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Cousins

Name: Cousins
Director: Joel Schumacher
Released: 1989
Duration: 109 min

Representation Score

1.1/10

Minimal

1989

PG-13

Director

Joel Schumacher

Runtime

109 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Cousins is a conventional romantic comedy that operates within a traditionalist framework. It focuses on a homogeneous cast and a narrative centered on straight-centered romantic reconciliation, offering very little in the way of social subversion. While the film provides some nuance by giving the female lead emotional ability to act, it fails to challenge broader systemic hierarchies. The lack of racial, cultural, or LGBTQ+ diversity keeps the story rooted in a singular, Anglo-centric social norm. Ultimately, the film serves as a typical depiction of middle-class life that avoids any significant characters who reflect more than one aspect of diversity or critique of social structures.

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Category Breakdown

Does Cousins have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film centers around traditional heterosexual relationships and does not explore LGBTQ+ identities or non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth narratives.

How does Cousins portray gender?

Fair

The female lead plays a significant role in driving the story through her emotional depth and soulful perspective. However, the film adheres to conventional social expectations about romantic roles.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Cousins?

Minimal

The cast and setting reflect a predominantly white, suburban demographic, with a notable absence of characters of color or multi-layered casting.

How does Cousins represent religion and culture?

Limited

The narrative follows traditional Western social structures and middle-class values, presenting a standard romantic comedy without critiquing established institutions.

Does Cousins include disability representation?

Minimal

The film does not depict any visible or invisible disabilities, nor does it include neurodivergent or physically disabled individuals.

Present on Screen

The female lead is given significant emotional depth and soulful perspective.
The film offers a soulful perspective through its female protagonist.

Limited or Absent

The cast lacks racial and ethnic diversity, remaining predominantly white.
There is no representation for LGBTQ+ identities or non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth narratives.
The film lacks any depiction of physical or neurodivergent disabilities.
The narrative adheres strictly to traditional Western and straight-centered social norms.

Official Synopsis

When Larry and Maria learn that their respective spouses are cheating on them, they try to turn the tables on them by pretending to have an affair. However, they soon find themselves falling in love.

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