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The Long Way Back

Name: The Long Way Back
Director: E.B. Hughes
Released: 2020
Duration: 72 min

Representation Score

7.0/10

Good

2020

Director

E.B. Hughes

Runtime

72 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

The film presents a realistic portrayal of social issues, particularly by challenging traditional masculine stereotypes. By positioning Sara as the key figure in Max's development, it avoids common gender clichés. However, the narrative might fall back on familiar crime genre formulas. Despite featuring diverse casting, the central plot dynamics around systemic struggles can become predictable. Overall, the film excels as a character study of individuals navigating broken social structures, even though it does not explicitly represent LGBTQ+ themes or multi-layered identities.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Long Way Back have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

There is no explicit depiction of LGBTQ+ characters or relationships that go beyond the assumption that everyone is straight or cisgender.

How does The Long Way Back portray gender?

Fair

The film challenges traditional gender roles by presenting Sara as the primary driver of Max's personal growth, rather than a passive figure.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Long Way Back?

Fair

The film features diverse actors like Franklin Ojeda Smith, but the storyline may rely on familiar crime genre clichés involving drug lords and former criminals.

How does The Long Way Back represent religion and culture?

Good

The story highlights the struggles of those underrepresented by the carceral system and the challenges of reintegration into society.

Does The Long Way Back include disability representation?

Fair

The casting of Denny Dale Bess indicates an effort towards inclusive representation, but the film's success depends on how disability is portrayed as part of the human experience.

Present on Screen

Challenges traditional masculine stereotypes by depicting a vulnerable male protagonist.
Employs female characters as the primary drivers of change, rather than secondary figures.
Explores complex themes such as systemic failure, addiction, and social reintegration.
Features diverse casting, indicating an intention towards inclusive representation.

Limited or Absent

Does not include explicit depictions of LGBTQ+ characters or relationships.
May rely on familiar crime genre clichés regarding drug lords and former criminals.
Provides limited evidence of diverse characters taking active roles within the central narrative.

Official Synopsis

For Max Lyons, an ex-con, life is full of gambles. And a series of gambles have led him to the edge of hell. Fresh out of prison, Max ends up at a rundown hotel managed by his old friend Ziggy, the only person he can truly trust. Max has trouble finding a job, and even bigger trouble quitting bad habits. Amid the squalor and bitterness of his sad existence, he meets Sara, a college student who lives in the room next to his. It is she who shows him that a new, brighter future lies ahead of him, giving him the courage to fight his addictions and kick his habits once and for all. Blocking this path, however, is Lucius, a powerful drug lord who Max had ripped off before going to jail. Now, Lucius wants payback. Will Max be able to break old ties and make a new life for himself?

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