Released 30 years ago, the star-studded melodrama has an uncomfortable message about people who choose to have children despite the medical risks.
Since its release three decades ago, Steel Magnolias has been hailed as a celebration of women. In his 1989 review of the film, Roger Ebert raved about the dialogue and camaraderie of the ensemble, which includes Dolly Parton, Julia Roberts, and Sally Field. “There may be no movie that better epitomizes the bond of female friendship,” HuffPost declared in 2014. “Mothers share the film with their daughters, teen girls turn to it as a sleepover staple, and men of all ages find themselves taken with the tale of six brassy Southern ladies.” Fans of Herbert Ross’s movie, which played on big screens across the U.S. in May and which is being adapted for stage productions this summer, will recall the tragic central plot: A woman with type 1 diabetes, played by Roberts, has a baby despite her doctor’s warnings and dies a few years later. This premise rarely comes up in analyses of the movie’s emotional power—but it should.
Steel Magnolias is often described as a quintessential “weepy” movie—a film that tugs at your heartstrings with equal parts laughter and tears. A staple in many households, especially around the holidays or moments of reflection, this 1989 classic has captivated generations of viewers. Its blend of Southern charm, razor-sharp humor, and raw emotional depth makes it a film that transcends the typical chick-flick category. But behind the tears, the colorful dialogue, and the rich friendships, there’s an underlying darkness that adds an additional layer of complexity to the story.
In this article, we’ll explore why Steel Magnolias is more than just a tearjerker. We’ll uncover the darker themes lurking beneath the surface, shedding light on what makes this movie both heartbreaking and, ultimately, beautiful.
1. The Plot: A Tale of Love, Loss, and Friendship
At the heart of Steel Magnolias is the story of Shelby Eatenton Latcherie (played by Julia Roberts), a young woman battling Type 1 diabetes, and her relationship with her mother, M’Lynn (Sally Field). The film is set in a small town in Louisiana, centered around a beauty salon where a group of women gather regularly to gossip, laugh, and support each other.
While the plot focuses on Shelby’s struggle to live a full life despite her illness, it’s also about the strength of the women who surround her. These women—played by an ensemble cast including Dolly Parton, Shirley MacLaine, Olympia Dukakis, and others—are all bound by their shared experiences of love, loss, and resilience.
Why It Matters: On its surface, Steel Magnolias is about navigating life’s most significant challenges with humor and love, which is why it resonates so deeply with audiences.
2. The Humor That Brightens the Dark Themes
One of the reasons Steel Magnolias is so beloved is its ability to make audiences laugh, even in the most emotionally intense moments. The wit and humor of characters like Truvy (Dolly Parton), the beauty salon owner, and Ouiser (Shirley MacLaine), the grumpy yet lovable curmudgeon, provides comic relief and emotional contrast.
Truvy’s quick-witted remarks and Ouiser’s biting sarcasm offer a balance to the story’s emotional heaviness, lightening the atmosphere without detracting from the underlying themes. Their humor is not just a source of entertainment—it also serves as a coping mechanism, a way for the characters to deal with the hard truths they face every day.
Why It Matters: The humor helps viewers connect to the characters on a deeper level. It reveals their vulnerability, allowing the audience to experience the complexities of life with them. It’s a clever tool that makes the movie’s darker moments even more impactful.
3. The Dark Side: Dealing with Death and Grief
While Steel Magnolias is filled with moments of levity, it also tackles some of the most difficult aspects of life—death, loss, and grief. Shelby’s journey with her illness, and ultimately her tragic death, serves as the catalyst for much of the film’s emotional weight.
The heart of the story is Shelby’s relationship with her mother, M’Lynn, and the devastating moment when Shelby passes away. This is perhaps the most gut-wrenching scene in the film, as M’Lynn, in a moment of raw grief, collapses into uncontrollable tears, screaming to the heavens in disbelief and sorrow. This unfiltered portrayal of a mother’s pain is one of the most powerful moments in cinema.
Why It Matters: The unflinching depiction of grief is a necessary contrast to the film’s humor. It reminds us that loss is inevitable, and that even the strongest among us will be broken by it. But in this raw, painful reality, there is also beauty in the love that remains.
4. The Quiet Darkness of Shelby’s Illness
The film does an excellent job of exploring not just the emotional aspects of Shelby’s illness but also the toll it takes on her physical body. Throughout the film, Shelby’s diabetes is an ever-present threat to her happiness, causing tension in her relationships and prompting her to make life choices that are difficult to understand—like her decision to have a child despite the risks to her health.
Though Shelby is portrayed as vibrant, determined, and independent, her illness is a silent, omnipresent danger. It’s a stark reminder of how fragile life can be, especially for those with chronic conditions.
Why It Matters: Shelby’s decision to have a child, knowing the risks it carries, is heartbreaking because it shows her fierce desire to live life to the fullest—despite the consequences. This theme speaks to the human need to experience joy and fulfillment, even in the face of uncertainty and adversity.
5. M’Lynn’s Devastating Loss: The Darkest Side of Motherhood
M’Lynn’s emotional arc is, without a doubt, the movie’s darkest and most painful. From the beginning, it’s clear that she is deeply protective of Shelby, but also a realist. She knows that Shelby’s life will always be a fragile balance. As a mother, M’Lynn is constantly caught between two overwhelming feelings: her desire to protect her daughter and her need to let her daughter live her life.
When Shelby dies, M’Lynn’s grief is all-consuming. The film doesn’t shy away from showing how devastating it is to lose a child. It’s not just the loss of Shelby’s life that hurts—it’s the loss of M’Lynn’s role as a mother, her sense of purpose, and the unconditional love she has given to her daughter.
Why It Matters: The loss of a child is often considered the most painful grief a person can experience. Steel Magnoliasdoesn’t sugarcoat that pain. By showing M’Lynn’s vulnerability and overwhelming sadness, the film elevates its emotional impact and makes it feel real.
6. Friendship as a Means of Survival
Despite its heavy themes, Steel Magnolias is, at its core, a story about the power of friendship. The women in this small town form a close-knit group that leans on each other during their most difficult times. The beauty salon, run by Truvy, is a safe space where these women come together not just to share gossip, but to support each other through life’s challenges.
Even after Shelby’s death, these friendships remain the one constant that helps M’Lynn move forward. The women’s loyalty to one another is inspiring, reminding us that no matter how dark life gets, the bonds we share with others can carry us through.
Why It Matters: The strength of female friendships in this movie speaks to a universal truth: when we’re broken, we need others to help us pick up the pieces. Steel Magnolias highlights the importance of support systems and the ways in which women lift each other up.
7. The Enduring Legacy of Steel Magnolias
While Steel Magnolias may have been released in 1989, its themes of love, loss, and resilience continue to resonate with audiences today. The movie’s portrayal of friendship, strength in the face of adversity, and the complexity of grief has stood the test of time. It’s a movie that doesn’t just entertain—it makes us reflect on our own relationships and how we navigate life’s toughest moments.
Whether it’s revisiting the film on a quiet evening or introducing it to a new generation, Steel Magnolias remains a beloved classic, reminding us all of the delicate balance between joy and sorrow.
Why It Matters: The film’s timeless themes and unforgettable performances ensure its place in cinematic history. It’s not just a movie about women or illness—it’s a film about life, in all its messy, heartbreaking, and beautiful forms.
Conclusion: More Than Just a Weepy—A Film with Depth and Heart
While Steel Magnolias is often remembered for its tearjerker moments and iconic lines, its true power lies in its ability to explore the darker side of life—death, illness, and the fragility of the human experience. The humor provides a necessary balance, but it’s the raw emotion, the profound loss, and the quiet strength that make this film stand the test of time.
Ultimately, Steel Magnolias is a reminder that we all have our battles, but we don’t have to face them alone. Through friendship, humor, and love, we can survive even the darkest moments of life.
FAQs
- What makes Steel Magnolias such a powerful movie?
It’s a mix of humor, raw emotion, and a timeless story of friendship that resonates deeply with viewers. - Is Steel Magnolias a typical chick-flick?
While it contains elements of a chick-flick, it also explores profound themes of grief and loss, making it far more complex than your average romantic comedy. - Why is the movie considered a “weepy”?
The emotional story, especially Shelby’s death and M’Lynn’s grief, tugs at the heartstrings and prompts tears, making it a classic “weepy.” - How does Steel Magnolias portray the strength of women?
The movie highlights the unbreakable bonds of friendship among the women, showing that they can endure life’s toughest moments by supporting each other. -
Why is Steel Magnolias still relevant today?
Its exploration of universal themes like loss, friendship, and resilience makes it just as impactful today as it was when it was first released.
