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Puberty

Name: Puberty
Director: Zach Shirey
Released: 2014
Duration: 8 min

Representation Score

3.9/10

Limited

2014

E10+

Director

Zach Shirey

Runtime

8 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Zach Shirey’s short film serves as a pedagogical tool designed to destigmatize the transition into adolescence. By encouraging youth to speak with parents or trusted adults, the work emphasizes communication and the guidance of authority figures. However, the film operates within a very narrow social framework, reinforcing conventional communicative structures and traditional family units rather than exploring diverse identities or systemic critiques. The focus remains strictly on the physiological and social milestones of puberty through a traditional lens. Because the film prioritizes social cohesion and established hierarchies, it lacks engagement with identity politics or the subversion of social norms. It functions more as a developmental guide than a diverse narrative exploration.

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Category Breakdown

Does Puberty have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or non-cisgender identities. It focuses on a universal physiological milestone rather than queer narratives.

How does Puberty portray gender?

Fair

The film aims to facilitate dialogue with parents, suggesting a focus on traditional familial structures. There is no evidence of challenging gender hierarchies.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Puberty?

Fair

No information is available regarding the casting or ethnic composition of the film. A neutral baseline is applied due to the lack of specific data.

How does Puberty represent religion and culture?

Limited

The narrative aligns with traditional Western values by promoting intergenerational mentorship. It prioritizes the stability of the nuclear family over social rebellion.

Does Puberty include disability representation?

Fair

There is no evidence to suggest the inclusion of characters with physical, neurodivergent, or mental health conditions.

Present on Screen

Promotes healthy communication between children and trusted adults.
Aims to destigmatize the natural physiological changes of adolescence.

Limited or Absent

Lacks representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-cisgender perspectives.
Does not explore diverse racial, ethnic, or disability-related experiences.
Reinforces traditional Western familial structures rather than diverse social models.

Official Synopsis

Zach Shirey says,"I made this video when I was only 11 (I had just turned 11). OBVIOUSLY, at the time, I had not gone through puberty, but I wanted to make a film that would help explain that talking about it with our parents or another trusted adult is okay. It's not as embarrassing as it may seem. They are there to help because they've been through it too."

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