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Smartass

Name: Smartass
Director: Jena Serbu
Released: 2017
Duration: 90 min

Representation Score

8.6/10

Excellent

2017

TV-MA

Director

Jena Serbu

Runtime

90 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Smartass is a character-driven narrative that centers on a underrepresented protagonist navigating high-risk environments. It deconstructs traditional notions of safety and the idealized concept of adolescence by focusing on a runaway's survival. The film's primary strength lies in its emphasis on women's ability to drive the story and self-reliance. By positioning a young woman as an absurdly self-reliant driver of her own fate, the story avoids common clichés of vulnerability or the need for male protection. However, the film's diversity is limited by a lack of specific information regarding LGBTQ+ identities and disability representation. While the urban setting suggests racial complexity, the narrative's specific demographic details remain largely unconfirmed.

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Category Breakdown

Does Smartass have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film does not explicitly confirm any LGBTQ+ characters or specific romantic orientations. However, it maintains a neutral stance in an independent coming-of-age drama.

How does Smartass portray gender?

Good

The story challenges traditional gender roles by centering a female protagonist known for her wit and self-reliance. She drives her own survival, defying typical portrayals of female passivity.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Smartass?

Fair

Set in a diverse, multi-ethnic urban environment called 'Murder City,' the film suggests a departure from the homogeneous settings often found in youth-centered narratives.

How does Smartass represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The narrative critiques social safety nets and the justice system through a protagonist who is broke and recently released from jail. It emphasizes individual survival over institutional adherence.

Does Smartass include disability representation?

Fair

There is no explicit evidence regarding the portrayal of physical or neurodivergent disabilities. The protagonist's status as a runaway may touch on trauma, but specific details are unconfirmed.

Present on Screen

Strong emphasis on women's ability to drive the story and self-reliance.
Critique of systemic failures and institutional reliability.
Subversion of traditional, idealized adolescent narratives.

Limited or Absent

Lack of explicit LGBTQ+ character representation.
Uncertainty regarding disability and neurodivergent portrayals.
Limited clarity on specific racial and ethnic casting.

Official Synopsis

Based on true events (mostly), Freddie, a 15-year-old runaway becomes intimately acquainted with California’s “Murder City” after being released from jail, just shy of midnight. Absurdly self-reliant, completely broke and 120 miles away from her friends she has nothing to depend on but her wit and youthful charm.

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