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Grandma Dearest

Name: Grandma Dearest
Director: Jennifer Liao
Released: 2020
Duration: 87 min

Representation Score

4.4/10

Fair

2020

TV-14

Director

Jennifer Liao

Runtime

87 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Grandma Dearest functions mainly as a psychological thriller that deconstructs traditional maternal roles. By portraying the matriarch as a source of psychological harm, the film challenges the sanctity of the nuclear family. However, the film lacks broad representation of diverse racial, ethnic, or LGBTQ+ identities. This narrow focus limits its overall impact on representation. Ultimately, while the film provides a nuanced exploration of female-driven conflict and the subversion of gendered expectations, it remains a relatively homogeneous character study.

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Category Breakdown

Does Grandma Dearest have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film does not include any explicit LGBTQ+ characters or non-straight relationships. The main storyline revolves around a heterosexual family.

How does Grandma Dearest portray gender?

Fair

The film challenges the traditional nurturing grandmother stereotype by depicting the matriarch as a source of danger and instability. Kendall fights against the oppressive influence of her grandmother.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Grandma Dearest?

Limited

There is no indication of racial or ethnic diversity in the film. The story focuses on a local family conflict without incorporating diverse backgrounds.

How does Grandma Dearest represent religion and culture?

Good

The film questions the traditional Western family structure by portraying the grandmother as a harmful figure. It emphasizes individual survival over maintaining family traditions.

Does Grandma Dearest include disability representation?

Minimal

The film does not feature any characters with visible or invisible disabilities. The plot does not touch on disability-related issues.

Present on Screen

Challenges the nurturing grandmother stereotype by showing her as a dangerous figure.
Explores the complexities of women's ability to drive the story through Kendall's struggle against her grandmother.
Uses a psychological lens to critique the stability of traditional family structures.

Limited or Absent

Does not include LGBTQ+ characters or non-straight relationships.
Does not show any racial or ethnic diversity among the characters.
Does not feature any characters with visible or invisible disabilities.

Official Synopsis

Barbara wants nothing more than to be a grandmother. When her son, Ethan, meets Kendall, a divorced mother of two, Barbara quickly becomes an ever-present force in their lives. Unannounced visits escalate to murder, and Barbara will do anything to protect her relationship with her grandchildren. With her life in danger, Kendall must outsmart her mother-in-law to save her children and expose Barbara for who she really is… before it’s too late.

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