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Half White

Name: Half White
Director: Raaw Horan
Released: 2020
Duration: 108 min

Representation Score

4.2/10

Fair

2020

Director

Raaw Horan

Runtime

108 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Half White uses a satirical, speculative setting to explore how underrepresented individuals cope with a xenophobic society. The film's strength lies in its examination of racial hierarchies and the strategic use of identity performance for economic survival. While the film effectively critiques systemic exclusion and the performative nature of assimilation, it remains focused primarily on racial and socio-economic themes. Ultimately, the film provides a sharp critique of Western institutions, moving beyond simple comedic clichés to explore the mechanics of power and the survival strategies of underrepresented communities.

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Category Breakdown

Does Half White have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any characters or situations that specifically address LGBTQ+ identities or non-cisgender identities.

How does Half White portray gender?

Fair

The film explores a disruption of traditional gender hierarchies by focusing on a character whose professional success is overshadowed by systemic privilege. However, the narrative does not delve deeply into specific gendered storylines.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Half White?

Excellent

The film highlights the experiences of immigrants navigating a society that is hostile to outsiders. It uses white-face transformations to symbolize the performative nature of racial assimilation.

How does Half White represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The story criticizes Western social structures and the exclusionary nature of American capitalism. It employs satire to highlight how nationalist values can act as barriers to survival.

Does Half White include disability representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any characters with physical, sensory, or neurodivergent disabilities.

Present on Screen

Uses white-face transformations to create a powerful metaphor for racial assimilation.
Highlights the ability to act of immigrants rather than relying on traditional victim stereotypes.
Provides a sharp satirical critique of xenophobia and exclusionary capitalist structures.

Limited or Absent

Does not include or explore LGBTQ+ identities or non-cisgender characters.
Does not feature characters with physical or neurodivergent disabilities.
Does not develop specific gendered storylines to deepen social commentary.

Official Synopsis

In an alternate, xenophobic America, four unemployed and desperate immigrants struggle to get by until they meet Billy, who works at a software company for a job he knows nothing about. Billy convinces his new friends to undergo white-face makeovers in order to secure jobs at the same company, providing them with a paying job while they cover for his programming incompetence.

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