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Tree

Name: Tree
Director: Lauren Jackson
Released: 2019
Duration: 16 min

Representation Score

6.4/10

Good

2019

Director

Lauren Jackson

Runtime

16 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Tree is a nuanced study of the collision of Pasifika traditions, Christian morality, and digital transparency. The film succeeds by centering a protagonist's struggle for self-definition against systemic communal pressures. The strength of the work lies in its specific cultural grounding. By exploring the nuances of Pasifika identity and the psychological weight of family shame, the film provides a lived-experience perspective. However, the representation of certain identities remains tied to the central conflict rather than independent exploration. While the film challenges traditional hierarchies, some characters serve primarily as tools to drive the protagonist's social crisis.

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Category Breakdown

Does Tree have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

Mikaele is introduced as Alisi’s gay best friend. His identity serves as a catalyst for the social tension following the pregnancy revelation, although his personal journey remains secondary to the main conflict.

How does Tree portray gender?

Good

The story centers on Alisi, a teenage girl fighting for bodily autonomy and control over her life. She navigates a crisis of reputation while resisting the restrictive expectations of her family.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Tree?

Good

The film offers actively leading representation of Pasifika identity. It avoids monolithic stereotypes by exploring how specific cultural traditions and the concept of 'shame' intersect with modern digital life.

How does Tree represent religion and culture?

Good

The narrative examines the friction between traditional Christian Pasifika family structures and individualistic values. It critiques how these institutions can become oppressive when faced with non-conforming realities.

Does Tree include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no visible or mentioned depictions of physical or neurodivergent disabilities within the narrative.

Present on Screen

Provides actively leading, non-stereotypical representation of Pasifika identity and cultural nuances.
Centers on a female protagonist's struggle for autonomy and emotional resilience.
Effectively explores the intersection of traditional religious values and modern digital reality.

Limited or Absent

LGBTQ+ representation is primarily used as a catalyst for conflict rather than a standalone identity.
The narrative lacks any visible representation of physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Official Synopsis

One evening Alisi (17) climbs a huge tree and won't come down. As evening turns to night, her sanctuary becomes her prison - and her secret is out. Alisi is pregnant to her gay best friend, Mikaele (17), and it's all over Facebook. Mikaele finds Alisi, who blames him for being a blabbermouth, bringing shame to her Christian Pasifika family. Alisi tries to run away, but a search party of younger cousins turns up and texts her oldest brother Terence. Soon her whole familiy is camping out under the tree. As the stars turn and the night gets colder, Alisi must decide whether she will bow to cultural family traditions or find a new path - with or without her family.

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