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That Boy Emil

Name: That Boy Emil
Director: Per Åhlin, Lasse Persson, Alicja Jaworski
Released: 2013
Duration: 60 min

Representation Score

2.2/10

Limited

2013

Director

Per Åhlin, Lasse Persson, Alicja Jaworski

Runtime

60 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

This adaptation of Astrid Lindgren’s work is a traditional period drama that adheres closely to the social norms of early 20th-century Sweden. While Emil’s character explores themes of childhood autonomy and creativity, the overall narrative upholds the era’s social structures. The lack of LGBTQ+ characters, diverse racial backgrounds, or disabilities reflects the homogeneous nature of the historical setting. Emil’s actions provide a contrast to traditional gender roles, but the portrayal of Ida and the focus on agrarian life reinforce conventional societal norms.

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Category Breakdown

Does That Boy Emil have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or non-cisgender identities. The story centers on traditional family structures set in a rural, early 20th-century context.

How does That Boy Emil portray gender?

Fair

Emil challenges traditional gender norms through his mischievous behavior, while Ida is portrayed as overly compliant, reinforcing conventional feminine roles.

How racially and ethnically diverse is That Boy Emil?

Limited

The film depicts a predominantly white, agrarian society typical of early 20th-century rural Sweden. There is no diversity in the cast beyond this Eurocentric scope.

How does That Boy Emil represent religion and culture?

Limited

The story highlights a traditional view of rural life, emphasizing the importance of family and social order.

Does That Boy Emil include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no depiction or mention of physical, neurodivergent, or mental health disabilities in the film.

Present on Screen

Emil’s character offers a nuanced exploration of childhood autonomy and creativity.
The film provides a detailed depiction of early 20th-century Swedish agrarian life.

Limited or Absent

The narrative lacks representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-cisgender characters.
Ida’s portrayal reinforces traditional, restrictive feminine roles.
The cast lacks racial and ethnic diversity, reflecting a narrow Eurocentric scope.
There is no representation of physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Official Synopsis

‘E-e-emil!’ shouts father across the small farm in Katthult, the boy is up to his old tricks and will have to be banished to the woodshed. Except that Emil doesn’t see this as punishment – on the contrary: he locks the door from inside so that he can continue undisturbed to carve another of his wooden figures, of which he has a whole collection. His little sister Ida also wants to sit inside the shed, but she’s too well-behaved. This new adaptation of Astrid Lindgren’s beloved tales from her book ‘Emil of Lönneberga’ portrays the sunny side of life in the country at the beginning of the twentieth century.

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