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The Pass

Name: The Pass
Director: Ben A. Williams
Released: 2016
Duration: 87 min

Representation Score

6.9/10

Good

2016

Not Rated

Director

Ben A. Williams

Runtime

87 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

The Pass is a sophisticated period drama that uses the strict social structure of mid-century Australia to explore overlapping aspects of identity. It skillfully combines the struggles of racial and LGBTQ+ identities, illustrating how systemic power dynamics affect various underrepresented groups. The film challenges traditional sports clichés by presenting characters who navigate deep emotional complexity rather than the stoic, invincible competitor. This approach offers a critical look at historical settler-state structures and the oppressive nature of institutionalized social norms. By focusing on the tension between personal desires and systemic expectations, the film achieves a high level of narrative complexity. It effectively critiques assumptions about straight relationships and colonial social structures through a personal, impactful lens.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Pass have LGBTQ+ representation?

Excellent

The film focuses on the romantic relationship between two male athletes and examines the psychological risks associated with non-straight identities in a conservative, high-pressure environment.

How does The Pass portray gender?

Good

The movie challenges traditional masculinity by highlighting male vulnerability. It replaces the typical image of an invincible athlete with characters who deal with emotional fragility and intimacy.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Pass?

Excellent

Set in 1950s Australia, the film features a biracial protagonist to explore racial hierarchies. It emphasizes the exclusion of Indigenous and mixed-race individuals within a colonial context.

How does The Pass represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The story uses a post-colonial perspective to critique Western social institutions as restrictive. It portrays established social norms as oppressive forces.

Does The Pass include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no prominent depictions of visible or invisible disabilities that significantly impact the main storyline.

Present on Screen

Combines the struggles of racial and LGBTQ+ identities.
Challenges traditional masculinity and athlete archetypes.
Critiques mid-century Australian colonial social structures.

Limited or Absent

No prominent depiction of visible or invisible disabilities.

Official Synopsis

The night before their debut game, two professional soccer players share a kiss. In a sporting world where image is everything, this surprising ‘pass’ sets the men up for a contrasting decade of fame and failure, full of secrets and denial.

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