Written by: Robert Harling
Starring: Sally Field, Dolly Parton, Shirley MacLaine. Daryl Hannah, Olympia Dukakis, Julia Roberts
Rating: [3.5/5]
Choosing to act with kindness in a world making it far too difficult to not do so makes those who practice it treasures. Individuals who bring positivity and care even in the darkest of moments. Steel Magnolias posits what it would look like if a film contained nothing but the kindest people you’ve ever met and it presents unsurprisingly a resounding lovely film.
Newcomer to the town, Anelle (Daryl Hannah) begins her new life where she meets the women who make it run. As she interacts with each of them, she learns about the lives they have lived and what they aspire to do despite the obstacles and limitations set before them.
Films centered on Southern women rarely crack into the mainstream for whatever reason, but as this feature displays, these characters present such a fascinating story to follow. One where we see the relationship built by these women within this town and how they operate within their environment. Through everything experienced in this feature, the kindness and love emanating from them remains at the forefront guaranteeing anyone watching this film will walk away with an abundance of warmth in their hearts. It’s what makes this feature special in its own way in how unapologetically loving it is.
This feature centers on this ensemble of women and each of them carries their own issues. Most of the focus lies with Anelle as she serves as our entryway into the dynamics of the people inhabiting this area, but the heart and soul of this feature lies with M’Lynn (Sally Field) and her daughter Shelby (Julia Roberts). Struggling with a dangerous cause of Type 1 diabetes, Shelby contends with her desire to become a mother with the reality of it medically causing trauma to her body that could end her life. This push and pull she receives both internally and also with her relationship with M’Lynn gives some real insight into these women and their values. It presents the opportunity for difficult decisions to make and allows both Sally Field and Julia Roberts to shine.
Field, the MVP of this feature, delivers a truly heartbreaking performance as M’Lynn, a mother in perpetual fear of the fate of her daughter. Someone who she has cared for so deeply and worries about the outcomes should Shelby become pregnant and what that can mean. It delves into what it means to live a successful life as a woman and what it takes to achieve no matter the cost. This presents Shelby’s quest with all of the dangers she wants to take on this endeavor in her life. The rapport built between Field and Roberts proves completely off the charts as this mother-daughter duo as they struggle with the decisions they should make and the consequences that come with it.
Along with this duo, we have some fun performances by Dolly Parton, Daryl Hanah, Olympia Dukakis, and Shirley MacLaine rounding out this incredible ensemble. They each bring something different to the narrative as characters but also as performers with Parton bringing the general charisma she usually does. As well as she does, through this feature, she pretty much represents the fun-loving and adorable figure her real-life persona symbolizes making her an exceptional addition to the story. In addition, Shirley MacLaine brings her chops to the story as well in her portrayal of the town grouch. Someone so negative in her approach, which balances out the crowd making for quite the well-rounded crew.
Exhibiting a slice of the life of these women in this small southern town, Steel Magnolias remains a precious little film filled with so much heart. The narrative invites us into this specific moment in the lives of these characters as we experience these pivotal moments along with them. Through the heartbreaking moments, this feature maintains a special and fierce love refusing to let anything into the cynicism as their gatherings bring such a lovely and welcoming experience. These women prove to be the lifeblood of this town as they pass information through their gossip but also hold the traditions and care through their actions. Spending time with them serves as quite the treat and something everyone should get the chance to experience as it would make anyone a better person.
Films with Josh 
