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The Brand New Testament

Name: The Brand New Testament
Director: Jaco Van Dormael
Released: 2015
Duration: 114 min

Representation Score

6.3/10

Good

2015

Not Rated

Director

Jaco Van Dormael

Runtime

114 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

The film effectively dismantles traditional authority structures and challenges gendered power hierarchies. By portraying the 'Great Father' as a flawed, cowardly figure, it shifts the focus from religious certainty to individual ability to act and secular empathy. However, the film’s impact is somewhat limited by a lack of explicit representation of LGBTQ+ identities and racial diversity. The narrative primarily explores metaphysical and domestic themes within a contemporary European context. Overall, the work presents a progressive thematic framework through its critical stance on Western institutionalism, despite having a relatively narrow cast and character arcs in terms of demographic diversity.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Brand New Testament have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film does not prominently feature LGBTQ+ identities or explicit same-sex relationships. Its complex structure allows for varied interpretations, but it lacks visible representation of LGBTQ+ characters in key roles.

How does The Brand New Testament portray gender?

Excellent

The story challenges traditional gender roles by depicting the divine figure as weak and morally flawed. The protagonist, Eve, leads the narrative with strong emotional intelligence and a significant role in driving the plot.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Brand New Testament?

Fair

Set in a stylized Brussels, the film emphasizes metaphysical themes over ethnic diversity. Though it avoids whitewashing, the absence of a multi-ethnic cast in central roles limits its inclusivity.

How does The Brand New Testament represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The film offers a sophisticated critique of organized religion and divine authority, promoting secularism and humanistic empathy. It portrays the divine as an oppressive system that restricts human freedom.

Does The Brand New Testament include disability representation?

Minimal

No main characters have arcs centered around physical or neurodivergent disabilities. There is no significant use of disability as a plot device.

Present on Screen

Challenges traditional patriarchal hierarchies and divine authority.
Strong female lead through the protagonist, Eve, who drives the narrative.
Offers a sophisticated critique of organized religion in favor of secular empathy.

Limited or Absent

Could include more explicit LGBTQ+ representation and non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth identities.
Increase racial and ethnic diversity among central characters.
Include more focus on diverse physical or neurodivergent perspectives.

Official Synopsis

God lives in Brussels. On Earth though, God is a coward, morally pathetic and odious to his family. His daughter, Ea, is bored at home and can't stand being locked up in a small apartment in ordinary Brussels, until the day she decides to revolt against her dad...

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