Empire Waist

2024

Action / Comedy / Drama

1
Rotten Tomatoes Audience - Upright 94% · 50 ratings
IMDb Rating 6.1/10 10 523 523

bullying wheelchair user coming of age insecurity fashion self love

Director

Claire Ayoub Photo
Claire Ayoub

Top cast

Ene Oloja Photo
Ene Oloja as Grand-Maman
Joe Ando-Hirsh Photo
Joe Ando-Hirsh as Kyle
Rainn Wilson Photo
Rainn Wilson as Mark
Isabella Pisacane Photo
Isabella Pisacane as Sylvie
720p.WEB 1080p.WEB
895.15 MB
1280*690
English 2.0
PG-13
Subtitles us  
23.976 fps
1 hr 37 min
Seeds 11
1.8 GB
1920*1036
English 5.1
PG-13
Subtitles us  
23.976 fps
1 hr 37 min
Seeds 36

Movie Reviews

Reviewed by KrisztiVan 7 / 10

Loveable, charming and feel good movie.

Reviewed by TheMovieSearch 6 / 10

I thought this was actually a decent film

Empire Waist is a surprisingly charming comedy-drama that caught me off guard in the best way. Going into the film, I honestly expected something shallow, over-the-top, and forgettable. Instead, I found myself genuinely entertained by the heart behind the story and the way it tried to balance humor with a more grounded emotional core. It's one of those movies that feels small in scale but big in spirit, and that's what helped it stand out far more than I ever would have expected.That said, the biggest issue with the film is how it handles its central conflict. A large part of the story revolves around bullying, and it often crosses the line into feeling like it's laughing at plus-size characters rather than truly standing up for them. The way the main bully is handled is especially frustrating, because after all of the harm and cruelty she causes, she faces almost no real consequences. That choice undermines the emotional weight of what the victims go through and feels unrealistic and unfair, which is disappointing given how powerful the message could have been.Where the movie really shines is in its screenplay and character work. The writing gives Kayla a genuine emotional journey, showing her starting from a place of insecurity and fear and slowly transforming into someone brave enough to chase her dreams. That arc feels sincere and relatable, especially for anyone who has ever felt like an outsider. Kayla is written with warmth and sincerity, and her growth feels earned rather than forced, which makes her very easy to root for throughout the story.The "misfit" group aspect of the film adds an extra layer of charm. Watching these outcast characters band together to support Kayla's dream of becoming a designer is easily the most heartfelt part of the movie. Their friendship feels genuine, and the movie does a great job showing how people who have been brushed aside by the world can still build something beautiful together. Those moments are where the film feels the most honest and emotionally grounded.From a technical standpoint, the film is simple but effective. The direction doesn't overreach, and the tone mostly stays light and accessible, which makes it an easy watch. The pacing is solid, and even when the story touches on heavier topics, it never becomes overwhelming. It feels like a movie made with good intentions, even if some of its choices don't fully land the way they should.By the end, Empire Waist surprised me with how much I liked it. Despite its flaws in how it handles bullying and accountability, it's still a sweet, well-written story about self-worth, creativity, and finding your people when the world makes you feel small. I honestly wish I had seen it in theaters because it would have been worth that experience. It's not perfect, but it's heartfelt, enjoyable, and far more meaningful than I expected it to be.
Reviewed by VicE-236 3 / 10

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