You are here:

Between Two Women

Name: Between Two Women
Director: Jon Avnet
Released: 1986
Duration: 95 min

Representation Score

7.6/10

Good

1986

Director

Jon Avnet

Runtime

95 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Between Two Women is a character-driven drama that finds its strength in subverting traditional domestic archetypes. By centering the conflict on the volatile emotional arcs of its female leads, the film explores complex interpersonal power dynamics. However, the film is limited by the casting conventions of its era. The lack of racial diversity and the reliance on a homogeneous, middle-class setting prevent a more multi-layered exploration of its themes. Ultimately, the work succeeds as a study of non-traditional social structures. It uses physical disability and emotional friction to challenge conventional family units and explore deep, non-straight-centered emotional landscapes.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Between Two Women have LGBTQ+ representation?

Excellent

The film challenges traditional expectations by focusing on emotional and romantic tension between two women. It provides a nuanced look at same-sex emotional intimacy through complex, female-centric connections.

How does Between Two Women portray gender?

Good

The narrative shifts dramatic weight away from male-driven mechanics toward female empowerment. It deconstructs traditional roles by highlighting the intellectual and emotional power struggles between Val and Barbara.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Between Two Women?

Limited

The film features a largely homogeneous cast within a middle-to-upper-class urban setting. It adheres to era-standard casting conventions without significant evidence of racial blending or diverse representation.

How does Between Two Women represent religion and culture?

Good

The story prioritizes secular, emotional truth over religious dogma. Rooted in a Western middle-class framework, it offers a nuanced view of domestic stability and caretaking.

Does Between Two Women include disability representation?

Fair

A debilitating stroke serves as a central plot catalyst. While the portrayal risks the 'medical catalyst' cliché, the character's condition forces a significant reconfiguration of central relationships.

Present on Screen

Challenges traditional gender hierarchies by centering female empowerment and emotional power struggles.
Explores complex, non-traditional emotional landscapes and female-centric connections.
Provides a nuanced look at caretaking and the breakdown of traditional family units.

Limited or Absent

Lacks significant racial diversity, featuring a largely homogeneous cast.
Risks using the 'medical catalyst' cliché in depicting physical disability.
Remains strictly within a Western, middle-class framework without broader cultural critique.

Official Synopsis

When shy school teacher Val and Harry, the son of an aged opera singer, get married, Val quickly discovers that Harry's mother, Barbara, is not very happy with their union. In fact, Barbara tries to separate the couple. But, when Barbara suffers a debilitating stroke, Val's compassion and empathy mend the rift between two women, giving Barbara the will to survive. But will Barbara learn to love her daughter-in-law?

How are these scores produced? →