Do you ever feel the need to sit down, turn on the TV, and lose yourself in a movie that makes you feel something? Maybe you want to cry or feel a sense of happiness. If that is the case, “Little Miss Sunshine” is the movie for you.

“Little Miss Sunshine” is a drama film released in 2006 that follows a dysfunctional family on a road trip to support their daughter, Olive, who is invited to compete in a beauty pageant. Despite the difficult circumstances of the family, Olive is portrayed as a pure, loving young girl who brightens up the movie. As for the other characters, that is not the case.

What makes this movie stand out is its ability to portray deep topics such as divorce, failure, mental illness, and societal expectations while still retaining its lovable charm. We are introduced to interesting characters such as Sheryl’s brother, Olive’s step-brother, Olive’s grandpa, and Sheryl’s current husband, Richard. Each of these characters has their difficulties, which draws viewers’ connection to the movie. 

In some cases, we can take better care of others’ problems rather than our own. This is clearly shown in a scene where the family spends the night at a motel while on their journey. Edwin is helping Olive practice her performance for the beauty pageant when she expresses her fear of the pageant. She asks Grandpa if she’s pretty, to which he responds, “Olive, you are the most beautiful girl in the whole world”. The conversation hits viewers hard with Olive’s grandpa giving the most heartwarming advice and motivation you can give to a scared girl. It becomes even more emotional when viewers realize that conversation was the last Olive would have with her Grandpa. 

Though the movie has many sad moments, it ends with a joyful ending. The family makes it to the pageant and witnesses Olive’s performance. With all the other child contestants focusing on being beautiful on the outside, covered in makeup and sparkly outfits, Olive blows the judges away by performing an explicit (but funny) dance to the song “Super Freak”. While the judges and workers demand her off the stage, her family shows her support by dancing with her onstage. “Olive, your grandpa would’ve been proud of you.”

Overall, the film spreads many messages, but most importantly, it shows that it is okay to be yourself.