You are here:

Mad

Mad

Representation Score

2.5/10

Limited

2016

Director

Robert G. Putka

Runtime

84 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Mad (2016) is a narrow, gender-centric domestic drama that finds its strength in subverting idealized feminine roles. By focusing on a matriarch's psychological collapse and the resentment of her daughters, the film avoids the nurturing clichés often assigned to women. However, the film lacks broader diversity. The narrative is heavily localized and lacks significant racial, LGBTQ+, or disability representation, resulting in a limited scope. Ultimately, the film offers a nuanced look at female-led domestic hierarchies but fails to engage with a broader, more diverse social framework.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Mad have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any explicit LGBTQ+ characters or non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth identities. It does not address the assumption that everyone is straight or cisgender either.

How does Mad portray gender?

Good

The story focuses entirely on female perspectives, centered around a matriarch and her two daughters. It challenges traditional feminine stereotypes by emphasizing psychological instability and interpersonal resentment.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Mad?

Minimal

The cast and synopsis do not indicate a diverse or non-Anglo-Saxon majority. The narrative lacks intentional racial blending or multi-layered representation.

How does Mad represent religion and culture?

Fair

The film deconstructs the traditional nuclear family by presenting it as a site of dysfunction. It moves away from portraying the family as a sacred or positive institution.

Does Mad include disability representation?

Minimal

While a nervous breakdown is mentioned, it is unclear if mental health issues are portrayed with real power. There is no specific information regarding neurodivergence or physical disabilities.

Present on Screen

  • Challenges traditional feminine stereotypes by focusing on psychological complexity.
  • Offers a nuanced exploration of female-led domestic hierarchies and interpersonal conflict.

Limited or Absent

  • Lacks significant racial and ethnic diversity within the cast and narrative.
  • Does not represent LGBTQ+ identities or non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth characters.
  • Fails to offer clear or meaningful representation of disability or neurodivergence.

Official Synopsis

A matriarch past the point of a nervous breakdown, her two daughters that don't give a damn, and the heat-seeking missiles of resentment they toss at each other.

How are these scores produced? →

Where to Watch

Rate this Movie

No rating selected
Use arrow keys to select a rating from 1 to 5 stars
Optional text review, maximum 2000 characters
Tip: Wrap spoilers with ||double pipes|| to hide them
0/2000 characters
You must be signed in to submit a rating

Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to share your thoughts on this movie!

Use the rating form above to leave a star rating and optional review.