Just like everyone else, I’ve just finished binge-watching Off Campus, and I didn’t expect to come away from a university rom-com feeling this seen. And we need to talk about it.
The spicy hockey TV show currently blowing up TikTok tells the fake-romance-to-lovers story of Hannah Wells (Ella Wright) and Garrett Graham (Belmont Cameli). While most people are obsessed with their chemistry, the sex scenes, and the fact that we’re all kinda wishing we could relive our university days over and over again, it was Ella and her portrayal of Hannah that I can’t stop thinking about.
Yes, Ella is incredibly beautiful, but a female lead who feels a lot closer than the usual polished rom-com mould.
IMO, in this genre, it’s normally “university hot girl” casting that often follows a very specific formula, and Hannah feels subtly different — in a way that’s hard to ignore once you notice it. Maybe you haven’t picked up on it yet. Or maybe you’re just like me, and it was the first thing you clocked. Either way, it’s the kind of detail that will make you stop and think.
And now, I’m just going to say it.
Hannah Wells is one of the first-ever female leads that I have seen with big boobs, who isn’t sexualised for having them on a TV show. And boy oh boy, am I beaming.
As a girlie with big boobs (hi, I’m talking almost G cups), this honestly is everything to me.
I started modelling almost 14 years ago, at 17, and despite not being able to legally vote in this country, I was sexualised. I’m blonde, with big boobs, and not the standard “skinny girl” model look that remains dominant on runways and campaigns. I was pushed into a certain type of modelling — the Playboy, swimsuit type of modelling — and while yes, it’s something I chose, it came with rampant objectification. My look isn’t considered high fashion or art; it’s something to lust after. During my career I’ve struggled to be taken seriously, and struggled even more with being sexualised by clients, agents, photographers, and everyone in between. It was only when I was asked to do “implied topless” shoots (where the model is topless but slightly covered up) that I faced my own objectification head on.
I started modelling for bikini magazines, and whilst this was something that I always wanted to do, it wasn’t until I was older that I started to realise that I was being sexualised and asked to do implied topless. I kinda felt like an object.
You’re probably wondering why I wanted to start modelling then?
Well, I guess the answer is simple. I’m from a small country town. I was, and still am, incredibly ambitious. I looked up to famous models like Kate Upton and Tyra Banks, who used modelling as a path to multi-hyphenated success. Modelling is a path to financial freedom and career opportunities, a way for me to turbo charge my career from a starting point where very few opportunities exist.
I’ve since left the industry (and set my sights on TV hosting instead), but the insecurities have never left. And when I have been asked about my “biggest insecurity”, my answer is always the same: my boobs. People always seem shocked to hear it, but let me tell you why.
If I were to wear something strapless? Suddenly it’s “tacky.” If I wear something low-cut, it’s “too much.” TBH, it’s just a constant reminder that I feel extremely uncomfy and I have work to do.
I still find myself asking questions like, “Is this okay to wear? Is this too much?”, over an outfit anyone with smaller boobs would wear without a second thought.
Or, “Would I feel more confident if I got a boob job to make myself feel more confident?” I have always said I’d love a boob reduction with a cheeky lift. But, apparently, they grow back after you have kids. So maybe it’s best to wait?
But again, since when should we question ourselves for being “maybe” too much?
“Why should we not be happy with what we have?”
I know, right? If only it were that easy.
And then came along Ella Bright, and she made me feel seen. The way we girlies with big boobs should feel seen.
And now, I’m just going to say it.
Being in this industry is tough. My whole life, I’ve been told to look a certain way, especially in the modelling industry. I’ve dealt with an eating disorder in the past, so I know first-hand the damage that poor body representation can wreck. Heck, I’ve even had an eating disorder in the past, so it’s something that a lot of people are dealing with on the quiet. But, again, it looks like we are back in this “new Hollywood” era.
And right now, representation feels more important than ever. I hate to say it, but it’s the Ozempic effect. Celebs who were already skinny are continuing to drop weight. Ultra skinny is becoming the new beauty standard, and it’s terrifying.
It puts a lot of pressure on women, especially young women, to look a certain way. And guess what — we’re over it.
And this is exactly why Hannah stands out. She doesn’t fit in this mould. She doesn’t look like she has been polished into something untouchable. A stunning woman. Existing in a rom-com without her body being sexualised. And IMO, it’s fkn everything.Not once in Off Campus does it feel like she was looked at like an object. Not once did any other character comment on her appearance. Compare that to Sydney Sweeney’s Cassie in Euphoria, who is so hypersexualised it becomes unclear if we’re watching a fleshed out character struggle with her place in the world or simply creator Sam Levinson’s high budget entry to his own spank bank.
A final love letter to Ella
Thank you for showing us girlies with big boobs that we should be proud of them. And now, it’s our time to shine.
Lots of love,
Sakara and all the girlies with big boobs xoxo
The post Off Campus’s Hannah Finally Makes Me And My Big Boobs Feel Seen appeared first on PEDESTRIAN.TV .
