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Breaking Them Up

Breaking Them Up

Representation Score

3.8/10

Limited

2020

PG-13

Director

Scott Dow

Runtime

94 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Breaking Them Up critiques traditional domestic stability by shifting the narrative focus to a teenager who sets the terms for adult relationships. The film’s progressive elements lie in its deconstruction of the nuclear family, favoring fluid social structures over rigid traditions. However, the film lacks depth in representing diverse identities. It does not include LGBTQ+ characters, racial diversity, or disability inclusion, limiting its social scope to the central family dynamic.

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Category Breakdown

Does Breaking Them Up have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film does not explicitly mention LGBTQ+ characters or non-straight relationships. The central conflict revolves around a traditional parental marriage, with no visible queer characters taking a leading role.

How does Breaking Them Up portray gender?

Fair

The film features Damien, who challenges traditional gender roles by becoming the intellectual authority on relationships. Parents are shown as incompatible and frequently arguing, breaking the stereotype of the stable domestic leader.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Breaking Them Up?

Minimal

The narrative does not provide any information about the racial or ethnic makeup of the cast. Without specific descriptions, it is unclear if there is any diversity among the characters.

How does Breaking Them Up represent religion and culture?

Good

The story questions traditional Western family values by portraying the nuclear family as dysfunctional. It emphasizes individual happiness and social change over maintaining traditional family structures.

Does Breaking Them Up include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no information about characters with physical, neurodivergent, or mental health disabilities. The film does not address disability representation.

Present on Screen

  • Positions a teenager as the primary authority on interpersonal dynamics, challenging traditional gender hierarchies.
  • Depicts parents as incompatible and frequently arguing, undermining the stereotype of the stable domestic leader.
  • Prioritizes individual happiness and subjective morality over preserving traditional Western family structures.

Limited or Absent

  • Does not include visible LGBTQ+ representation or non-straight relationships.
  • Does not provide information about the racial, ethnic, or cultural diversity among the characters.
  • Does not include any representation of physical, neurodivergent, or mental health disabilities.

Official Synopsis

Tired of his parents’ constant bickering, 15 year old Damien is certain they’re all wrong for each other – he would know, he’s a relationship expert. Damien and his best friend Erin have a side hustle coupling-up classmates for the right price. So when Damien discovers his parents may have had a shotgunning wedding, he convinces Erin to turn their efforts toward finding his parents new partners...

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