I Feel Pretty

I Feel Pretty is a 2018 American romantic comedy film directed by Abby Kohn and Marc Silverstein, and written by Kohn, Silverstein, and Jenny Bryan. The movie stars Amy Schumer, Michelle Williams, Emily Ratajkowski, Aidy Bryant, and Hailee Steinfeld in key roles. The story revolves around Renee Bennett, a low-end cosmetics buyer played by Amy Schumer, who is constantly belittled by her husband, Mike, and feels underappreciated by society. Renee's life takes a drastic turn when she falls off an exercise bike while trying out an upscale gym. The incident causes a head injury, which leaves her with a severe concussion. Unbeknownst to Renee, her self-perception has undergone a profound shift, and she starts to see the world from a different perspective. After the accident, Renee wakes up to discover that she now perceives herself as a stunningly beautiful woman, with porcelain skin, radiant hair, and a flawless physique. She walks out of the locker room, feeling like a million bucks, as she takes in the admiring glances from men around her. Renee's new-found confidence transforms her entire outlook on life. She starts to believe that she's drop-dead gorgeous, and that people have been lying to her about her appearance. As Renee basks in her newfound beauty, she starts to notice the subtleties of her surroundings that she previously overlooked. She develops an affinity for art, fashion, and high-end restaurants, and her social life flourishes. Renee's transformation catches the attention of people around her, and they start to treat her with newfound respect and admiration. Her husband Mike, in particular, falls under her spell, and becomes smitten with her 'new look.' However, Renee's new confidence is short-lived, as the reality of her situation starts to set in. Her husband Mike begins to see her differently, and becomes wary of her newfound beauty. He tries to bring her back down to earth by pointing out her flaws, but Renee refuses to listen. As she continues to see herself as stunning, Renee starts to believe that others see her the same way. Complications arise when a successful businesswoman named Molly Quinn, played by Michelle Williams, takes a liking to Renee. Molly is kind, encouraging, and treats Renee with genuine respect. Renee, who is now convinced of her beauty, starts to believe that Molly's admiration is genuine. As she spends more time with Molly, Renee begins to see herself in a new light, as more than just a pretty face. Through her friendship with Molly, Renee starts to uncover the truth about her new perception. Molly reveals that Renee's accident has caused a temporary hallucinatory phase, and that her beauty is just a product of her imagination. Renee is torn between accepting her true self and basking in the false sense of beauty that has given her confidence. The movie culminates in a series of awkward encounters, where Renee's 'new look' is revealed to be just a fantasy. Mike tries to break the news to her gently, but Renee remains in denial, and continues to see herself as stunning. In the end, it takes a visit to the doctor to confirm that Renee's perception is indeed a result of her head injury. The movie's climax is a poignant moment of self-discovery for Renee. As she accepts the truth about her new perception, she starts to let go of her fantasy. Renee realizes that she's been given a second chance at life, and that her inner beauty and confidence are what truly matter. The movie ends on a hopeful note, with Renee embracing her true self, and starting a new chapter in her life. Throughout the movie, Amy Schumer shines as Renee, bringing a depth and sensitivity to her character. Her portrayal of Renee's transformation is both heart-wrenching and hilarious, as she navigates the complexities of beauty standards, self-perception, and relationships. Michelle Williams gives a standout performance as Molly, who serves as a catalyst for Renee's growth and self-discovery. Overall, I Feel Pretty is a thoughtful exploration of self-perception, beauty standards, and the complexities of human relationships. The movie's heart is in the right place, and Amy Schumer brings a vulnerable and relatable quality to her character. While it's not without its flaws, the movie is a delightful and engaging watch, with a strong message about acceptance and inner beauty.