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Necessary Parties

Name: Necessary Parties
Director: Gwen Arner
Released: 1988
Duration: 96 min

Representation Score

3.0/10

Limited

1988

TV-PG

Director

Gwen Arner

Runtime

96 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Necessary Parties is a conventional domestic drama that relies on traditional storytelling formulas. The narrative is centered around a male-centric mentorship dynamic and the preservation of a standard family structure. The film lacks depth in representing diverse identities, such as LGBTQ+, racial, or disabilities. The central conflict is driven by male characters navigating a traditional family crisis. Overall, the film operates as a standard Western drama, prioritizing the restoration of traditional social units without exploring progressive narratives.

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Category Breakdown

Does Necessary Parties have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or non-cisgender identities. It focuses on a traditional nuclear family going through a divorce, reinforcing conventional family structures.

How does Necessary Parties portray gender?

Fair

The story revolves around a male protagonist and a male mentor figure. There is little evidence of women's ability to drive the story or the overturning of traditional gender roles.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Necessary Parties?

Limited

The narrative does not provide information about the racial or ethnic backgrounds of the cast. It follows a typical Western domestic drama format without specific cultural references.

How does Necessary Parties represent religion and culture?

Limited

Themes emphasize preserving the traditional family unit and Western values. The plot suggests a restorative approach to social structures rather than a critical examination.

Does Necessary Parties include disability representation?

Limited

There is no mention of characters with visible or invisible disabilities or neurodivergence. The focus remains on the interpersonal complexities of a divorce.

Present on Screen

The film delves into the emotional complexities of a dissolving marriage and its impact on children.

Limited or Absent

The narrative lacks women's ability to drive the story and focuses primarily on male-driven problem-solving.
There is a noticeable absence of diverse racial, ethnic, or LGBTQ+ identities.
The story does not include representation for neurodivergence or physical disabilities.

Official Synopsis

Fifteen-year-old Chris Mills isn't too happy with his divorcing parents. In fact, he doesn't want them to split at all, so he hires car repair shop owner -- and former attorney -- Archie Corelli to run interference for him and put a stop to the proceedings. It's a match made in heaven because Chris and Archie both have a deep desire to see the right thing done.

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