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Besties

Name: Besties
Director: Marion Desseigne-Ravel
Released: 2022
Duration: 81 min

Representation Score

6.7/10

Good

2022

Director

Marion Desseigne-Ravel

Runtime

81 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Besties (Les Meilleures) is an intricate urban drama that uses the star-crossed lovers cliché to explore the overlapping aspects of identity. By focusing on a queer romance amidst the tensions of rival social groups, the film transcends typical coming-of-age clichés to examine the clash between personal desires and communal expectations. The film excels in challenging conventional genre expectations. It shifts the focus from male-dominated power struggles to narratives driven by female interpersonal relationships and the complexities of navigating gang-related social structures in modern Paris. The strength of the work lies in its portrayal of underrepresented identities as active participants in shaping their social environments.

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Category Breakdown

Does Besties have LGBTQ+ representation?

Excellent

The film focuses on a romantic relationship between Nedjma and Zina, highlighting the challenges they face due to societal pressures and the risks associated with conforming to group norms.

How does Besties portray gender?

Good

The story emphasizes the emotional lives and ability to act of young women, avoiding clichéd male-centric narratives by focusing instead on the interpersonal dynamics among a female squad.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Besties?

Good

Set in Paris, the film showcases a diverse range of characters reflecting the city’s multicultural landscape. It delves into how ethnic backgrounds intersect with urban social hierarchies to shape personal identities.

How does Besties represent religion and culture?

Good

The plot explores the tension between individual freedom and strict communal loyalties. It questions traditional views of community territories and social order.

Does Besties include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no evidence of characters with visible or invisible disabilities in this work.

Present on Screen

Highlights a queer romance as the main narrative driver.
Emphasizes the emotional lives and ability to act of young women.
Reflects the diverse demographics of multicultural Paris.

Limited or Absent

No characters with disabilities are represented.
Focuses narrowly on a specific social subset of urban life.

Official Synopsis

Paris. Nedjma, a teenager living with her mom and sister, spends the summer with her squad. She sees her life turned upside down when she meets Zina, coming from the opposite gang. They are rivals in broad daylight, but lovers in secret.

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