You are here:

Libertad

Name: Libertad
Director: Clara Roquet
Released: 2021
Duration: 109 min

Representation Score

8.9/10

Excellent

2021

Director

Clara Roquet

Runtime

109 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Libertad is a sophisticated coming-of-age drama set in the 1970s Francoist era, critiquing systemic authoritarianism. It centers female protagonists who actively navigate and disrupt the rigid social hierarchies of the time. The film excels in its layered approach, particularly through Libertad's Colombian identity, which adds a post-colonial dimension to the Spanish context. This contrasts sharply with the era's typical homogeneity. While the film effectively critiques gender and cultural norms, it lacks explicit LGBTQ+ representation and provides limited ability to act for its character with cognitive disability. However, these elements do not diminish its overall progressive impact.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Libertad have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film emphasizes women's ability to drive the story rather than explicitly depicting queer identities. It challenges traditional social norms without showing clear examples of non-straight relationships.

How does Libertad portray gender?

Good

Nora and Libertad play significant roles in challenging patriarchal structures. Their intelligence and active involvement disrupt the traditional domestic roles of the Francoist era.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Libertad?

Good

Libertad's Colombian heritage introduces a post-colonial perspective. Her character challenges the era's racial uniformity and highlights the complexity of immigrant identity.

How does Libertad represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The film criticizes the Catholic Church and the Francoist state as oppressive forces. It prioritizes secularism and personal autonomy over the period's conservative religious dogma.

Does Libertad include disability representation?

Good

Ángela’s Alzheimer’s provides a nuanced look at cognitive decline. Her condition triggers emotional shifts within the family, although she has limited control over her actions.

Present on Screen

Strong challenge to patriarchal structures through central female characters.
Effective use of layered identities to challenge racial and class homogeneity.
Sophisticated critique of religious and state-driven social oppression.

Limited or Absent

Lack of explicit or overt LGBTQ+ identities and relationships.
Limited narrative ability to act for the character with Alzheimer's.

Official Synopsis

The Vidal family is spending a summer on Catalonia’s gorgeous Costa Brava with their Alzheimer-affected grandmother Ángela. Overprotected and shy, 14 year-old Nora goes through a difficult time after her parents’ separation, but what looked like another tedious, sad summer for Nora, turns into a dangerous coming of age experience with the arrival of Libertad, the wild 15-year daughter of Ángela’s Colombian caretaker.

How are these scores produced? →