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Certain People

Name: Certain People
Director: Levan Akin
Released: 2012
Duration: 106 min

Representation Score

6.6/10

Good

2012

Director

Levan Akin

Runtime

106 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Certain People is a sophisticated exploration of identity and social friction. By centering a queer relationship, the film moves LGBTQ+ themes from the margins to the core of the narrative arc. This intentionality drives the emotional tension of the story. The film also succeeds in subverting gender clichés, focusing on women's ability to drive the story rather than male-driven conflict. While the cast remains largely homogenous in terms of race, the film uses the Georgian urban-rural divide to explore complex cultural identities. Ultimately, the film uses a specific cultural backdrop to examine universal struggles for autonomy.

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Category Breakdown

Does Certain People have LGBTQ+ representation?

Excellent

The film centers on a relationship between two women, moving queer identity from the periphery to the heart of the plot. This same-sex intimacy acts as the primary catalyst for social tension.

How does Certain People portray gender?

Good

The narrative subverts traditional hierarchies by prioritizing the internal lives and interpersonal connections of its female protagonists. It focuses on female emotional autonomy rather than male-driven conflict.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Certain People?

Fair

The cast is predominantly Georgian, reflecting a specific cultural landscape. The film explores ethnic identity through the lens of the urban-rural divide rather than multi-ethnic casting.

How does Certain People represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The story pits personal truth against rigid communal expectations. It contrasts liberal urbanites with a conservative, traditionalist rural setting, critiquing restrictive traditional structures.

Does Certain People include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no significant evidence regarding the portrayal of visible or invisible disabilities within the narrative.

Present on Screen

Centering a queer relationship as the primary driver of social and emotional tension.
Prioritizing female emotional autonomy and interpersonal connections over traditional patriarchal structures.
Using the urban-rural divide to provide a nuanced exploration of Georgian cultural identity.

Limited or Absent

Lack of visible or invisible disability representation within the narrative.
Limited racial and ethnic diversity beyond the specific Georgian cultural context.

Official Synopsis

A small group of friends are gathered at Katinka's summer house to celebrate her birthday. The guests are all in their thirties, upper class, art world, liberal humanitarian bohemians. They sit on the floor smoking amongst books, antiques and modern art. The party sets off on a high note, when suddenly during dinner, two new guests arrive. Linda, a blonde game show hostess, is unexpectedly brought to the party by Katinka's brother. Linda is greeted warmly at first, her brusque and liberated manners are entertaining and fresh. But during the course of the evening Linda stretches the groups invisible social rules of hospitality. Contempt starts to grow, thus unfolding the groups hidden prejudices.

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