Maddie Ziegler Stars in Fitting In: A Powerful Exploration of Identity
Maddie Ziegler in Fitting In
Hell is definitely a teenage girl as Maddie Ziegler showcases in this raw and authentic film about body expectations; Fitting In.
D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai as Adam and Maddie Ziegler as Lindy in Fitting In
Directed and written by Molly McGlynn, Fitting In is a coming-of-age story which follows 16-year-old Lindy (Maddie Ziegler) as she is diagnosed with a reproductive condition, MRKH (Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome), that crushes her sex life. Throughout the film, Lindy questions everything: her womanhood, sexuality, and most importantly, her relationship to herself. This movie hits the mark, capturing the profound emotional impact of life-altering medical diagnoses, particularly MRKH. Ziegler delivers a heartrending performance, portraying every emotion a teenager would experience in such a challenging situation.
Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome is a disorder that mainly affects the female reproductive system. This condition causes the uterus to be underdeveloped or absent. Due to MRKH, affected individuals usually do not have menstrual periods due to the absence of a uterus.
In Fitting In, themes of womanhood are explored with depth and sensitivity, particularly through the lens of self-identity, body image, and societal expectations. The film delves into the complex journey of coming to terms with one's body, especially when it doesn't conform to conventional norms or expectations, as depicted through Lindy’s struggle with MRKH.
Lindy, an outgoing and athletic teenager, starts the movie excited to explore her sexuality with her new boyfriend. However, her plans are abruptly halted when she's diagnosed with a rare reproductive syndrome, with doctors cautioning her about potential complications during intercourse. Struggling with the fear of being seen as abnormal, Lindy decides to keep her diagnosis a secret, including from her best friend and boyfriend.
Ki Griffin as Jax and Maddie Ziegler as Lindy in Fitting In
The movie highlights Lindy’s emotional and psychological aspects of womanhood, emphasizing the pressures young women face to fit into societal ideals of femininity. For Lindy, the film addresses the conflict between external perceptions of womanhood and the internal reality of identity, underscoring the importance of self-acceptance.
The themes of sexuality are intricately woven into Lindy’s journey of self-discovery and acceptance as well. The film explores the complexities of sexual identity, particularly how it is shaped and challenged by physical conditions like MRKH, which can affect one's understanding and experience of sexuality. Throughout the film, Lindy wrestles with the pressure to return to a sense of normalcy, even if it means betraying her body. Desperate to prove she’s ‘normal,’ she engages in relationships with different people, pushing herself into situations that conflict with her true feelings and reality.
Fitting In is a film for anyone who has ever felt betrayed by their own body and is on a journey to embrace self-love and acceptance. It touches on the struggles of intimacy, desire, and self-worth, as Maddie Ziegler reveals a vulnerable and fiercely brilliant form of unexpected rage and confusion. Furthermore, it explores the solidarity and support that can emerge among women who share similar struggles, showcasing how these connections can empower them to redefine what it means to be a woman. Ultimately, Fitting in is a tender and heartfelt film about damaging expectations placed on our bodies and learning to love ourselves as we are on our own terms. You can rent or buy Fitting In here: Youtube
