Bridesmaids is a 2011 American comedy film directed by Paul Feig and written by Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo. The film stars Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Rose Byrne, Melissa McCarthy, Wendi McLendon-Covey, and Ellie Kemper. It was produced by Judd Apatow and is known for its fresh take on the romantic comedy genre.
The story follows Annie Walker (Kristen Wiig), a single woman in Milwaukee whose life is in disarray. After her best friend Lillian (Maya Rudolph) gets engaged, Annie is asked to be her maid of honor. Excited yet overwhelmed, she navigates the challenges of planning Lillian's bridal events while dealing with her own personal struggles, including financial issues and a dead-end job.
As the maid of honor, Annie encounters various bridesmaids, including Helen (Rose Byrne), Lillian's wealthy and competitive friend, who quickly becomes a rival for Annie's attention. The tension between Annie and Helen escalates as they both try to win Lillian's favor through extravagant plans for the bachelorette party and bridal shower.
Annie's life spirals further out of control as she faces a series of comedic mishaps, including a disastrous bridal shower that culminates in chaos. Amidst the chaos, she develops a connection with Nathan Rhodes (Chris O'Dowd), a kind-hearted police officer who offers her support. However, Annie struggles with her insecurities and fears of inadequacy.
The film explores themes of friendship, rivalry, and self-discovery as Annie learns to confront her issues and embrace her identity. After hitting rock bottom and being disinvited from Lillian's wedding, she ultimately realizes the importance of true friendship and personal growth.
Bridesmaids received critical acclaim for its humor and performances, particularly that of Melissa McCarthy, who earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. The film was both a commercial success and a cultural phenomenon, grossing over $288 million worldwide on a budget of $32.5 million. It is often credited with revitalizing the female-led comedy genre and remains a beloved classic in contemporary cinema.