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Benched

Name: Benched
Director: George Flanigen, Robert Deaton
Released: 2018
Duration: 110 min

Representation Score

1.2/10

Minimal

2018

TV-PG

Director

George Flanigen, Robert Deaton

Runtime

110 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Benched operates within a traditional sports drama framework, emphasizing a classic mentor-protégé relationship. The story centers on the bond between a legendary coach and his inexperienced assistant, reinforcing established hierarchies and conventional leadership models. The film lacks complexity in reflecting multiple aspects of identity. It focuses on individual and collective growth within a traditional institutional framework, highlighting discipline and cooperation without challenging social norms. Ultimately, the production adheres to genre-standard clichés. It emphasizes meritocratic achievement and communal effort without disrupting conventional social expectations.

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Category Breakdown

Does Benched have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any characters with LGBTQ+ identities. The story focuses solely on the professional coaching relationship between the coach and his assistant.

How does Benched portray gender?

Fair

The main characters, Don and Michael, are male. The story highlights a male-dominated coaching environment without challenging traditional masculine leadership roles.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Benched?

Limited

The synopsis does not mention a diverse cast. The story follows a typical Western sports drama template with a predominantly white cast.

How does Benched represent religion and culture?

Limited

The themes of teamwork and winning align with traditional Western values of meritocracy. There is no indication of religious critique or institutional subversion in the story.

Does Benched include disability representation?

Minimal

The story does not include any characters with physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Present on Screen

The film employs a clear, classic mentor-protégé narrative structure.
It emphasizes teamwork, discipline, and collective achievement.

Limited or Absent

The narrative lacks representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-straight perspectives.
The male-dominated coaching environment lacks gender diversity or subversion of masculine roles.
There is no evidence of racial or ethnic diversity within the cast or story.
The film does not explore disability or neurodivergent perspectives.

Official Synopsis

Legendary baseball coach, Don, gets inexperienced Michael as his new assistant coach. As their lives dramatically change, the coaches must come together to help their team win.

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