Well Rounded [documentary], directed by Shana Myara, 2021, 1 hour

Abstract

Well Rounded is a straightforward expression of body positivity and a bold rebellion against fat-shaming, racism, queer-shaming, and socially constructed patriarchy or toxic masculinity. In the very beginning, the theme song of the film is “Dear Goddess/Give me patience/I have tried to explain/I have got zero tolerance/When they fuck with my sacred space . . . .” And during the song Ivory, a fat Black woman, is seen walking around a neighborhood full of graffiti walls. Then, through a vivid animation, social media comments such as “G.R.O.S.S,” “Disgusting beast,” “Gay,” “This is unhealthy,” “She should cover her arms,” and “Have fun dying” clarify the aim of the film: it is about fat women who regularly encounter unbearable external pressure focused on their bodies. Their bodies are a public discussion, things to be shamed, problems that need advice, things to be pitied, sources of fun, objects to be stared at, and unfit entities in public spaces. Well Rounded addresses all these public issues: negative public reactions while witnessing a fat body, ill-treatment in public spaces, and fat-shaming in media. Presenting the notion of body positivity as an antithesis to the thin-obsession practiced in a toxic patriarchal society, the film wants to express that being fat is not a crime, it is perfectly all right to be fat and live a healthy happy life. Though the social problems of fat women are the center topics, the movie also addresses the crisis of a queer and racially subjugated woman.