You are here:

Illegal Aliens

Name: Illegal Aliens
Director: Justin Schaack, Kristin Schaack
Released: 2016
Duration: 10 min

Representation Score

5.4/10

Fair

2016

Director

Justin Schaack, Kristin Schaack

Runtime

10 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Illegal Aliens explores the conflict between state authority and human movement through a close-up look at a city council's efforts to restrict new arrivals. The film focuses on the political tensions surrounding undocumented immigration. It successfully challenges the idea of homogeneous communities by putting non-Anglo-Saxon populations at the forefront of political debates. However, the film's scope seems limited, lacking visible representation for LGBTQ+ identities or disability.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Illegal Aliens have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film doesn't include any explicit LGBTQ+ characters or storylines focused on queer experiences. The focus is solely on the socio-political issues faced by undocumented immigrants.

How does Illegal Aliens portray gender?

Fair

The setting of a city council meeting suggests a traditional leadership structure. There is no specific evidence showing female empowerment or challenging gender norms.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Illegal Aliens?

Good

By highlighting undocumented immigrants, the film breaks away from homogeneous community portrayals. Characters of color are central figures in the political discussions.

How does Illegal Aliens represent religion and culture?

Good

The story criticizes Western institutions' responses to migration. It points out how city policies can exclude newcomers.

Does Illegal Aliens include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no indication that disability or neurodiversity affects the characters' development or the storyline.

Present on Screen

Highlights non-Anglo-Saxon populations as key players in political discourse.
Criticizes institutional frameworks that can lead to exclusion.
Examines the tension between state authority and underrepresented movements.

Limited or Absent

Lacks representation of LGBTQ+ characters or themes.
Does not address disability or neurodivergent perspectives.
Does not explore specific gendered ability to act or subversion in leadership.

Official Synopsis

Due to the recent arrival of undocumented immigrants, the city of Simpletown holds a special session city council meeting to determine if the town should officially ban the newcomers.

How are these scores produced? →