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The First Wave

Name: The First Wave
Director: Matthew Heineman
Released: 2021
Duration: 94 min

Representation Score

8.8/10

Excellent

2021

Director

Matthew Heineman

Runtime

94 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Matthew Heineman’s documentary succeeds by focusing on the human side of a global crisis through the eyes of frontline workers and a diverse civilian population. By emphasizing individual experiences over political stability, the film provides a vivid, observational perspective on systemic issues. The film’s main strength lies in its portrayal of how race and profession intersect during a time of significant societal upheaval. It uses the urban complexity of New York City to illustrate how different communities face systemic challenges. While the film excels in capturing the complexity of demographics, it lacks a specific narrative focus on particular identities such as LGBTQ+. The representation remains a result of the city’s diversity rather than a central theme.

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Category Breakdown

Does The First Wave have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film showcases a wide range of identities found in New York City. However, it doesn't have a specific storyline focused on LGBTQ+ individuals.

How does The First Wave portray gender?

Good

Women play a key role in the film as healthcare providers. Their experiences and decision-making processes are highlighted rather than the administrative side of hospitals.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The First Wave?

Good

The documentary highlights the varied ethnic backgrounds of patients and caregivers. It counters the idea of a uniform medical experience by showing the unique impacts on different communities.

How does The First Wave represent religion and culture?

Good

The film examines the tension between personal survival and institutional collapse. It avoids typical heroic stories and instead focuses on the complexities of systemic struggles.

Does The First Wave include disability representation?

Good

The film addresses the harsh realities of physical illness and loss of bodily control. It portrays medical vulnerability as a difficult truth rather than a source of inspiration.

Present on Screen

Highlights the disproportionate impact of the pandemic on various ethnic communities.
Focuses on the ability to act and decision-making of female medical professionals over traditional roles.
Presents medical vulnerability as a raw reality rather than a source of inspiration.

Limited or Absent

Could benefit from a specific narrative focus on LGBTQ+ identities.
Does not delve deeply into religious or cultural traditions beyond systemic societal structures.

Official Synopsis

When Covid-19 hit New York City in 2020, filmmaker Matthew Heineman gained unique access to one of New York’s hardest-hit hospital systems. The resulting film focuses on the doctors, nurses, and patients on the frontlines during the “first wave” from March to June 2020. Their distinct storylines each serve as a microcosm to understand how the city persevered through the worst pandemic in a century

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