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Squirrels

Name: Squirrels
Director: Todd Verow
Released: 2018
Duration: 91 min

Representation Score

7.0/10

Good

2018

Director

Todd Verow

Runtime

91 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Squirrels provides a multifaceted look at life on the fringes of New York City. By focusing on a group of queer and Middle Eastern artists, the film moves away from stories centered around straight and white characters. It effectively uses these identities to drive the narrative rather than treating them as background elements. The film also offers a critical perspective on modern capitalism. It illustrates the struggles of the 'precariat' class, showing how economic instability pushes underrepresented individuals into survivalist behaviors. This adds a layer of social commentary to the character studies. While the film excels in representing diverse identities, it lacks information regarding disability representation. However, its focus on non-traditional social bonds and diverse ethnic backgrounds makes it a strong example of progressive cinema.

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Category Breakdown

Does Squirrels have LGBTQ+ representation?

Excellent

The film focuses on a group of LGBTQ individuals, including a gay filmmaker and a transgender opera singer. Their identities are central to the story rather than being secondary.

How does Squirrels portray gender?

Good

By highlighting a trans woman in professional roles, the film challenges traditional gender hierarchies. It emphasizes fluid social connections over conventional patriarchal family structures.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Squirrels?

Excellent

A Middle Eastern American performance artist is a central character. The film showcases a diverse, multi-layered community in New York City rather than a homogeneous group.

How does Squirrels represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The story critiques Western economic systems through the lens of the 'sharing economy.' It portrays survivalist behaviors as necessary responses to systemic economic pressures.

Does Squirrels include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no explicit mention of characters dealing with physical, neurodivergent, or mental health disabilities in the provided information.

Present on Screen

Highlights LGBTQ and trans identities as central characters.
Features a diverse cast including Middle Eastern American actors.
Provides a critical view of capitalist and economic structures.

Limited or Absent

Does not include characters with physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Official Synopsis

Three young artists; a trans opera singer/dj, a middle eastern American performance artist and a gay film maker, share a tiny studio apartment while they look for love and fame in NYC. They scrimp and save and scam and steal their way from month to month somehow they survive but in the new world shared economy they are just one click away from losing everything.

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