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Dumplin' movie cover Movie Locations Guide

Where was Dumplin' filmed?

2018

City Locations

Covington, GA (USA); Conyers, GA (USA); Marietta, GA (USA); Jonesboro, GA (USA)

Location Types

House, Apartment, Cafe, Restaurant, School, Theatres

Location Styles

Americana/Anywhere, Craftsman, School, Retreat

About Dumplin'

Unveiling the charming world of a Southern beauty pageant with a splash of rebellion, Dumplin' is a cinematic masterpiece released in 2018. Guided by the visionary hands of director Anne Fletcher, this heartwarming comedy-drama is set against a backdrop of glitter, glamour, and gusto. Prolific writer Kristin Hahn cleverly channels a tale of individuality and self-love, bringing the story to life with relatable elements that touch every viewer's heart.

The film boasts a powerhouse of talented actors, including Danielle Macdonald, who plays the lead role of Will Dumplin' Dickson. Jennifer Aniston and Odeya Rush provide nuanced performances, supporting the vibrant energy radiated by Macdonald. Aniston delivers a compelling performance as the beauty queen's mother, while Rush complements Macdonald's character beautifully as her best friend.

Dumplin' embarks on an emotional journey with Willowdean, a plus-sized teenager who, in an act of protest against the conventional beauty standards, decides to compete in her mother’s beauty pageant. It's more about challenging the status quo and empowering her self-belief and less about winning the crown. The plot cleverly ties in a liberating narrative with humor and sensitivity.

Dumplin' Locations

Although set in the make-believe town of Clover City, Texas, Dumplin’ was primarily shot in picturesque locales around the Atlanta metropolitan area in Georgia. The film takes viewers on a tour of charming small towns, with most scenes filmed in Jonesboro, a quaint village known for its historic sites and beautiful landscapes.

Other key locations include Covington, where Danielle McDonald, portraying Dumplin', drives around the downtown square, and Conyers, home to the Briar Creek Apartments Pool, where Dumplin' and Ellen share some memorable moments. On a trip to these locations, one would be greeted by the familiar sights from the film, including the Covington Dance Shoppe at 1122 Monticello St SW, where a poignant scene involving young Will and her box of donuts was shot.

The film also showcases Marietta Middle School, which doubled as Clover City High School in the movie. Here, fans would remember the scene where Will's mother drops her off at school, calling out her nickname loudly, and later, Will stands up for Millie. A significant portion of the film, including the Little Miss Bluebonnet contest, was shot at The Jennie T. Anderson Theatre in Marietta, adding a touch of local culture and history to the film.

Given the scenic beauty and rich history of these locations, a trip to the filming sites of Dumplin' would undoubtedly be worthwhile for fans of the film and travelers alike. Not only would it provide a chance to relive memorable moments from the movie, but it would also offer an opportunity to explore these Georgian towns' unique charm and character.

Will is driving with Lucy scene in Dumplin'

1115 Washington St SW, Covington, GA 30014, USA

One of the opening scenes in the film is set in Downtown Clover, where young Willowdean Dickson (Danielle Macdonald), fondly known as Will, is seen driving with her Aunt Lucy (Hilliary Begley). The scene is filled with light-heartedness as members of the pageant boot camp jog past them on the sidewalk.

This scene was filmed in the charming town of Covington, near Covington Square. Covington is renowned for its fascinating mix of old and new, with Victorian architecture defining the downtown district. The tree-filled square park in the heart of the town serves as the site for many of Covington's signature events, adding to the charm of this location.

When you visit Covington, you'll find a variety of delightful eateries, from cozy cafes to upscale restaurants. Numerous gift stores also offer a wide array of items, ranging from antiques to modern home decor pieces. Fashion enthusiasts will appreciate the clothing stores; there's even a full-service barber shop on the square.

If you're traveling from Atlanta, you can take I-20 East towards Augusta and exit at 90 onto US-278 towards Covington to get to this location. Once in Covington, follow signs for the city center to reach Covington Square. There is no public transport available to travel from Atlanta.

The swimming pool scene in Dumplin'

Briar Creek Apartments, 893 Briar Creek Ct NE, Conyers, GA 30012, USA

At the swimming pool where, Willowdean 'Will' (Danielle Macdonald) and her best friend, Ellen Driver (Odeya Rush), hang out near the end of summer. This scene resonates with audiences as it encapsulates the essence of their friendship — supportive, enduring, and filled with shared moments.

This scene was filmed at the Briar Creek Apartments in Conyers, Georgia. The apartment complex, known for its spacious, garden-style apartments and townhouses, was the perfect backdrop for this intimate scene between Will and Ellen. The complex is still operational and welcomes visitors, allowing film fans to witness firsthand the location of one of its key scenes.

To get to Briar Creek Apartments from Atlanta, you would take Interstate 20 East toward Augusta. Exit at 82 for GA-20/GA-138 towards Conyers/Monroe. Turn right onto GA-20 E/GA-138 E and then turn right onto Flat Shoals Rd. Continue straight to stay on Flat Shoals Rd, and you'll find Briar Creek Apartments on your right. Please note that while the complex is open for visitors who wish to stay there, other observations or tours may not be available.

The high school scene in Dumplin'

Marietta Middle School, 121 Winn St NW, Marietta, GA 30064, USA

A significant scene in the film occurs on the first day of school. Will (Danielle Macdonald), nicknamed Dumplin' by her mother Rosie (Jennifer Aniston), faces ridicule from her peers when they overhear Rosie using the nickname. Later, she gets suspended when Will stands up for another overweight girl, Millie Mitchellchuck (Maddie Baillio), against a bully.

This high school scene was filmed at the historic Marietta Middle School in Georgia. In 2002, following a tenure of more than three decades at its original Aviation Road address, the school transitioned to its present location, which was previously the Marietta High School complex. With its modern charm, the school's exterior served as an ideal backdrop for this pivotal scene in the movie.

Fans of the film can easily recognize the school's exterior as it was prominently featured in the scene. However, please note that the school's interior is not open for visits, respecting the students' and staff's privacy and safety.

You can reach Marietta Middle School from downtown Atlanta by taking I-75 North. Alternatively, you can also catch a bus from the Arts Center Station in Atlanta, and within approximately 50 minutes, you'll arrive at the school.

Will's work at Harpy's scene in Dumplin'

Taste of Thailand, 121 Jonesboro Rd, Jonesboro, GA 30326, USA

The film brings us a tender and heartfelt scene that takes place at the local diner where Willowdean (Danielle Macdonald) works alongside her crush, Bo (Luke Benward). During their shift together, Bo invites Will to watch a meteor shower. Under the night sky, they kiss, but when Bo innocently touches her back, Will is overcome with panic and leaves abruptly.

The Harpy's dinner scenes were filmed at Taste of Thailand in Jonesboro. The owner, Sida Cordoba, has been serving the Southside of Metro Atlanta for over 20 years and has successfully owned and operated more than 13 Thai restaurants across Henry, Clayton, Fulton, and Fayette counties. After a brief hiatus, she returned to Jonesboro to support the new owner of Taste of Thailand. Fans of Dumplin' can visit this restaurant to enjoy its authentic Thai dishes and the atmosphere reminiscent of the film.

To reach Taste of Thailand from Atlanta, take I-75 South to exit 235 towards US-19/Jonesboro. Proceed along Tara Blvd for approximately 4 miles, then make a right onto North Ave, where the restaurant is situated. The journey should take around 20 minutes, subject to traffic conditions.

Will and her friends compete in the Little Miss Bluebonnet scene in Dumplin'

Jennie T Anderson Theatre, 548 South Marietta Pkwy SE, Marietta, GA 30060, USA

One of the film's most memorable scenes occurs during the Miss Teen Bluebonnet pageant. In this scene, Millie (Maddie Baillio), an effervescent contestant, is confronted by her mother for misleading her about participating in the competition. However, Millie stands her ground, demonstrating her resilience and determination. Meanwhile, Will (Danielle Macdonald) infuses her magic act with a tribute to Dolly Parton. This tribute delights the audience and fills her mother (Jennifer Aniston) with immense pride.

This pivotal scene was filmed at the Jennie T. Anderson Theatre, a 606-seat performing arts venue that annually hosts the Encore Series, which features some of the top performing acts in the nation. Film fans can visit this active theatre to enjoy a concert or another performance and immerse themselves in the same atmosphere where this iconic scene was shot.

You can reach the destination from Atlanta in about 20 minutes if you take Interstate 75 North. Additionally, its proximity to Marietta Middle School makes it convenient for fans to visit multiple sites in one trip.

Conclusion

Dumplin' is a heartwarming film that has left a significant mark on its viewers, earning both praise and criticism from critics and audiences alike. The film's performances, particularly those by Danielle Macdonald and Jennifer Aniston, have been praised for their authenticity and depth, contributing to the movie's overall appeal. They successfully bring the narrative's warm, humorous, and insightful twists to life, making the characters relatable and sympathetic.

The script is well-crafted, with a good balance of humor and emotion, adding substance to the storyline. One of the film's defining features is its idea of transformation, which is depicted through a unique makeover montage. Unlike conventional transformation scenes in romantic comedies, Dumplin' presents this aspect with a refreshing perspective, overseen by drag queens and embodying the spirit of individuality and self-discovery.

Dumplin' was primarily shot in the picturesque locales around Atlanta, Georgia, including the charming small towns of Jonesboro and Covington. These locations add a touch of authenticity to the film and contribute to its unique visual appeal, transporting viewers to the make-believe town of Clover City, Texas.

Regarding its contribution to the movie industry, Dumplin' offers a fresh take on transformation narratives, shifting the focus from physical beauty to self-acceptance and individuality. It also showcases the potential of small-town settings to add charm and authenticity to a film. Moreover, visiting the filming sites could be an exciting journey for movie fans, offering a chance to explore the charming Georgian towns that served as the backdrop for this memorable film.