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There's Something in the Water

Name: There's Something in the Water
Director: Elliot Page, Ian Daniel
Released: 2019
Duration: 73 min

Representation Score

7.3/10

Good

2019

Director

Elliot Page, Ian Daniel

Runtime

73 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

This documentary offers a powerful critique of conventional environmental discourse by centering the lived experiences of racialized women. It moves beyond simple advocacy into a sophisticated examination of systemic power and institutional neglect. The film effectively integrates themes of environmental racism and community ability to act. It frames the struggle for land and future protection as a necessary fight against systemic injustice, rather than a plea for charity. Overall, the work provides a progressive lens that challenges Anglo-centric norms and highlights the resilience of underrepresented communities fighting for their survival.

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Category Breakdown

Does There's Something in the Water have LGBTQ+ representation?

Excellent

Elliot Page's involvement brings attention to perspectives that go beyond assuming everyone is straight or cisgender. The film challenges traditional assumptions about gender and identity by emphasizing bodily autonomy.

How does There's Something in the Water portray gender?

Excellent

Indigenous and African Nova Scotian women play key roles in driving the plot. They are positioned as the intellectual and moral leaders of the story, challenging traditional gender hierarchies.

How racially and ethnically diverse is There's Something in the Water?

Excellent

The documentary focuses on the specific struggles faced by Indigenous and African Nova Scotian communities. It highlights how these communities disproportionately suffer from systemic neglect of environmental issues.

How does There's Something in the Water represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The film criticizes Western institutions that prioritize economic gain over human well-being. It emphasizes community-led justice as a response to oppressive systems shaped by historical colonization.

Does There's Something in the Water include disability representation?

Minimal

There is insufficient evidence to provide a definitive score regarding the portrayal of physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Present on Screen

Focuses on the multi-layered identity and specific struggles of Indigenous and African Nova Scotian communities.
Centers women as active, intellectual protagonists rather than passive victims of environmental injustice.
Critiques systemic, corporate, and state structures through a post-colonial lens.

Limited or Absent

Lacks visible representation or specific discussion regarding physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Official Synopsis

Elliot Page brings attention to the injustices and injuries caused by environmental racism in his home province, in this urgent documentary on Indigenous and African Nova Scotian women fighting to protect their communities, their land, and their futures.

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