April 28, 2025 The voice of all eras.

Disney Introduces First Plus-Size Main Character in Animated Short Film “Reflect”

November 1, 2022

November 1, 2022

Sharing is caring!

Now streaming on Disney+ is a story that explores body positivity, beauty, and power within.

In this age of beauty filters and photo-capture hacks, Disney reminds us how important it is to overcome doubt and fear by channeling inner strength, grace, and power. As part of Disney’s Short Circuit series of experimental films, the multinational mass media and entertainment conglomerate introduced its first plus-size heroine, Bianca.

Bianca is the female protagonist of the short film, Reflect, which tells the moving story of a ballet dancer who battles with her reflection. The six-minute short evokes thousands of emotions in the audience as it delves deeper into issues of body image and the importance of developing self-esteem and accepting oneself.

In the trailer, Bianca can be seen in an empty dance studio happily and confidently practicing and dancing by herself before the start of class. However, when her classmates and instructor begin walking into the room, she immediately becomes uncomfortable.

Reflect immediately gained the attention of viewers upon its release – most resonating with Bianca. TikTok users are quick to share their own experiences of how toxic body expectations affected them at a young age.

According to the film director, Hillary Bradfield, who also worked on Encanto and Frozen, “It’s part of the craft to be looking at your posture and checking things in the mirror, so it just seemed like a really good way to put her in that environment where she has to look at herself and she doesn’t want to.” The animation story artist of the upcoming film Avatar: Way of Water also added, “When people watch the short, I hope that they can feel more positively about themselves and how they look and feel okay about the tough parts of their journey. Sometimes, you go to the dark place to get to the good place. And that just makes the good place that much more beautiful.”

With Disney’s move towards setting the standard for inclusion and equal representation, like recent heroines Moana and Encanto siblings Luisa and Mirabel, Reflect has been earning positive feedback from the audience. As per one Twitter post, “16 year old me needed this Disney short before I quit ballet because I didn’t want to be that fat girl in class anymore. I’m glad little ones will have this. 10/10 for Reflect.”

Even the model and ambassador for Models of Diversity Charity, Alison Cline-Williams, commended the storyline of the short. In an interview, she shared, “It really resonates with me and I thought, ‘wow, about time.’ It was like a breath of fresh air for me. When you look at society now, society’s changing. People know that society’s changing but nobody wants to be the first, so the fact that [Disney’s Reflect] has done that is amazing to me.”We all go through a lot of tough parts in our journey. However, Disney’s Reflect reminds us to examine our feelings, embrace our identity, and find beauty in our uniqueness. Make sure to watch Reflect on Disney+!

Cover image credit: Disney

Related Posts

Wednesday is Back—and She’s Now Joined by Her Little Brother, Pugsley

April 25, 2025

April 25, 2025

It’s like returning to the scene of the crime. And she knows where the bodies are buried—or does she? A...

Need Some Refreshment? Chill Out with Wong Fu Fu’s Massive 10-Liter ‘GIGA!’ Bubble Milk Tea

April 23, 2025

April 23, 2025

Stay cool and sip big with this ultimate treat for bubble tea lovers! Need a serious cool-down? Wong Fu Fu’s...

Need a New Fit for Your Wellness Era? Jisoo’s Latest Alo Drop Might Be Your Sign

April 22, 2025

April 22, 2025

BLACKPINK’s Jisoo is back with her second Alo campaign—and this time, she’s channeling full-on West Coast wellness vibes. Still waiting...

This Decommissioned MRT has Turned into a Co-living Hotel in Singapore

April 22, 2025

April 22, 2025

Train Pod @ one-north is set to open for bookings in the second half of 2025. Sometimes it’s about the...

ICYMI: Tokyo’s Cult-Favorite Sakanoue Café is Now in Singapore

April 18, 2025

April 18, 2025

Time for a sweet treat! The sweltering heat can really mess with your mood, right? One minute you’re okay, and...

Meet the New Faces of Hogwarts: HBO’s Harry Potter Series Reveals Star-Studded Cast

April 16, 2025

April 16, 2025

The magic is real—and it’s back in full force. The much-anticipated HBO Original Harry Potter series has just dropped a...

EXO’s Doh Kyung Soo Brings ‘DO it’ Concert Tour to Singapore

April 16, 2025

April 16, 2025

D.O. is back—and word on the street is he might be previewing tracks from his rumored 2025 album live on...

Gen Z on the Rise: Fyang Smith and JM Ibarra

April 15, 2025

April 15, 2025

There are many paths to stardom. Some rocket to fame through viral moments, while others climb steadily—step by step—from childhood...

Ready to Feast? The Sidemen’s Fried Chicken Craze is Coming to Singapore

April 14, 2025

April 14, 2025

UK YouTube sensations are bringing the Sidemen’s crispy, flavor-packed Nashville-style fried chicken to Singapore. If you’ve been on YouTube recently,...

‘The Beatles’ Biopic Actors Finally Revealed

April 10, 2025

April 10, 2025

Paul Mescal, Barry Keoghan, Harris Dickinson, and Joseph Quinn are stepping into the legendary shoes of The Beatles, bringing the...

Inside David Beckham’s Signature Eau de Parfum Collection: Four Scents That Tell a Story

April 9, 2025

April 9, 2025

David Beckham’s fragrance line isn’t just another celeb-branded collection—it’s a personal archive of scent, memory, and style. The David Beckham...

Sound Reimagined: Devialet Opens Flagship Store at Hyatt Singapore

April 9, 2025

April 9, 2025

Parisian acoustic tech meets Singaporean sophistication as Devialet unveils its first-ever flagship store at the iconic Hyatt Singapore. With a...

BLACKPINK Jennie Joins Dua Lipa in New Chanel 25 Handbag Campaign

April 8, 2025

April 8, 2025

The K-pop star brings her signature style and charisma to the campaign that celebrates spontaneity and self-expression. ‘She drives me...

A Runway of Culture, Style, and Community: adidas Reopens at Marina Bay Sands

April 4, 2025

April 4, 2025

adidas is back in full force at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands—and they made sure no one missed the...

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast to Make Magical Asia Debut in Singapore This December

April 4, 2025

April 4, 2025

A tale as old as time is getting a dazzling new chapter—right here in Singapore. This December 2025, Disney’s Beauty...