has become beautiful. This shift empowers her to pursue new opportunities, though it also challenges her relationships and sense of self.
Avery LeClaire
Avery is the ambitious CEO of the cosmetics company where Renee works. She represents the high-fashion world and the pressures it entails, often clashing with her grandmother's values. Avery's character reflects the complexities of beauty, success, and the possible superficiality that comes with them.
Mallory
Mallory is Renee's glamorous classmate, representing societal beauty standards that intensify Renee's self-doubt. Although she appears as a rival, her presence catalyzes Renee's transformation, as Renee learns to grapple with the superficial impressions that dictate relationships and self-worth.
Ethan
Ethan is a love interest who becomes entangled in Renee's emotional journey. His attraction to Renee complicates her understanding of beauty and self-acceptance, challenging her perceptions about love and looks. His character embodies support and understanding in Renee's quest for identity.
Lilly LeClaire
Lilly is Avery's grandmother, advocating for accessible fashion and a contrasting perspective on beauty. Her character grounds the film in the idea that fashion should celebrate all bodies, serving as a voice of reason against the backdrop of the extravagant world surrounding Renee.
Setting
Uncover the settings of I Feel Pretty (2018), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
The film’s narrative unfolds in a contemporary setting, reflecting modern societal beauty standards and issues surrounding self-image. Characters grapple with present-day conflicts rooted in self-acceptance and shifting beauty ideals, resonating with audiences navigating similar insecurities.
Location
Corporate Headquarters, SoulCycle, Cosmetics Company's Basement Office
The movie takes place primarily in a corporate headquarters where the protagonist, Renee, navigates her career in the cosmetics industry. A backdrop of SoulCycle classes adds a vibrant fitness culture, underscoring themes of self-improvement. Vulnerable moments unfold in the basement office of a cosmetics company, representing the dichotomy of self-doubt and aspiration.
Themes
Explore the core themes of I Feel Pretty (2018). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Self-Image
Renee's journey encapsulates the struggle with self-image, revealing how societal standards can weigh heavily on individuals. This theme portrays her transformation from self-doubt to confidence, underscoring the importance of embracing one's true self. The narrative advocates for self-acceptance as a powerful force against unrealistic expectations.
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Friendship
Friendship plays a crucial role in the film, showcasing Renee's initial close ties with her friends. However, as she becomes engulfed in her newfound superficial world, the strain on these relationships highlights the importance of genuine connections. Ultimately, reconciliation with friends reinforces the value of support and loyalty.
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Empowerment
The theme of empowerment shines through Renee's journey from insecurity to embracing her identity. Her evolution is marked by moments of self-assertion, especially during her climactic speech at the product launch event. This theme advocates for women to love themselves and promotes inclusivity and acceptance.
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