You are here:

Jellyfish

Name: Jellyfish
Director: James Gardner
Released: 2019
Duration: 98 min

Representation Score

8.2/10

Excellent

2019

Director

James Gardner

Runtime

98 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Jellyfish is a work of social realism that deconstructs traditional domestic and economic stability. It moves away from idealistic coming-of-age stories to focus on the burdens of labor exploitation and caretaking. The film excels at portraying women's ability to drive the story and the psychological resilience needed to navigate systemic pressures. By centering on a protagonist who finds purpose through artistic expression, it offers a sophisticated look at reclaiming identity amidst despair. However, the film lacks explicit representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-straight-centered characters. It also remains limited in its depiction of racial and multi-layered diversity.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Jellyfish have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film does not explicitly address LGBTQ+ identities or characters. There are no clear references to non-straight or non-cisgender individuals.

How does Jellyfish portray gender?

Good

The story challenges traditional gender roles by focusing on a young woman who serves as her family's emotional anchor. It highlights her strength and resilience in the face of systemic pressures.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Jellyfish?

Fair

The setting implies a specific socio-cultural context in Margate, but the narrative lacks evidence of a diverse or non-Anglo-Saxon cast. It emphasizes a homogeneous social realism.

How does Jellyfish represent religion and culture?

Good

The film critiques Western social structures by depicting the family and workplace as sites of exploitation. It focuses on the individual's struggle against oppressive economic institutions.

Does Jellyfish include disability representation?

Good

Mental health is a central theme through the character of Sarah’s mother, who suffers from depression. This provides a nuanced look at the impact of invisible disabilities on a family.

Present on Screen

Strong portrayal of women's ability to drive the story and resilience against systemic pressures.
Nuanced exploration of how mental illness affects the entire family.
Effective critique of traditional Western social and economic structures.

Limited or Absent

Lack of explicit representation for LGBTQ+ identities or non-straight characters.
Potential for a more diverse or non-homogeneous cast beyond regional social realism.
Limited evidence of multi-layered identities within the narrative.

Official Synopsis

In Margate, England, life is not easy for teenager Sarah Taylor, between being bullied at school, being exploited by a dominant boss and having to take care of her depressive mother and her two siblings. But Sarah finds a way to channel her growing despair and fight adversity when her drama teacher gives her a new purpose.

How are these scores produced? →