You are here:

The Drowning

Name: The Drowning
Director: Bette Gordon
Released: 2016
Duration: 95 min

Representation Score

4.3/10

Fair

2016

Not Rated

Director

Bette Gordon

Runtime

95 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

The Drowning is a character-driven psychological study that subverts traditional narrative stability through a female perspective. By centering the protagonist's internal state, the film provides a complex look at female subjectivity and the nuances of mental instability. However, the film lacks diversity. The narrative remains a singular, seemingly non-diverse psychological study that does not engage with broader social frameworks or identity-based diversity. While the film's postmodern approach to individual truth is compelling, the absence of LGBTQ+ representation and racial diversity limits its overall progressive impact.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does The Drowning have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or those with non-conforming gender identities. The story focuses solely on the protagonist's personal journey and immediate relationships.

How does The Drowning portray gender?

Good

The story challenges traditional gender roles by focusing on a female protagonist's experience of trauma. It emphasizes her emotional resilience and subjective perspective over patriarchal structures.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Drowning?

Limited

The film seems to operate within a localized, homogeneous environment. There is no indication of diverse ethnic ensembles or race-blind casting in the narrative.

How does The Drowning represent religion and culture?

Fair

The film explores themes of fragmented reality and moral relativism. However, it does not explicitly critique Western institutions, capitalism, or organized religion.

Does The Drowning include disability representation?

Fair

The narrative delves into profound psychological instability and the blurring of reality. It offers a nuanced portrayal of neurodivergence and grief without resorting to caricatures.

Present on Screen

Focuses on female subjectivity and ability to act through a protagonist navigating trauma.
Offers a nuanced portrayal of psychological instability and neurodivergence.
Uses postmodernist themes to challenge objective truth and singular realities.

Limited or Absent

Lacks any representation of LGBTQ+ characters or non-conforming gender identities.
Does not include diverse ethnic ensembles or racial variety in the setting.
Does not engage with systemic or sociopolitical critiques of institutions.

Official Synopsis

A psychiatrist faces his past, present and future when he finds himself involved in the treatment of a young man recently released from prison for a murder committed when the boy was just 11 years old.

How are these scores produced? →