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Something Must Break

Name: Something Must Break
Director: Ester Martin Bergsmark
Released: 2014
Duration: 84 min

Representation Score

8.6/10

Excellent

2014

Director

Ester Martin Bergsmark

Runtime

84 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Something Must Break is a progressive exploration of identity that excels in its deconstruction of sexual and gender norms. By centering non-normative experiences, the film avoids the pitfalls of including someone from a minority group without giving them real depth and offers a deep look at queer life. The narrative's strength lies in its refusal to adhere to traditional gender roles and norms. Sebastian's arc provides a powerful subversion of conventional gender hierarchies, making the film a significant work of independent cinema. However, the film's impact is somewhat limited by a lack of the way different parts of someone's identity overlap. The focus on a specific localized setting results in a lack of racial diversity and limited representation of neurodivergence or physical disability.

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Category Breakdown

Does Something Must Break have LGBTQ+ representation?

Excellent

The film explores the complexity of non-heterosexual relationships and the fluidity of desire. It goes beyond simple inclusion to offer a nuanced portrayal of non-traditional sexual identities.

How does Something Must Break portray gender?

Excellent

Sebastian's journey towards a female identity challenges traditional gender roles. The story explores the instability of gender binaries and the breakdown of conventional gender hierarchies.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Something Must Break?

Fair

The film focuses on a localized Stockholm setting without emphasizing racial or ethnic diversity. There is a lack of visible racial diversity or diverse ethnic backgrounds in the main storyline.

How does Something Must Break represent religion and culture?

Good

The film prioritizes individual psychological experiences over traditional moral frameworks. It avoids idealized depictions of relationships, opting for a gritty, realistic portrayal of interpersonal intimacy.

Does Something Must Break include disability representation?

Fair

The film touches on themes of self-harm and psychological distress, highlighting mental health struggles. However, there are no clear examples of characters with specific, empowered disabilities.

Present on Screen

Deeply explores queer identity and the fluidity of human desire.
Effectively challenges traditional gender hierarchies and binary structures.
Avoids idealized, sanitized depictions of relationships in favor of emotional realism.

Limited or Absent

Lacks significant racial and ethnic diversity within the primary narrative.
Provides limited representation of specific, empowered disabilities or neurodivergence.

Official Synopsis

A gritty story taking place in Stockholm, about the passionate love between the self-abusive Sebastian who wants to be a woman, and the easy-going Andreas who is certainly not gay.

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