'Hello Beautiful' Review: A Poignant Tale of Strength and Transformation
- Romey Norton
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
By Romey Norton - April 2, 2025
At first glance, Hello Beautiful might seem like a film about loss, but it’s a story of resilience, friendship, and self-discovery. Directed by Ziad H. Hamzeh and based on Christine Handy’s novel Walk Beside Me, the film follows Willow, a successful model whose life takes an unexpected turn when she is diagnosed with breast cancer.
What unfolds is a deeply personal and emotional journey exploring how illness can reshape identity, relationships, and our understanding of beauty.
Tricia Helfer delivers a powerful performance as Willow, capturing the nuances of a woman forced to redefine herself beyond physical appearance. She begins the film as someone whose life revolves around image and success, but as she battles her illness, she discovers a different kind of beauty—one rooted in vulnerability. Helfer’s portrayal is heartfelt and layered, and she has some beautiful vulnerable moments. Her chemistry with other actors, especially those playing her husband and daughter, is strong throughout; there are lots of relatable scenes and struggles that audiences will identify with.
The supporting cast adds depth to the story, particularly through the friendships. Hello Beautiful highlights the importance of community and support. Willow’s friends and loved ones become her pillars of strength, helping her find meaning and hope even in the darkest moments. The monster mother-in-law is a typical trope, but she still provides a comedic release.
The film doesn’t shy away from the traumas and hardships of having cancer (the scenes where she biopsies are intense), but what makes Hello Beautiful stand out from other films about illness is its focus on empowerment. It doesn’t dwell on despair but instead celebrates resilience. Visually, the film embraces a soft, intimate aesthetic that mirrors the story's tenderness. Hamzeh’s direction continuously focuses on Willow’s emotional state, using close-ups and warm lighting to create a sense of intimacy.
The film occasionally leans into familiar tropes of the “life-affirming drama” genre. Some moments feel a little predictable, particularly in the way the story builds toward its uplifting resolution. However, the sincerity of the performances and the emotional authenticity of the script prevent it from feeling overly formulaic.
In films like this, you can guess that the ending is going to be emotional and traumatic and that the lead is going to die, and you’ll be in floods of tears. This ending is still emotional, but it's filled with home and inspiration and a lovely, dedicated message.
Ultimately, Hello Beautiful is an inspiring and heartfelt film that will resonate with audiences looking for a story of courage and transformation. It’s a reminder that beauty is not just skin deep and that sometimes, the most challenging experiences in life lead to the most profound growth. With a standout lead performance, a touching narrative, and a strong emotional core, Hello Beautiful is a powerful watch.
Hello Beautiful Premiered at the Beverley Hills Film Festival
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