You are here:

Imperfect High

Name: Imperfect High
Director: Siobhan Devine
Released: 2021
Duration: 87 min

Representation Score

5.7/10

Fair

2021

TV-14

Director

Siobhan Devine

Runtime

87 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Imperfect High stands out by focusing on psychological depth rather than conventional high school narratives. By making mental health a key part of Hanna’s identity, the film addresses it as a central theme. The film also breaks down typical social roles, especially through the complex traits of its characters and the active involvement of mothers. This creates a more layered and realistic portrayal compared to typical teen dramas. However, the film’s diversity is limited by a lack of specified racial and ethnic representation. While it excels in representing neurodivergent and gendered experiences, the broader demographic makeup remains unspecified.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Imperfect High have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film hints at a character's queer identity by suggesting that a popular student may not be as straight as he seems. This challenges the typical portrayal of such characters.

How does Imperfect High portray gender?

Fair

Hanna Brooks leads the narrative, dealing with social hierarchies and mental health issues. Her mother, Deborah, plays an active role in managing crises, shifting the focus to female characters.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Imperfect High?

Minimal

The available information does not specify the racial or ethnic composition of the cast or the school community. No details are provided regarding ethnic diversity.

How does Imperfect High represent religion and culture?

Fair

The story examines the impact of drug use on a community and explores nuanced ethical dilemmas rather than relying on black-and-white moral judgments. This approach highlights the complexity of individual choices and circumstances.

Does Imperfect High include disability representation?

Good

Hanna’s anxiety disorder is central to the plot, providing an empathetic portrayal of a person with an invisible disability. This emphasizes Hanna’s ability to drive the story despite her condition.

Present on Screen

Mental health and anxiety are central, ability to act-driven narrative elements.
Complex characters challenge typical social archetypes.
Mothers play active, decision-making roles.

Limited or Absent

No explicit information about racial and ethnic diversity in the cast.
Queer identity is hinted at but not fully explored.
Limited scope in cultural representation focused on social instability and moral dilemmas.

Official Synopsis

Hanna Brooks is the new girl in town who is looking to find her place and fit in at Lakewood High School, which was rocked a couple of years earlier by the shocking drug overdose of a popular student. Hanna suffers from an anxiety disorder and the move to a new school is especially stressful for her. While trying to fit in with the “it” crowd, she finds herself pulled between two boys – a bad boy with a heart of gold, and an alluring, popular rich kid who is not as straight of an arrow as he seems. Her relationship with them sweeps her into a dangerous situation that her mother Deborah must fight to save her from.

How are these scores produced? →