You are here:

The Wishing Well

Name: The Wishing Well
Director: David Jackson
Released: 2009
Duration: 85 min

Representation Score

2.5/10

Limited

2009

Director

David Jackson

Runtime

85 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

The Wishing Well follows a conventional, sentimental structure typical of late-2000s television movies. It centers on a widower and a transformative journey through an alternate universe, emphasizing traditional family and community themes over storytelling that reflects multiple aspects of identity. While the film features a female protagonist who drives the narrative, the narrative framework often relies on established clichés. The setting and character dynamics suggest a homogeneous social environment that lacks significant racial or LGBTQ+ diversity.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does The Wishing Well have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film does not include explicit LGBTQ+ characters or stories that question the assumption that everyone is straight or cisgender. The plot revolves around a widower and family wishes, suggesting a traditional romantic storyline.

How does The Wishing Well portray gender?

Fair

Cynthia Tamerline plays a key role in driving the story forward. However, her character might be used to help a male character overcome his emotional struggles, which can limit her role.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Wishing Well?

Limited

Set in a Midwest town, the film appears to have a homogeneous cast with no evidence of racial or ethnic diversity. There are no characters representing different backgrounds.

How does The Wishing Well represent religion and culture?

Limited

The story emphasizes traditional family and community themes through wishes and family bonds. It reinforces local customs and traditions without challenging Western social norms.

Does The Wishing Well include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no information about characters with visible or invisible disabilities. The story does not address conditions such as neurodivergence or chronic illnesses.

Present on Screen

Features a female protagonist who drives the narrative through a transformative journey.
Provides a character-driven story centered on family and community connection.

Limited or Absent

Lacks meaningful representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth characters.
Relies on traditional gender clichés where women act as emotional restorers for men.
Fails to incorporate racial or ethnic diversity within its Midwest setting.

Official Synopsis

Widower, Mark Jansen, owns and runs the local newspaper for the Midwest town he grew up in. As he struggles to make ends meet, his daughter takes his happiness into her hands by going down to the famous wishing well their little town is known for, and wishing for just that - his happiness. Shortly after, a glamorous woman appears in town by the name of Cynthia Tamerline. Lead by Mark's daughter, Cynthia makes a trip to the well herself and casts a wish. When she wakes up the next morning, she finds that she has been transported to an alternate universe that ultimately changes her forever.

How are these scores produced? →