Classic comedy drama with ticks all the emotional boxes and has an outstanding lineup of top class actors who bring ‘powerful performances’ to this tale of deep friendship in a time of tragedy airs this evening
08:00, 19 Nov 2025Updated 08:27, 19 Nov 2025
Set in a small town this emotional and heartwarming film examines the bond a group of women share as they face shared heartbreak.
The incredible, award-winning cast of Steel Magnolias features Julia Roberts, Dolly Parton, Sally Field, Shirley MacLaine, Daryl Hannah and Olympia Dukakis as the friends who endure the loss of one of their tight knit circle. The eighties film was based on a screenplay of the same name by Robert Harling which addresses the death of his sister. Fans of the comedy drama have praised it for making a lasting impact on them with a perfect balance of love, laughter and tears.
Field plays Mary Lynn who is helping her daughter Shelby (Roberts) prepare for her upcoming nuptials. Meanwhile shy beauty school graduate Annelle (Hannah) arrives in the small Louisiana parish after her husband ran off with her belongings and money. She is taken on at Truvy’s (Parton) beauty salon where gossip and personal issues are regularly discussed. Annelle is welcomed into the group after she is invited to Shelby’s wedding where she meets a new man. Tragedy strikes later on following the birth of a baby and the women unite to navigate the way forward in life.
Released in 1989, the film received mixed reviews but the performances of its actors were praised. Roberts was nominated for her first Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor and went on to win a Golden Globe for the role. Field received a Golden Globe Best Actress nomination, MacLaine bagged three nominations and Dukakis received one. The film won Favourite Dramatic Motion Picture at the 1990 People’s Choice Awards.
Such is its popularity among fans, it has been re-released in various forms and still touches hearts over 35 years after it first hit screens. One shared their thoughts on Rotten Tomatoes where it has a 73% positive score. "Very nostalgic, happy, sad, entertaining & joyful!" one raved. "I am obsessed with Dolly Parton's character! She was bringing so much to the movie. Small town life during the 80s, that's all I'm gonna say! The movie is full of life!"
Another who gave it a top score said: "Steel Magnolias is a heartfelt five-star drama that truly moved me. The incredible ensemble cast delivers powerful performances, bringing humor, warmth, and deep emotion to the story. Its themes of friendship, love, and resilience made a lasting impact on me, and I found myself completely invested in its touching moments. A beautifully crafted film that balances laughter and tears perfectly."
While a third found it impeccable: "No words could describe my love for this film, not a single flaw," they shared. "The cast was incredible and the overall movie was absolutely perfect. If you’re looking for a sad film, this is definitely the one for you, I’ve never cried the same way I cried at this movie! Julia Roberts once again amazes us with her outstanding performance as Shelby!"
Steel Magnolias airs at 6.40pm on Film 4 tonight, Wednesday 19 November.