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The Will

Name: The Will
Director: Louise Alston
Released: 2020
Duration: 106 min

Representation Score

1.6/10

Minimal

2020

Director

Louise Alston

Runtime

106 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The Will is a character-driven romantic drama that finds its strength in its matriarchal structure. By centering the plot on a grandmother's final wish, the film grants a significant role in driving the story to female characters, disrupting traditional patriarchal storytelling patterns. However, the film lacks depth in representing diverse identities. The narrative remains focused on interpersonal relationships and romantic connections, offering little engagement with broader systemic critiques or diverse identity markers. It functions as a traditional exploration of love and familial duty.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Will have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The story focuses on the romantic connection between Josephine and Jake. There are no queer narratives or representations of non-straight relationships.

How does The Will portray gender?

Fair

Female characters play a significant role in driving the plot through the intergenerational bond between Josephine and Lydia. The matriarchal influence elevates female wisdom over traditional male hierarchies.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Will?

Minimal

Specific racial identities are not detailed in the narrative. While the protagonist travels globally, no specific ethnic details are provided.

How does The Will represent religion and culture?

Fair

The film prioritizes emotional legacy and familial bonds. It explores subjective happiness rather than adhering to rigid social or religious structures.

Does The Will include disability representation?

Minimal

The narrative contains no mention of physical, mental, or neurodivergent conditions.

Present on Screen

The film centers women's ability to drive the story, using a matriarchal lineage to drive the narrative arc.
It emphasizes emotional legacy and the strength of intergenerational female bonds.

Limited or Absent

The story lacks explicit representation of LGBTQ+ identities or queer narratives.
There is a lack of visible racial, ethnic, or disability-related diversity within the character descriptions.

Official Synopsis

Early in her life, Josephine Malone learned the hard way that there was only one person she could love and trust: her grandmother, Lydia Malone. Out of necessity, unconsciously and very successfully, Josephine donned a disguise to keep all others at bay. She led a globetrotting lifestyle on the fringes of the fashion and music elite, but she kept herself distant. While Josephine was trotting the globe, retired boxer Jake Spear was living in the same small town as Lydia. There was nothing disguised about Jake. Including the fact he made a habit of making very bad decisions about who to give his love. But for Josephine and Jake, there was one person who adored them. One person who knew how to lead them to happiness. And one person who was intent on doing it. Even if she had to do it as her final wish on this earth.

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