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If It Were Love

Name: If It Were Love
Director: Patric Chiha
Released: 2020
Duration: 82 min

Representation Score

6.6/10

Good

2020

Director

Patric Chiha

Runtime

82 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Patric Chiha’s documentary offers a nuanced look at identity by focusing on queer intimacy and non-traditional relationships. The film successfully makes the fluid boundaries of desire and performance its core subject matter. While it excels in LGBTQ+ representation and subverting traditional masculine roles, it remains less focused on systemic racial narratives or disability-specific issues. The diversity lies in rejecting rigid social roles rather than addressing explicit social struggles. Ultimately, the film provides a progressive experience by prioritizing the psychological depth of its performers and the communal nature of their connections.

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Category Breakdown

Does If It Were Love have LGBTQ+ representation?

Excellent

The film focuses on the emotional lives of gay and bisexual men, exploring non-monogamous relationships and complex desires without falling into stereotypes.

How does If It Were Love portray gender?

Good

It challenges traditional gender roles by highlighting emotional vulnerability over patriarchal power. The film emphasizes the fluidity of masculinity through interactions between men.

How racially and ethnically diverse is If It Were Love?

Good

The film features a diverse group of dancers from various backgrounds, reflecting a multicultural city. While race isn't the main focus, the casting avoids homogenous representation.

How does If It Were Love represent religion and culture?

Good

The film prioritizes personal experiences over institutional morals. It downplays traditional structures like the nuclear family in favor of the transient, nocturnal world of dance.

Does If It Were Love include disability representation?

Minimal

The film highlights the dynamic energy of the performers. There is no specific mention of visible or invisible disabilities as a central theme.

Present on Screen

Exceptional integration of queer identity and non-monogamous relationship dynamics.
Effective subversion of traditional masculine archetypes.
Nuanced exploration of identity fluidity and emotional complexity.

Limited or Absent

Lack of specific focus on the overlapping aspects of racial identity and systemic struggles.
Absence of representation regarding visible or invisible disabilities.

Official Synopsis

Fifteen young dancers of various origins and horizons. They are touring Crowd, Gisèle Vienne's dance piece on the 90s rave scene. Following them from theatre to theatre, the film documents their work as well as their strange, intimate relationships. As the line becomes blurry, the stage seems to contaminate real life – unless the opposite is happening. Little by little dance grows into a troubling journey into our nights, our parties, our loves.

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