A model undergoes a transformative journey that leads to a life-changing epiphany in the film Hello Beautiful. Based on Christine Handy’s bestselling novel Walk Beside Me, director Ziad H. Hamzeh‘s dramatic adaptation shows how a breast cancer diagnosis brings to light an uncomfortable reality, but in the aftermath of this challenge, there remains a sense of resilience and strength. Hello Beautiful makes its premiere as the opening night film at the 25th Beverly Hills Film Festival.

A Model Realizes Beauty Is Only Skin Deep

Willow (Tricia Helfer) seems to have the picture-perfect life: a loving husband and children, a beautiful home in a desirable neighborhood, and continues to thrive in her career as a middle-aged model. Despite appearances, however, Willow is not living a fairytale life. Her relationship with her teenage daughter can be described as toxic at best, and her self-esteem is fragile. Willow has always been able to fall back on her beauty but she is soon forced into accepting a new, uncomfortable reality that challenges her perspective of worthiness.

A devastating breast cancer diagnosis sends Willow into a spiral. Her gorgeous blonde hair is soon gone, the victim of aggressive chemotherapy. For a woman who has depended on her looks her whole life, this is a harsh reality check. She is bitter, and angry at the world, even threatening suicide during her lowest moment. Willow’s acceptance of her situation does not happen overnight, but she gradually comes to terms with her new circumstances. Her true epiphany comes after meeting a woman during chemotherapy who arguably has less than Willow. This is the catalyst for Willow’s reflection on her privilege. It’s true, she has cancer, but she also has a loving family, a wonderful support system, and the means to fight the disease until she reaches remission.

The Nuances of Playing a Complex Character

Handling the subject matter with sensitivity, filmmaker Ziad H. Hamzeh explores themes of identity and the strength of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity. Capturing Willow’s heartbreaking and emotional journey is Tricia Helfer, who herself is a supermodel-turned-actress. Her performance is adequately layered and complex. There are moments where she comes across as entitled and selfish but I attribute that to her shock. Not everyone processes trauma the same, and there is no “correct” way to grieve. Understanding this and giving Willow grace is the best way to empathize with her during her more trying moments.

Takeaway

Hello Beautiful captures a universal experience for many women who find themselves on the receiving end of a cancer diagnosis. The film doesn’t shy away from showing the ugly side of illness, and this authenticity is what makes Hello Beautiful such an important watch.