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Above the Clouds

Name: Above the Clouds
Director: Leon Chambers
Released: 2018
Duration: 87 min

Representation Score

6.5/10

Good

2018

Director

Leon Chambers

Runtime

87 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Above the Clouds is a character-driven study that excels in challenging traditional gender roles. By focusing on Charlie’s autonomy, the film moves away from male-dominated narratives toward a more female-driven investigative journey. However, the film lacks breadth in representing diverse identities and perspectives. It remains largely within a traditional demographic framework, offering limited representation for LGBTQ+ identities and diverse ethnic backgrounds. The film finds its strength in destabilizing traditional family hierarchies and exploring psychological complexity with nuance, even while maintaining a relatively homogeneous social setting.

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Category Breakdown

Does Above the Clouds have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film centers on traditional family structures and biological lineage, with no explicit depiction of queer romantic relationships or non-binary gender identities.

How does Above the Clouds portray gender?

Good

Charlie is portrayed as a strong, independent protagonist who drives the story forward through her own actions. The narrative shifts focus from male-dominated guidance to female-led discovery.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Above the Clouds?

Limited

The film features a predominantly white cast, reflecting a relatively homogeneous social environment without significant ethnic diversity.

How does Above the Clouds represent religion and culture?

Fair

The story challenges traditional views of the nuclear family by revealing established parental roles as social constructs. It emphasizes individual truth over institutional stability.

Does Above the Clouds include disability representation?

Fair

The narrative explores psychological vulnerabilities and mental health as central to character development, treating these internal struggles with nuance rather than as mere plot devices.

Present on Screen

Strong emphasis on female independence and intellectual autonomy through the protagonist, Charlie.
Nuanced exploration of psychological vulnerabilities and emotional landscapes.
Effective deconstruction of traditional Western nuclear family structures.

Limited or Absent

Lack of significant racial and ethnic diversity within the cast and setting.
Minimal representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-conforming gender expressions.
Reliance on a predominantly white, homogeneous social environment.

Official Synopsis

On her 18th birthday, headstrong and artistic Charlie makes a startling discovery—the man married to her mother, isn't her father. Recruiting Oz, a rough sleeper whose only possession is his driving licence, she embarks on an epic road trip from Margate to the Isle of Skye to track down her biological father. On the journey they both learn more than they bargained for.

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