You are here:

Birds of Paradise

Name: Birds of Paradise
Director: Sarah Adina Smith
Released: 2021
Duration: 113 min

Representation Score

5.8/10

Fair

2021

Director

Sarah Adina Smith

Runtime

113 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Birds of Paradise succeeds as a psychological study of female subjectivity, moving away from male-centric competitive clichés. By centering the intense, fraught relationships between women, the film elevates female ambition and desire as the primary narrative drivers. However, the film remains tethered to a traditional, Eurocentric setting. The focus on an elite Parisian ballet academy suggests a lack of racial diversity, maintaining the historical homogeneity often found in classical dance institutions. Ultimately, the film is a sophisticated exploration of identity and the psychological fragmentation caused by the pursuit of perfection, even if it lacks broader demographic breadth.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Birds of Paradise have LGBTQ+ representation?

Good

The film explores sexual awakening within a female-centric space, emphasizing non-traditional romantic tension and challenging traditional courtship through intense, competitive female intimacy.

How does Birds of Paradise portray gender?

Excellent

The narrative centers on women's ability to drive the story and physical prowess, placing emphasis on professional mastery and psychological complexity rather than domestic roles.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Birds of Paradise?

Fair

Set within an elite Parisian institution, the film focuses on a specialized, potentially homogeneous environment. There is no indication of significant racial blending to disrupt Eurocentric ballet traditions.

How does Birds of Paradise represent religion and culture?

Fair

The story adopts a subjective moral framework, focusing on the cost of excellence and personal ambition. It avoids idealized family structures in favor of transactional professional and personal bonds.

Does Birds of Paradise include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no information available regarding the portrayal of visible or invisible disabilities in this film.

Present on Screen

Centers on women's ability to drive the story and professional mastery, subverting traditional gender hierarchies.
Explores female subjectivity and psychological complexity in a sophisticated manner.
Focuses on non-traditional romantic tensions and desire.

Limited or Absent

Lacks racial or ethnic diversity within its elite European setting.
Maintains a potentially homogeneous environment reflecting historical Eurocentricity in ballet.
Provides no information on the representation of individuals with disabilities.

Official Synopsis

Two dancers at an elite ballet academy in Paris must compete for a contract to join the highly coveted Opéra National de Paris as they confront their competitive nature, sexual awakenings and how far they would go to win.

How are these scores produced? →