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Any One of Us

Name: Any One of Us
Director: Fernando Villena
Released: 2019
Duration: 88 min

Representation Score

8.0/10

Good

2019

TV-PG

Director

Fernando Villena

Runtime

88 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Any One of Us succeeds by shifting the focus from a traditional hero's journey to a collective exploration of spinal cord injuries. By intertwining Paul Basagoitia's story with those of diverse survivors, the documentary breaks away from conventional recovery narratives. The film's most impactful aspect is its nuanced portrayal of disability. It avoids simplistic or overly optimistic views, instead highlighting the systemic and physical challenges faced by individuals with disabilities. While the film does not explicitly address LGBTQ+ issues or gender subversion, its multi-perspective approach offers a meaningful departure from typical documentary styles.

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Category Breakdown

Does Any One of Us have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film does not explicitly address sexual orientation or gender identity. Instead, it focuses on medical and psychological recovery rather than exploring LGBTQ+ issues.

How does Any One of Us portray gender?

Fair

The story revolves around a male protagonist, Paul Basagoitia. However, it includes a diverse group of survivors, suggesting a shift away from a singular male perspective.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Any One of Us?

Good

The film uses a chorus of diverse survivors to move beyond a single cultural representation. This approach highlights how injuries intersect with various cultural identities.

How does Any One of Us represent religion and culture?

Good

The film challenges traditional views of bodily perfection by avoiding common inspirational clichés. Instead, it presents a more nuanced and realistic depiction of human vulnerability.

Does Any One of Us include disability representation?

Excellent

The film's main strength lies in granting ability to act to individuals with spinal cord injuries, focusing on their real struggles rather than just their triumphs.

Present on Screen

Gives real power to individuals with spinal cord injuries, showing them as active drivers of their own stories.
Avoids the trap of 'inspiration porn' by focusing on genuine struggles rather than just triumphs.
Uses a multi-perspective structure to provide a collective view of disability.

Limited or Absent

Does not explicitly represent or focus on LGBTQ+ identities and queer politics.
The narrative remains centered on a male protagonist, limiting gender-specific subversion.

Official Synopsis

When professional mountain biker Paul Basagoitia suffers a devastating spinal cord injury (SCI), his life is changed in an instant. Discovering that he's become paralyzed, Paul begins a grueling battle against his own body and mind, in the hope of one day being able to walk again. A chorus of other diverse SCI survivors weaves through the film, shining light on the struggles that Paul now faces.

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