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Animal

Name: Animal
Director: Cyril Dion
Released: 2021
Duration: 120 min

Representation Score

6.3/10

Good

2021

Director

Cyril Dion

Runtime

120 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Animal succeeds as a critique of human dominance over nature, shifting the focus to radical ecological interconnectedness. By featuring a diverse pair of young activists, the film avoids a narrow, Western-centric view of environmentalism. However, the film's primary focus is on ecological themes. While it challenges traditional power structures and promotes a globalized perspective, it lacks specific representation of LGBTQ+ identities or human disabilities. Ultimately, the work excels in cultural and philosophical subversion, offering a post-materialist framework that prioritizes the survival of all species over individual human exceptionalism.

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Category Breakdown

Does Animal have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film does not explicitly include LGBTQ+ characters or stories. Instead, it focuses on ecological themes rather than sexual or gender-based character development.

How does Animal portray gender?

Good

Bella, a teenage girl, leads the plot through her involvement in youth-led activism. This shifts the focus from traditional gender roles by giving a young female character a prominent role in global discussions.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Animal?

Good

The film pairs Bella, a white character, with Vipulan, a South Asian character, suggesting a multi-ethnic approach. This framing moves away from Anglo-centric environmentalism towards a more globalized struggle.

How does Animal represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The film criticizes capitalist systems and Western ideas of human superiority. It promotes a philosophy of interconnectedness that challenges modern industrial control over nature.

Does Animal include disability representation?

Minimal

The film does not specifically address neurodivergence or physical disabilities. The narrative centers on ecological issues rather than human disabilities.

Present on Screen

Challenges Western anthropocentric views by emphasizing human interconnectedness with all living species.
Highlights diverse youth leadership through the pairing of Bella and Vipulan.
Criticizes industrial and capitalist frameworks that contribute to mass extinction.

Limited or Absent

Does not explicitly represent LGBTQ+ identities or non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth narratives.
Does not specifically address neurodivergence or physical disabilities.

Official Synopsis

16-year-old Bella and Vipulan are part of a generation convinced its very future is in danger. Between climate change and the 6th mass extinction of wildlife, their world could well be inhabitable 50 years from now. They have sounded the alarm over and over, but nothing has really changed. So they’ve decided to tackle the root of the problem: our relationship with the living world. Over the course of an extraordinary journey, they come to realize just how deeply humans are tied to all other living species. And that by saving them… we’re also saving ourselves. Humans thought they could distance themselves from nature, but humans are part and parcel of nature. For man is, after all, an Animal.

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