I Feel Pretty 2018

Renee Bennett, portrayed by Amy Schumer, is an everyday woman grappling with her self-image and feelings of inadequacy regarding her appearance. Despite being a regular at SoulCycle, her confidence takes a hit every time she compares herself to her glamorous classmate, Mallory. Whether it’s children crying upon seeing her or her struggles within the cosmetics company’s basement office—where she manages the website for Lilly LeClaire—Renee feels the weight of societal beauty standards pressing down on her.

Things spiral when, due to a server crash, she must deliver printed reports to the corporate headquarters herself. Terrified and unprepared, Renee stumbles upon an opportunity for a receptionist position but hesitates after realizing the role’s emphasis on being the “beautiful face” of the company. She longs for a transformation, wishing at a fountain to be stunning like her colleagues.

One fateful day, after falling off her SoulCycle bike and hitting her head, Renee wakes up believing she’s become incredibly beautiful. This newfound confidence dramatically changes her life; she approaches situations with a fresh perspective, assuming men like Ethan are attracted to her, leading to a whirlwind of events. Renee seizes the opportunity when Avery LeClaire, the company’s CEO, hires her after being impressed by her self-assuredness.

However, beneath the glam of the high-fashion world lies conflict, especially between Avery and her grandmother Lilly, who advocates for making fashion accessible. As Renee rapidly climbs the corporate ladder, she struggles to maintain her friendships with Vivian and Jane, eventually alienating them as she immerses herself in the new, superficial world of her colleagues.

As the plot unfolds, Renee is faced with identity crises spurred by romantic tensions with both Grant, Avery’s brother, and Ethan, and the realization of her true self after a second head injury. Returning to her roots, she reconnects with her friends, apologizes, and experiences a pivotal change in her outlook on beauty and self-acceptance.

In a climactic moment, Renee crashes a product launch event, empowered to speak openly about her journey, stressing the importance of women loving themselves as they are. She showcases her “before-and-after” photos and presents a heartfelt message about inclusivity and acceptance, winning the support of both her friends and her colleagues.

Ultimately, Renee reconciles with Ethan, assuring him—and herself—that beauty is perceived through one’s own eyes. Their relationship blossoms as they embrace newfound confidence and understanding, creating an uplifting conclusion to Renee’s emotional journey toward self-discovery and acceptance.