When I first encountered the film Steel Magnolias, I was just 13, instantly captivated by its vibrant cast and touching narrative. Who can resist the charm of witty Southern women who come together through friendship and a shared love for sweet tea, while gracefully navigating life’s trials, all while sporting some serious Lycra? Each character adds her own unique flavor to the film, and let’s be honest, the emotional finale guarantees a good ugly cry, making it a classic that resonates across generations.
I found a deep connection with the character of Shelby, portrayed by Julia Roberts. As a teen, I was enchanted by Shelby’s fairy tale romance and her extravagant wedding to the dashing Jackson Latcherie, Jr. The scene where the church is adorned in her favorite hues—“blush” and “bashful”—made my heart flutter, and from that moment on, pink became my signature color, too.
Fast forward to now, and Steel Magnolias remains my go-to chick flick. I can’t help but chuckle at the playful bickering between Ouiser and Clairee. I’ve even caught myself telling friends to “Do your roots,” and reminding them that I love them “more than my luggage,” having practically memorized the dialogue. I gauge my friends based on their ability to quote the movie alongside me. You either know that “he hasn’t lived in Chiquapin Parish since God was a boy” or you’re not in my circle.
Recently, I watched the movie again, this time with my 12-year-old daughter, and it struck me how Steel Magnolias takes on a new depth of meaning as a mother. The scene where M’Lynn, played by Sally Field, rushes through the hospital to be by Shelby’s side after her collapse gave me chills. Watching my daughter beside me, I felt every ounce of M’Lynn’s determination. That sound of her footsteps echoed in my mind, and I silently prayed I’d never have to face the unimaginable loss of my child.
Moms truly are made of steel, and the lines from Steel Magnolias remind us just how resilient we are, even in our most trying moments. M’Lynn’s reaction to her sons decorating Shelby’s honeymoon car with condoms—“Don’t you decorate your sister’s car with condoms — it’s tacky!”—is even funnier now that I have my own kids. I can easily picture my son pulling a similar prank on his sister!
“Time marches on, and before you know it, it’s marching all over your face,” says Truvy Jones, played by Dolly Parton. This line resonates all too well as I slather on pricey skincare at night trying to fend off the signs of aging. Gathering in Truvy’s salon, the women bond over the shared struggle against time, and Annelle’s realization that “there’s no such thing as natural beauty” hits home. Ouiser’s candid humor reminds us that moms have been in a bad mood for decades.
“Spoken like a true smart aleck. There’s hope for you, yet,” Clairee quips to Annelle after Shelby’s funeral. It’s a moment that makes me smile, reflecting on how my own kids occasionally catch onto the humor in our lives.
“If you can’t say anything nice, come sit by me,” is a mantra I live by with my friends who have seen me through the ups and downs of motherhood without judgment. These are the friends who keep me sane during PTA meetings and who will unflinchingly tell me if I look ridiculous in my outfit.
“Ouiser, I’d recognize this penmanship anywhere. You have the handwriting of a serial killer,” is a reminder of those friends who love us, quirks and all. Despite their playful spats, Ouiser and Clairee’s bond is a perfect example of #friendshipgoals. Real friends will forgive you for any heated exchanges because they know you inside and out.
Finally, M’Lynn’s heart-wrenching moment as she takes in Shelby’s casket, adorned with pink roses, is a scene that brings me to tears. Sally Field perfectly encapsulates the agony of losing a child, and as a mother now, it hits differently, making me sob like never before.
Even after all these years, I find myself pausing everything to watch Steel Magnolias whenever it airs because there’s something therapeutic about laughing through tears.
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In summary, Steel Magnolias remains a timeless film that captures the essence of friendship, motherhood, and the poignant moments that define our lives, leaving us both laughing and crying in equal measure.
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