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Custody

Name: Custody
Director: Xavier Legrand
Released: 2018
Duration: 93 min

Representation Score

3.6/10

Limited

2018

Director

Xavier Legrand

Runtime

93 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Custody is a psychological thriller that stands out for its critique of traditional gender roles. By portraying the male figure as a source of instability, the film offers a progressive perspective on patriarchal structures. However, the film narrows its scope to a homogeneous white, middle-class French family, lacking LGBTQ+ representation and diverse racial perspectives. Ultimately, the film’s strength lies in its institutional critique, highlighting the shortcomings of legal systems in addressing domestic volatility.

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Category Breakdown

Does Custody have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film centers on a heterosexual family unit and does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or non-cisgender identities.

How does Custody portray gender?

Excellent

The story challenges traditional gender roles by depicting masculinity through control and volatility. The female character is shown as the primary force for survival against patriarchal threats.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Custody?

Limited

The movie portrays a homogeneous white French family in a middle-class setting. It does not offer diverse racial perspectives or a varied cast.

How does Custody represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The film criticizes the limitations of Western legal systems and institutions. It presents the traditional nuclear family as a potential source of danger.

Does Custody include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no central depictions of physical or neurodivergent disabilities in the narrative.

Present on Screen

Challenges traditional gender roles by showing the male figure as a source of instability.
Offers a sophisticated critique of the effectiveness of Western legal and judicial institutions.
Positions the female protagonist as a capable agent of protection and survival.

Limited or Absent

Lacks any visible representation of LGBTQ+ characters or identities.
Features a homogeneous cast that lacks racial and ethnic diversity.
Does not include depictions of physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Official Synopsis

Miriam and Antoine have recently separated. While she’s willing to permit their 17-year-old daughter Josephine to decide living arrangements for herself, Miriam is desperate to keep her youngest, 11-year-old Julien, away from his father. But the magistrate rules in favour of joint custody, and suddenly the boy is thrown directly into the middle of an escalating parental conflict, where it seems inevitable that sides must be chosen.

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