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The Makutu on Mrs Jones

Name: The Makutu on Mrs Jones
Director: Larry Parr
Released: 1983
Duration: 25 min

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Representation Score

8.6/10

Excellent

1983

Director

Larry Parr

Runtime

25 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The film stands out as a significant piece of cultural storytelling by disrupting conventional colonial narratives. By integrating indigenous belief systems as active forces within a Western domestic framework, it moves toward a more nuanced, post-colonial cinematic language. The narrative architecture effectively uses the protagonist’s perspective to interpret and critique the 'civilized' world. While the film excels in its exploration of racial and cultural depth, it lacks specific representation of LGBTQ+ and disability issues, leading to a moderate overall assessment.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Makutu on Mrs Jones have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film does not include any explicit LGBTQ+ characters or themes.

How does The Makutu on Mrs Jones portray gender?

Fair

The story centers around a female Pākehā lead and a young male protagonist, shifting away from traditional patriarchal structures.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Makutu on Mrs Jones?

Excellent

The film highlights a Māori protagonist and explores the concept of makutu, emphasizing indigenous perspectives and the complex cultural dynamics between Māori and Pākehā.

How does The Makutu on Mrs Jones represent religion and culture?

Excellent

It introduces a spiritual curse into a modern setting, challenging Western rationalism through a non-Western metaphysical lens.

Does The Makutu on Mrs Jones include disability representation?

Fair

There is no evidence of characters with disabilities, either visible or invisible, in the film.

Present on Screen

Highlights Māori epistemology and indigenous spiritual beliefs as central plot drivers.
Challenges traditional colonial hierarchies by interpreting Western domesticity through an indigenous lens.
Explores complex racial and cultural landscapes through meaningful character interactions.

Limited or Absent

Could benefit from including more explicit LGBTQ+ representation.
Includes no characters with disabilities.
Does not explicitly address the subversion of gender hierarchies.

Official Synopsis

Tawhai Bennett, a young Maori boy, goes to work for Mrs Jones, a Pakeha; woman, helping her deliver groceries and mail. However, things take an unexpected turn when he fears that a local Maori elder has placed a curse (makutu) on her.

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