The Story of Miss You Can Do It
Miss You Can Do It isn't your typical pageant documentary. Directed by Ron Davis and released in 2013, this 74-minute film follows Abbey Curran—the pageant's founder and driving force—as she guides eight young contestants with special needs through the competition of a lifetime. What makes this different from the glitzy, high-stakes pageant stories we've seen before is the film's genuine focus on what these girls are actually competing for: not a crown, but proof that they belong on that stage just as much as anyone else. The documentary captures the preparation, the nerves, the friendships that bloom, and ultimately the transformative power of being seen and celebrated.
Behind the Making of Miss You Can Do It
Abbey Curran's own journey is central to understanding why this film exists at all. Curran, who is deaf and has competed in pageants herself, founded Miss You Can Do It to create a space where girls with disabilities could experience the confidence-building, community-creating aspects of pageantry without the ableist gatekeeping that typically keeps them out. Director Ron Davis approached the project with a documentary filmmaker's eye for character and authenticity—not looking to create inspiration porn, but to simply show what happens when you give these girls the same opportunities everyone else gets. The film carries a Not Rated designation, making it accessible to families of all ages. At 74 minutes, it's lean and focused, which works in its favor; there's no padding, no manufactured drama. What you're watching is real preparation, real stakes, and real growth happening in front of the camera.
What Makes Miss You Can Do It Stand Out
What's striking about this documentary is how it refuses to be patronizing. The film doesn't treat these girls as inspirational props—it treats them as competitors with their own personalities, fears, and ambitions. You'll see contestants who are confident and nervous, funny and serious, supportive of each other and occasionally frustrated. That's what makes it work. The performances we're watching aren't acted; they're lived. One girl talks about wanting to prove something to her doubters. Another is just excited to be part of something bigger than herself. A third is wrestling with self-doubt in ways that'll feel familiar to anyone who's ever stood in front of a crowd. I keep coming back to the way the film captures the small moments—the backstage pep talks, the practice sessions, the genuine friendships forming between contestants who might not have crossed paths otherwise. Critics and viewers have responded to this authenticity; the film holds a 7.9 rating on IMDb based on 259 votes, which reflects strong appreciation from those who've actually watched it. What the film really does is challenge our assumptions about who gets to participate in traditionally "mainstream" activities and what happens when we stop saying no.
Where to Stream Miss You Can Do It Online
If you're ready to watch, Movie OTT tracks streaming availability across multiple platforms, and Miss You Can Do It is currently available on several services. You can stream it on HBO Max or Max, rent or purchase it through Apple TV Store, Prime Video, Google Play Movies, or YouTube, or access it via HBO Max Amazon Channel and Fandango At Home. International viewers can also find it on JioHotstar. The "Where to Watch" widget at the top of this page will show you real-time availability in your region, so you can pick whichever platform works best for your setup.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Who directed Miss You Can Do It?
Ron Davis directed this 2013 documentary. He brought a straightforward, character-focused approach to the material, letting the girls' own personalities and journeys drive the narrative rather than imposing a heavy-handed message.
Q: Is Miss You Can Do It based on a true story?
It's not based on a story—it is the true story. This is a documentary following real events, real contestants, and the real Miss You Can Do It pageant founded by Abbey Curran.
Q: How long is Miss You Can Do It?
The film runs 74 minutes, making it a tight, focused documentary without unnecessary filler. You can watch it in one sitting without feeling like it's dragging.
Q: What's the IMDb rating for Miss You Can Do It?
The film holds a 7.9 out of 10 on IMDb based on 259 votes, indicating solid appreciation from viewers who've watched it. That's a respectable score for a niche documentary.
Q: Where can I watch Miss You Can Do It?
Multiple platforms carry it—HBO Max, Max, Prime Video, Apple TV Store, YouTube, Google Play Movies, Fandango At Home, HBO Max Amazon Channel, and JioHotstar all have it available. Check the widget above for current availability in your area.
Final Thoughts on Miss You Can Do It
Miss You Can Do It works because it trusts its audience and its subjects. There's no manipulative score swelling at emotional moments, no narrator telling you what to feel. The film simply shows eight girls preparing for a pageant and lets you witness what happens when they're given the chance to shine. Don't miss it—whether you're looking for a feel-good documentary, a story about disability representation, or just a genuinely heartwarming film about young people finding their confidence. It's the kind of movie that sticks with you.
