In her feature film Empire Waist, writer and director Claire Ayoub tackles the topic of fat shaming among teens. When her science class is asked to “pair up” for a project, no one wants to team up with Lenore. As if by magic, the enigmatic Kayla (Semina Yevu) arrives. Most would describe Kayla as fat, yet Kayla embraces the body she has.
Lenore is a bit put off by Kayla’s unwavering self-confidence, so she invites her home to work on their project and meet Lenore’s parents, Mark (Rainn Wilson) and Louise (Missi Pyle). While there, Kayla uncovers Lenore’s genuine passion for fashion design and insists that Lenore make a stylist dress for her. Of course, all eyes are on Kayla when she shows up in Lenore’s dress at school. Her look is on point, and other misfits and outcast girls quickly beg Lenore to make them a dress as well. Soon, Lenore’s designs are a hit, causing jealousy among the school bully (and Kayla’s former friend), Sylvie (Isabella Pisacane).
As good friends do, Kayla discovers a life-changing opportunity for Lenore to enter the local fashion institute design competition. However, Lenore doesn’t think she’s ready, and her mother believes the judges won’t take her work seriously until she gains control of her weight.
Empire Waist takes on the topic of fat shaming and accepting oneself for who they are. Lenore has spent most of her adolescence shamed by her weight. It pains her fitness-fanatic mother to see her daughter in this shape and urges her to change her diet and go to the gym. Lenore experiences the typical bullying at school that has plagued teens of all shapes and sizes for centuries.
“No one wants to team up with Lenore… as if by magic, the enigmatic Kayla arrives.”
Kudos to the film’s stars, Mia Kaplan and Jemina Yevu as Lenore and Kayla. Kaplan navigates Lenore’s emotional journey beautifully. Yevu is a ball of energy, balanced perfectly against Kaplan. Veteran actors Rainn Wilson and Missi Pyle elevate the performances of our leads, giving the film a great deal of gravitas. Their roles far exceed the level of cameos.
Stories like Empire Waist are not new. Growing up, I’ve watched my fair share of after-school specials about eating disorders and low self-esteem. What Empire Waist does so well is contextualize these stories to today. While we scramble in our heads trying to find politically correct terms for weight-challenged, Empire Waist boldly embraces the word “fat.” It’s not just weight that the film embraces, but everything that makes us different and imperfect along the appearance and lifestyle scales.
Empire Waist oozes positivity, which is desperately needed in today’s climate. At the same time, Empire Waist has a specific audience: the preteen and teen set. I’ve worked with youth in the past and know that low self-esteem is a challenge all teens must face in life. The film’s message is simple: One should accept themselves and others for who they are. Once this happens, we can move forward in life.
Empire Waist delivers a heartfelt and empowering message about adolescence, body image, and self-acceptance. Its sincerity and positivity make it a refreshing and modern tale for teens. Filmmaker Claire Ayoub elevates her story far above the typical Disney Channel or Lifetime fare, even though it could easily be mistaken for such.
"…oozes positivity..."
