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A Serious Game

Name: A Serious Game
Director: Pernilla August
Released: 2016
Duration: 116 min

Representation Score

4.4/10

Fair

2016

Director

Pernilla August

Runtime

116 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

A Serious Game is a period character study that emphasizes historical authenticity over contemporary diversity. It offers a nuanced portrayal of female interiority through Lydia Stille, elevating her beyond a typical supporting role. However, the film's adherence to the demographic realities of early 20th-century Sweden leads to a lack of racial and LGBTQ+ diversity. The narrative stays within traditional romantic storylines without challenging the social structures of the time. Overall, the film explores individual emotional landscapes without broadening its scope to include diverse social elements.

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Category Breakdown

Does A Serious Game have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film doesn't include explicit LGBTQ+ identities or non-cisgender expressions. The romantic storyline focuses on a traditional relationship between Arvid and Lydia.

How does A Serious Game portray gender?

Fair

Lydia Stille plays a significant role in driving the story and has intellectual depth. The film avoids passive female roles but doesn't challenge period gender norms.

How racially and ethnically diverse is A Serious Game?

Limited

The cast is ethnically uniform, reflecting the demographics of 1910s Sweden. Despite the lack of diversity, the film avoids harmful racial stereotypes.

How does A Serious Game represent religion and culture?

Fair

The story is centered around personal connections and emotions, avoiding the reinforcement of religious or state institutions. It prioritizes intimate human relationships.

Does A Serious Game include disability representation?

Minimal

The film does not depict any visible or invisible disabilities in the main characters. The focus is on psychological and romantic tensions.

Present on Screen

Offers meaningful representation of women's ability to drive the story and intellectual engagement.
Avoids harmful stereotypes while maintaining historical accuracy.
Highlights deep emotional intimacy and subjective human connections.

Limited or Absent

Lacks representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-cisgender expressions.
Features an ethnically uniform cast with limited racial diversity.
Does not address neurodivergence or physical disabilities in its character arcs.

Official Synopsis

In the 1910s, journalist Arvid Stjärnblom and painter's daughter Lydia Stille fall in love with each other.

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