You are here:

American Skin

Name: American Skin
Director: Nate Parker
Released: 2019
Duration: 90 min

Representation Score

6.0/10

Good

2019

Director

Nate Parker

Runtime

90 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

American Skin is a critical look at the reliability of institutions and the struggles of underrepresented individuals against state structures. The film excels by avoiding sanitized portrayals, instead highlighting the impact of systemic failures. Its strength lies in its racial and cultural depth, focusing on a Black protagonist whose actions confront a biased legal system. This approach challenges traditional views of justice. However, the film's narrow focus on male-centric perspectives and veteran identity limits its scope in terms of gender and LGBTQ+ representation. Additionally, there is no visible portrayal of disabilities.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does American Skin have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film focuses on the relationship between a father and his son, emphasizing traditional family dynamics without centering LGBTQ+ identities.

How does American Skin portray gender?

Fair

The movie highlights the male experience through themes of fatherhood and veteran identity, while female characters play minor roles.

How racially and ethnically diverse is American Skin?

Excellent

The story centers around a Black protagonist facing systemic injustice and police violence, providing a significant role in driving the story to characters of color.

How does American Skin represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The film critiques Western legal and state institutions, presenting them as biased or flawed, and explores moral relativism as the protagonist seeks vigilante justice.

Does American Skin include disability representation?

Minimal

The provided information contains no evidence regarding the portrayal of physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Present on Screen

Provides a significant role in driving the story to Black characters navigating systemic injustice.
Effectively challenges traditional views of justice.
Critiques the perceived benevolence of state institutions.

Limited or Absent

Limited representation of LGBTQ+ identities.
Narrow focus on male-centric perspectives and veteran identity.
No visible portrayal of disabilities.

Official Synopsis

A Marine veteran working as a school janitor tries to mend his relationship with his son after a divorce. When his son is killed by a police officer found innocent without standing trial, he takes matters into his own hands.

How are these scores produced? →