Disney debuts first 'plus-size' heroine

Disney has won praise for releasing a short movie that features a "plus-size" female lead.

Titled Reflect, the short movie is available to watch on Disney+ and marks the first project by Disney to star a plus-size female character. It is part of a series of experimental shorts by the animation studio titled Short Circuit.

The heart-warming tale opens with a young ballet dancer practicing her position in a studio. While she clearly loves dancing, her expression changes when the teacher approaches and orders her to get in line with the rest of the class.

"Tight tummy, long neck," the teacher tells her. The young ballerina's face falls and she looks in the mirror, clearly struggling with body dysmorphia and a lack of self-confidence.

Disney's female leads have traditionally all had the same, thin body type. Credit: David Anthony / Alamy

To her shock, the mirror then cracks and shatters, transporting the young dancer into a frightening dreamworld in which she must overcome her doubts and draw on her love of ballet to defeat her own insecurities.

As well as being a beautifully animated story, the short movie also touches on some serious and very important issues that many children (and adults) struggle with.

In an interview that plays before Reflect on Disney+, director Hilary Bradfield explained that the movie "is about body positivity".

"When people watch the short I hope that they can feel more positively about themselves and how they look and feel okay about the tough parts of the journey," she added.

The short movie is available to watch on Disney+. Credit: Adrian Vidal / Alamy

This message wasn't lost on viewers, many of whom took to social media to praise the short for its representation.

"As someone who has suffered with severe body dysmorphia for 15 years, it's amazing to see Disney addressing it," one person tweeted.

Another called the short movie "body positive and empowering," adding: "The protagonist is a plus-size female. It's a character to which a lot of us could relate more to. Great for kids and adults alike!"

"16-year-old me needed this Disney short before I quit ballet because I didn't want to be the fat girl in class anymore. I'm glad little ones will have this," added a third.

Reflect is available to watch on Disney+ now.

Featured Image Credit: GK Images / Alamy