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Persona non grata

Name: Persona non grata
Director: Roschdy Zem
Released: 2019
Duration: 92 min

Representation Score

4.8/10

Fair

2019

Director

Roschdy Zem

Runtime

92 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Persona non grata is a significant film that centers the North African experience within a Western European context. It successfully dismantles monolithic portrayals of immigrant life, providing a nuanced study of post-colonial identity and systemic friction. The film's main strength lies in its commitment to racial ability to act and its critique of institutional power. By focusing on the Algerian diaspora, it avoids reductive clichés and offers a deep exploration of identity. However, the narrative scope is narrow, focusing primarily on masculinity and ethnic tensions, which limits the representation of LGBTQ+ and gender-diverse stories.

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Category Breakdown

Does Persona non grata have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or non-cisgender identities. The story focuses mainly on ethnic and socio-political issues.

How does Persona non grata portray gender?

Fair

The story emphasizes a male-dominated perspective centered around migrant masculinity. It lacks strong roles for women and challenges to traditional gender power structures.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Persona non grata?

Excellent

The film uses a mostly Maghrebi cast to challenge Eurocentric norms. It explores the internal complexities and systemic struggles of characters of color.

How does Persona non grata represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The film offers a sophisticated critique of Western institutions through a post-colonial lens. It highlights the tension between immigrant identities and exclusionary French laws and social systems.

Does Persona non grata include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no significant portrayal of visible or invisible disabilities within the narrative.

Present on Screen

Authentic representation of the Maghrebi diaspora through a predominantly North African cast.
A sophisticated, post-colonial critique of Western institutional and legal frameworks.
High ability to act granted to characters of color, avoiding peripheral or reductive clichés.

Limited or Absent

Lack of LGBTQ+ representation or non-cisgender identities within the central plot.
Minimal women's ability to drive the story and a heavy reliance on a male-centric narrative framework.

Official Synopsis

José Nunes and Maxime Charasse are friends and minority partners in a struggling construction company. Faced with the need to protect their interests, they make a radical decision and find themselves bound by a dark secret.

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