You are here:

Arlo the Alligator Boy

Arlo the Alligator Boy

Representation Score

6.0/10

Good

2021

TV-Y7

Director

Ryan Crego

Runtime

90 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Arlo the Alligator Boy is a musical adventure that uses anthropomorphic characters to explore themes of identity and belonging. The film relies on universal themes of self-discovery and kinship rather than engaging with complex sociopolitical frameworks or systemic critiques. While the world is built on kindness and mutual support, the storytelling remains within traditional bounds. The use of non-human species serves as a metaphor for personal identity but does not explicitly map onto specific underrepresented human demographics. Ultimately, the film prioritizes emotional resonance and genre clichés over the deconstruction of social hierarchies, resulting in a narrative that feels more escapist than progressive.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Arlo the Alligator Boy have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film focuses on the romantic relationship between Arlo and Bertie, where they provide mutual support. However, the story adheres to a conventional romantic framework without addressing non-traditional gender identities.

How does Arlo the Alligator Boy portray gender?

Fair

Arlo and Bertie's relationship is characterized by emotional equality rather than dominance. Yet, their character arcs do not actively challenge traditional gender roles.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Arlo the Alligator Boy?

Fair

The cast comprises anthropomorphic animals, adopting a color-blind approach to design. This approach lacks the intentionality of using diverse human ethnicities to address social structures.

How does Arlo the Alligator Boy represent religion and culture?

Fair

The narrative highlights traditional values such as family bonds and biological kinship. It avoids critiques of Western institutions, choosing instead to present a whimsical and escapist setting.

Does Arlo the Alligator Boy include disability representation?

Limited

The film does not prominently feature neurodivergence, physical disabilities, or chronic illnesses. Characters navigate their world with typical physical abilities during the adventure.

Present on Screen

  • The relationship between Arlo and Bertie is built on emotional equality rather than traditional dominance.
  • The film promotes themes of mutual support, kindness, and the importance of family bonds.

Limited or Absent

  • The film lacks explicit representation of non-traditional gender identities or queer-coded subtext.
  • The anthropomorphic design avoids the use of diverse human ethnicities to challenge social structures.
  • There is no visible representation of neurodivergence or physical disability within the character cast.

Official Synopsis

Upon learning that he is from New York City, a wide-eyed boy, who is half human and half alligator, decides to leave his sheltered life in the swamp and search for his long lost father. A musical adventure.

How are these scores produced? →

Where to Watch

Rate this Movie

No rating selected
Use arrow keys to select a rating from 1 to 5 stars
Optional text review, maximum 2000 characters
Tip: Wrap spoilers with ||double pipes|| to hide them
0/2000 characters
You must be signed in to submit a rating

Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to share your thoughts on this movie!

Use the rating form above to leave a star rating and optional review.