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The Thing About Harry

The Thing About Harry

Representation Score

4.6/10

Fair

2020

TV-14

Director

Peter Paige

Runtime

86 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

The Thing About Harry is a character-driven romantic comedy that explores the transition of a traditional jock into an authentic queer identity. The film excels in its portrayal of self-actualization and the subversion of masculine archetypes. However, the narrative is primarily focused on a white cast, limiting the multi-layered depth of the story. The film prioritizes personal vulnerability over broader systemic critiques, offering meaningful representation through its central character arcs.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Thing About Harry have LGBTQ+ representation?

Excellent

The film focuses on Harry's journey of coming out and evolving as a queer individual. His character arc is a primary driver of the plot, while Sam's presence adds stability to queer representation.

How does The Thing About Harry portray gender?

Fair

The film follows typical gender dynamics found in romantic comedies. However, it challenges the stereotype of hyper-masculinity by showing a traditionally macho character as socially awkward and vulnerable.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Thing About Harry?

Limited

The cast is predominantly white, and the story focuses mainly on the interpersonal relationship between the leads. There is limited exploration of race or ethnicity, reducing the overall multi-layered complexity of the narrative.

How does The Thing About Harry represent religion and culture?

Fair

The story maintains a neutral stance towards cultural and religious institutions. It emphasizes personal truth and emotional honesty rather than promoting a specific religious morality.

Does The Thing About Harry include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no evidence of visible or invisible disabilities playing a central role in the narrative or character development.

Present on Screen

  • Meaningful exploration of the coming-out process and queer identity.
  • Challenges traditional masculine stereotypes and hyper-masculinity.
  • Emphasizes character-driven emotional honesty and vulnerability.

Limited or Absent

  • Lack of significant racial and ethnic diversity in the central cast.
  • Limited multi-layered complexity regarding various identities.
  • No representation of visible or invisible disabilities.

Official Synopsis

Two high school enemies, uber-jock Harry and out-and-proud Sam, are forced to share a car ride to their Missouri hometown for a friend's engagement party on Valentine's Day. Things take a turn when Sam learns Harry has come out.

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