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Like Father

Name: Like Father
Director: Lauren Miller Rogen
Released: 2018
Duration: 103 min

Representation Score

4.6/10

Fair

2018

TV-MA

Director

Lauren Miller Rogen

Runtime

103 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Like Father is a focused, character-driven study that excels in its portrayal of ALS and the caregiving dynamics associated with it. By centering the lived experience of ALS and the subsequent caregiving, the film avoids reductive stereotypes and offers a nuanced look at neurodegenerative disease. However, the film's impact is limited by a lack of diverse representation. The narrative remains largely within a homogeneous, Western, middle-class framework, offering little representation for LGBTQ+ identities or diverse racial backgrounds. Ultimately, the film succeeds as a specialized exploration of gendered caregiving and physical disability, even as it functions as a localized domestic drama rather than a broad social commentary.

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Category Breakdown

Does Like Father have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The story focuses on a heterosexual relationship, and there are no identifiable LGBTQ+ characters or explorations of non-straight identities within the main storyline.

How does Like Father portray gender?

Good

The film centers on a female protagonist who navigates significant emotional changes. It challenges traditional gender roles by having the female lead take on roles of strength and caregiving as her partner faces a terminal diagnosis.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Like Father?

Limited

The cast is predominantly Western and middle-class, and the narrative does not actively seek to diversify the cast or challenge Anglo-centric social norms.

How does Like Father represent religion and culture?

Fair

The narrative challenges Western emphases on productivity and careerism by focusing on the realities of terminal illness. It prioritizes emotional presence and the complexities of caregiving over traditional success.

Does Like Father include disability representation?

Excellent

The film provides a significant portrayal of ALS, giving the character real control over her life rather than using the condition as mere inspiration. It explores the socioeconomic and emotional realities of neurodegenerative disease.

Present on Screen

Provides an authentic portrayal of ALS that avoids 'inspiration porn' clichés.
Challenges traditional gender roles by centering female strength and decision-making during a crisis.
Offers a nuanced look at the emotional and socioeconomic realities of caregiving.

Limited or Absent

Lacks representation of LGBTQ+ identities and non-straight characters.
Features a homogeneous cast that fails to challenge Anglo-centric social norms.
Provides limited racial and ethnic diversity within the primary narrative.

Official Synopsis

When a workaholic young executive is left at the altar, she ends up on her Caribbean honeymoon cruise with the last person she ever expected: her estranged and equally workaholic father. The two depart as strangers, but over the course of a few hilarious adventures, a couple of umbrella-clad cocktails and a whole lot of soul-searching, they return with a renewed appreciation for family and life.

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