You are here:

Under the Stars

Name: Under the Stars
Director: Michelle Danner
Released: 2025
Duration: 99 min

Representation Score

4.8/10

Fair

2025

Director

Michelle Danner

Runtime

99 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Under the Stars operates as a conventional romantic comedy that finds its footing through character-driven plots. By moving away from the invincible male lead archetype, the film allows for a more nuanced emotional landscape. While the cross-cultural setting facilitates an exchange between British and Italian identities, the narrative remains within a Western framework. It avoids heavy-handed stereotypes but does not actively disrupt traditional romantic structures. Ultimately, the film succeeds in using its cross-cultural backdrop to fuel personal growth, even if it stays within the bounds of traditional romantic structures.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Under the Stars have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film focuses on a traditional heterosexual romance between Ian and Arianna. There are no characters or narratives centered around LGBTQ+ identities.

How does Under the Stars portray gender?

Fair

The story challenges typical male archetypes by showing a vulnerable male lead facing emotional betrayal. Female characters like Arianna and Audrey play significant roles in driving the plot.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Under the Stars?

Fair

The narrative features a cross-cultural setting, moving from London to Italy. This setting allows for an exchange between British and Italian identities within a Western context.

How does Under the Stars represent religion and culture?

Fair

The film uses a romanticized Western aesthetic and the traveler’s journey cliché. It emphasizes individualistic self-actualization and personal inspiration over traditional community or social obligations.

Does Under the Stars include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no visible or mentioned depictions of physical or neurodivergent disabilities in the film.

Present on Screen

Challenges typical male archetypes by depicting the protagonist in a state of emotional vulnerability.
Provides female characters with significant roles and ability to act in driving the narrative.
Uses a cross-cultural setting to facilitate meaningful character growth and exchange.

Limited or Absent

Lacks intentional representation of LGBTQ+ identities or narratives centered on non-traditional relationships.
Remains focused on traditional romantic structures and Western-centric aesthetics.
Does not incorporate broader multi-layered identities or address systemic social hierarchies.

Official Synopsis

A struggling romance novelist stuck in a passionless relationship goes to Italy seeking inspiration, and unexpectedly finds the girl of his dreams.

How are these scores produced? →