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We the Animals

Name: We the Animals
Director: Jeremiah Zagar
Released: 2018
Duration: 93 min

Representation Score

3.8/10

Limited

2018

Director

Jeremiah Zagar

Runtime

93 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

We the Animals is a sensory-driven exploration of childhood that shines in its cultural authenticity. By placing a Mexican working-class environment at the center and using a local cast, the film successfully shifts away from a Western-centric viewpoint. The film's rejection of sanitized, structured storytelling allows for a raw and unfiltered look at rural life. This impressionistic approach prioritizes emotional truth over conventional plot-driven morality. However, the film remains limited in its engagement with specific identity issues. It does not include LGBTQ+ narratives or address disabilities, focusing instead on the elemental and domestic struggles of the central family.

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Category Breakdown

Does We the Animals have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any explicit LGBTQ+ characters or stories. Instead, it focuses on the everyday experiences and family dynamics of the main characters within a traditional home setting.

How does We the Animals portray gender?

Fair

The film presents a detailed look at the emotional work and personal interactions within families. It avoids idealized portrayals of family life, showing a realistic and sometimes chaotic view of both mothers' and fathers' roles.

How racially and ethnically diverse is We the Animals?

Excellent

The movie succeeds in showcasing a genuine Mexican rural setting. By using a mostly Mexican cast, it challenges the typical Western perspective and highlights a non-Anglo-Saxon viewpoint.

How does We the Animals represent religion and culture?

Good

The film emphasizes subjective experiences rather than strict moral storytelling. It avoids polished, idealized family scenes and instead focuses on the fundamental connection between humans and nature.

Does We the Animals include disability representation?

Minimal

The film does not prominently feature characters with visible or invisible disabilities. The narrative centers on the sensory experiences of the children and their parents.

Present on Screen

Provides an authentic portrayal of a Mexican rural setting and working-class environment.
Highlights the ability to act of a predominantly Mexican cast, challenging the Western-centric perspective.
Avoids idealized family life through a realistic, chaotic depiction of parental roles.

Limited or Absent

Lacks explicit LGBTQ+ representation or narratives focused on non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth identities.
Does not feature prominent depictions of visible or invisible disabilities.
Lacks overtly political or anti-capitalist frameworks within its narrative.

Official Synopsis

Manny, Joel and Jonah tear their way through childhood and push against the volatile love of their parents. As Manny and Joel grow into versions of their father and Ma dreams of escape, Jonah, the youngest, embraces an imagined world all his own.

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