New Showbiz

You are here:
Beeswax

Beeswax

2009

Not Rated

Director

Andrew Bujalski

Runtime

100 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

Synopsis

Jeannie and her estranged business partner Amanda have a falling out leading to Amanda getting back with an ex and Jeannie bonding more with her non-paralyzed twin Lauren.

Where to Watch

Diversity & Representation

Overall Score

3.5/10

Limited


Category Breakdown

LGBTQ+ Representation

Limited

The film lacks explicit depictions of queer identities or non-heteronormative relationships. It focuses on interpersonal friction without utilizing queer themes or critiquing heteronormativity.

Gender Representation

Fair

The narrative centers on female protagonists Jeannie and Amanda, exploring their professional and social lives. While it avoids the typical male gaze, it functions as an observational study rather than a subversion of gender hierarchies.

Racial & Ethnic Diversity

Limited

The film features a predominantly white cast, reflecting its Midwestern setting and mumblecore aesthetic. There is no evidence of significant racial blending or diverse casting to disrupt historical norms.

Religious & Cultural Diversity

Fair

The story embraces a postmodern, secular sensibility that prioritizes the mundane over religious narratives. It lacks an explicit systemic critique, focusing instead on individual social disconnection.

Disability Representation

Limited

Characters appear to navigate standard physical and neurotypical social frameworks. There is no evidence of characters with disabilities driving the plot or serving as central narrative elements.

Strengths

  • Centers its narrative architecture on female protagonists.
  • Avoids the male gaze typical of larger studio productions.
  • Embraces a hyper-realistic, character-driven approach to storytelling.

Areas for Improvement

  • Lacks explicit depictions of LGBTQ+ identities.
  • Features a predominantly white, homogeneous cast.
  • Does not engage with disability or neurodiversity as central themes.

AI Analysis

Beeswax is a study in quiet naturalism that prioritizes personal intimacy over systemic discourse. It succeeds in providing a platform for female-centric storytelling, avoiding the didacticism found in commercial cinema. However, the film does not actively engage with intersectional identity politics or the deconstruction of institutional power. It remains rooted in conventional social realism rather than intentional disruption. The work is observant and character-focused but lacks the breadth to address broader socio-cultural hierarchies or diverse demographic representation.

How are these scores produced? →

Similar Movies

Movie poster for You're Sleeping Nicole

You're Sleeping Nicole

2014

No user ratings available yet
Diversity score: 2.8 out of 10

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.