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Appearances

Name: Appearances
Director: Marc Fitoussi
Released: 2020
Duration: 108 min

Representation Score

5.0/10

Fair

2020

Director

Marc Fitoussi

Runtime

108 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Appearances is a character study that succeeds in challenging traditional domestic archetypes. By centering the narrative on a woman's impulsive response to betrayal, it avoids portraying female characters as mere victims of infidelity. However, the film remains socially narrow, depicting a highly homogeneous Eurocentric elite. It lacks broad demographic diversity and focuses strictly within the confines of high-society French and Austrian social circles. Ultimately, the film's strength lies in its psychological depth and critique of performative social standing, even as it fails to include a wide range of identities or disability representation.

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Category Breakdown

Does Appearances have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The story revolves around a French expatriate community where heterosexual relationships dominate. There are no explicit LGBTQ+ narratives or non-cisgender identities that drive the plot.

How does Appearances portray gender?

Good

Ève plays a significant role in driving the story, moving from being a victim to becoming an active agent of her own destiny. The film challenges the cliché of the perfect wife by emphasizing her autonomy.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Appearances?

Fair

The cast reflects the homogeneous demographics of the European expatriate elite. The narrative focuses on nationality rather than diverse ethnic backgrounds or race-bent casting.

How does Appearances represent religion and culture?

Good

The film critiques Western social performance and the fragility of high-society status. It treats traditional family stability as a facade, prioritizing individual psychological journeys over social institutions.

Does Appearances include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no focus on physical or neurodivergent representation. Characters are defined by social status and psychological volatility rather than disability.

Present on Screen

Challenges gendered expectations by giving the female protagonist significant autonomy and ability to act.
Provides a sophisticated critique of the performative nature of Western high-society and social status.

Limited or Absent

Lacks demographic diversity, presenting a largely homogeneous Eurocentric social circle.
Provides no representation for physical or neurodivergent disabilities.
Offers minimal LGBTQ+ visibility, focusing almost exclusively on heterosexual relationship structures.

Official Synopsis

Ève and Henri are among the happy few of the French community in Vienna. They are “la crème de la crème”. The perfect picture crumbles when Ève discovers that Henri is cheating on her. On an impulse, she finds revenge with Jonas, a perfect young Austrian guy. But he’s not who she thought he was. This will lead them to an irreversible spiral.

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