You are here:

High Tide

Name: High Tide
Director: Claire Zhou
Released: 2018
Duration: 21 min

Representation Score

5.5/10

Fair

2018

Director

Claire Zhou

Runtime

21 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

High Tide excels as a character-driven exploration of vulnerability, particularly through its central queer storyline. By focusing on the romantic tension between Tarik and Jonas, the film goes beyond traditional narratives to delve into the intricacies of queer emotional expression. The film may offer additional layers of cultural complexity through Tarik's suggested Middle Eastern or North African heritage. However, the narrow focus on male emotionality and the unconfirmed racial diversity of the cast limit its overall impact. The absence of disability representation also affects its score.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does High Tide have LGBTQ+ representation?

Excellent

The film focuses on the developing relationship between Tarik and Jonas, disrupting typical assumptions by making their queer connection central to the story.

How does High Tide portray gender?

Fair

The story emphasizes male vulnerability and emotional struggle rather than traditional masculine toughness. While it doesn't highlight women's ability to drive the story, it challenges conventional views of masculinity through themes of loneliness and divorce.

How racially and ethnically diverse is High Tide?

Fair

Tarik's name hints at a Middle Eastern or North African background, suggesting potential cultural depth. However, the exact ethnic makeup of the cast is unspecified.

How does High Tide represent religion and culture?

Good

The narrative highlights personal emotional truth and authenticity, moving away from strict social or family traditions. It centers on the aftermath of a divorce, presenting a secular perspective.

Does High Tide include disability representation?

Minimal

The film does not include characters dealing with physical, cognitive, or mental health disabilities.

Present on Screen

The film explores a nuanced portrayal of a queer relationship.
It challenges traditional masculine stereotypes by emphasizing emotional vulnerability.
The narrative prioritizes personal authenticity over societal expectations.

Limited or Absent

The lack of confirmed ethnic diversity in the cast limits cultural depth.
The focus on male emotionality leads to a lack of women's ability to drive the story.
No characters deal with physical, cognitive, or mental health disabilities.

Official Synopsis

When the recently divorced Tarik spends time alone in a holiday cottage on the Veluwe, he meets the owner of the house, Jonas. But when they seem to grow towards one-another, it proves difficult for Tarik to not let his true feelings emerge.

How are these scores produced? →