You are here:

Amish: A Secret Life

Name: Amish: A Secret Life
Director: Lynn Alleway
Released: 2012
Duration: 60 min

Representation Score

2.2/10

Limited

2012

Director

Lynn Alleway

Runtime

60 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Amish: A Secret Life is a documentary focused on the insular, traditional lifestyle of the Old Order Amish in Pennsylvania. The film emphasizes the domestic stability of the Lapp family and the preservation of religious customs. It does not explore diverse or storytelling that reflects multiple aspects of identity. Due to the specific nature of the subject matter, the film lacks representation of LGBTQ+ identities, racial diversity, or disability. The narrative structure reinforces existing social hierarchies and traditional norms without challenging them.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Amish: A Secret Life have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film centers on the traditional nuclear family structure of the Old Order Amish. It does not include any characters or narratives related to LGBTQ+ identities.

How does Amish: A Secret Life portray gender?

Fair

Miriam Lapp plays a significant role in advancing the documentary's storyline. However, the broader community context upholds traditional gender roles and domestic stability.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Amish: A Secret Life?

Limited

The subjects represent a homogeneous Amish subgroup in Pennsylvania. The film does not showcase racial diversity or varied ethnic perspectives.

How does Amish: A Secret Life represent religion and culture?

Minimal

The narrative highlights the preservation of tradition and the sanctity of the family unit. It portrays a community that chooses to live without modern technology.

Does Amish: A Secret Life include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no mention of characters dealing with physical, neurodivergent, or mental health conditions within the Amish community shown.

Present on Screen

Offers an authentic glimpse into the cultural and religious traditions of the Old Order Amish community.
Highlights Miriam Lapp’s proactive role in driving the documentary's narrative.

Limited or Absent

Does not include representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth characters.
Shows limited engagement with racial, ethnic, or neurodivergent diversity.
Reinforces traditional gender roles and straight-centered social structures without subversion.

Official Synopsis

Miriam and Dave Lapp are a charming young couple with a brood of adorable children. Dave works in and part owns a construction company. They are also members of the 'Old Order' Amish community in Pennsylvania,whose church forbids all technology - though Dave gets lifts to work in a car and the couple,by allowing themselves to be filmed,risk the wrath of church elders. Having outlined their traditional life-style to camera Miriam persuades several friends to be happily filmed and it becomes clear that the Lapps and other,younger Amish,believe that,having been rebaptized to allow a more open evangelical approach - risking excommunication thereby - they feel the need for a change in the community. The film ends as the family consolidates its dream to own their own farm.

How are these scores produced? →