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Buoyancy

Buoyancy

Representation Score

5.7/10

Fair

2019

Director

Rodd Rathjen

Runtime

93 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Buoyancy succeeds by centering a Southeast Asian perspective, offering a deep look at systemic exploitation. By focusing on a Cambodian youth, the film avoids Western-centric narratives and provides ability to act to a non-Western protagonist. However, the film remains anchored in a traditional masculine framework, exploring the psychological breakdown of these roles while adhering to established power hierarchies. Its strength lies in its refusal to provide simple moral resolutions, instead studying how oppressive economic structures force individuals into difficult ethical positions.

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Category Breakdown

Does Buoyancy have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film examines the protagonist's internal identity and sexual orientation within a hyper-masculine setting. It avoids typical romantic storylines and subtly challenges conventional expectations about heterosexual relationships.

How does Buoyancy portray gender?

Fair

The story revolves around masculine themes, focusing on father-son relationships and male emotional vulnerability. It shows the psychological impact of breaking down traditional patriarchal stability under intense pressure.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Buoyancy?

Excellent

The film centers on a Cambodian protagonist, giving a significant role in driving the story to a non-Western character. This focus avoids Western-centric narratives by highlighting Southeast Asian identity during a global crisis.

How does Buoyancy represent religion and culture?

Good

The film criticizes the dehumanizing effects of unregulated industries and globalized capitalism. It portrays the fishing industry as a predatory system that commodifies humans and creates moral ambiguity.

Does Buoyancy include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no prominent depictions of visible or invisible disabilities that drive the narrative or serve as central character arcs.

Present on Screen

  • Provides a significant role in driving the story to a non-Western protagonist by centering a Cambodian character.
  • Offers a sophisticated critique of globalized capitalism and systemic human commodification.
  • Avoids Western-centric storytelling by focusing on Southeast Asian identity and exploitation.

Limited or Absent

  • Focuses heavily on traditional masculine themes and male-centric dynamics.
  • Lacks representation of diverse gender roles beyond the established masculine hierarchy.
  • Does not feature any prominent depictions of disability within the character arcs.

Official Synopsis

An innocent Cambodian boy is sold to a Thai broker and enslaved on a fishing trawler. As fellow slaves are tortured and murdered around him, he starts to wonder if his only hope of freedom is to become as violent as his captors.

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