The film is set in the small town of Mount Rose, Minnesota, and follows a group of teenage contestants competing in the local beauty pageant. The story is presented in a mockumentary style, with a documentary crew filming the events leading up to the pageant.
The main protagonist is Amber Atkins (played by Kirsten Dunst), a sweet and determined teenager from the wrong side of the tracks who dreams of escaping her small-town life. Despite her lack of wealth and social status, Amber is talented and ambitious, and she sees the pageant as her ticket to a better future.
However, Amber faces stiff competition from her fellow contestants, including the arrogant and manipulative Becky Leeman (played by Denise Richards), whose mother, Gladys Leeman (played by Kirstie Alley), is the driving force behind the pageant. Gladys is determined to see her daughter win the title of Mount Rose American Teen Princess at any cost.
As the pageant approaches, tensions rise among the contestants, and sabotage and violence erupt behind the scenes. One by one, the contestants meet with unfortunate accidents, leading to suspicion and paranoia among the tight-knit community.
Despite the obstacles and setbacks, Amber remains determined to pursue her dreams and compete in the pageant. With the help of her supportive friends and family, including her best friend Loretta (played by Brittany Murphy) and her mother Annette (played by Ellen Barkin), Amber navigates the cutthroat world of beauty pageants and strives to come out on top.
In the climactic finale of the pageant, Amber and Becky face off in a tense showdown, with Amber ultimately emerging victorious. However, the joyous occasion is marred by tragedy when a series of explosive accidents occur, resulting in chaos and destruction.
In the aftermath of the pageant, the true culprit behind the sabotage is revealed, leading to a shocking twist that exposes the dark underbelly of small-town ambition and rivalry. Despite the chaos and mayhem, Amber emerges as a resilient and determined young woman, ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead.
“Drop Dead Gorgeous” is celebrated for its biting satire, dark humor, and memorable performances, offering a scathing critique of beauty pageants and the pursuit of fame and fortune at any cost. The film’s sharp wit and clever storytelling have earned it a cult following over the years, cementing its status as a cult classic in the comedy genre.