You are here:

DNA

Name: DNA
Director: Maïwenn
Released: 2020
Duration: 90 min

Representation Score

7.5/10

Good

2020

TV-MA

Director

Maïwenn

Runtime

90 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

DNA is a character-driven study that succeeds in challenging traditional patriarchal structures. By placing a woman's psychological journey at the center, it moves away from conventional male-dominated narratives. The film gains complexity through its exploration of heritage and post-colonial identity via the protagonist's Algerian lineage. This adds a layer of multicultural depth to the central identity crisis. However, the film lacks diversity in other key areas. The absence of LGBTQ+ representation and visible disability markers prevents a higher overall score, keeping the focus on a more traditional social framework.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does DNA have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film focuses on traditional straight relationships and lacks characters that center non-straight or non-cisgender identities.

How does DNA portray gender?

Good

A female protagonist drives the narrative, centering her internal emotional landscape and taking a leading role. This challenges traditional male-dominated dramatic clichés by prioritizing female intellectual labor.

How racially and ethnically diverse is DNA?

Fair

The inclusion of an Algerian grandfather adds post-colonial nuances and depth. However, the broader cast remains largely within a specific urban, educated socioeconomic circle.

How does DNA represent religion and culture?

Good

The story explores truth as a subjective construct shaped by individual memory. It emphasizes interpersonal complexity and the breakdown of the private family unit.

Does DNA include disability representation?

Fair

There is no prominent depiction of physical or neurodivergent disability. While grief is a central theme, it is not presented as a specific identity marker.

Present on Screen

Challenges traditional male-dominated clichés by centering a female protagonist's emotional and intellectual labor.
Introduces post-colonial nuances through the protagonist's Algerian heritage.
Explores complex, non-monolithic views of truth and identity using postmodern subjectivity.

Limited or Absent

Lacks representation of LGBTQ+ identities or queer-coded narratives.
Does not include visible or invisible disabilities as central character drivers.
The broader cast remains limited to a specific urban, educated socioeconomic circle.

Official Synopsis

A woman has a close bond with her beloved Algerian grandfather, who protected her from a toxic home life as a child; his death triggers a deep identity crisis as tensions between her extended family members escalate, revealing new depths of resentment and bitterness.

How are these scores produced? →