You are here:

Menina

Menina

Representation Score

5.8/10

Fair

2017

Director

Cristina Pinheiro

Runtime

100 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Menina is a character-driven exploration of displacement and domestic fragmentation. It challenges the idealized family unit and centers the experience of a non-Anglo-Saxon migrant. The film provides a nuanced look at the Portuguese diaspora, avoiding simplistic success stories and highlighting the ongoing trauma of migration. However, it lacks explicit LGBTQ+ or neurodivergent markers and the depth of its mental health representations remains uncertain.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Menina have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any characters or narratives related to LGBTQ+ identities.

How does Menina portray gender?

Fair

The story focuses on a young girl growing up in a troubled, patriarchal home. It challenges traditional masculinity by showing the father as a source of instability and trauma.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Menina?

Good

The film highlights the Portuguese diaspora in France, offering a nuanced view of Southern European migration. It moves away from Anglo-centric narratives to showcase the unique experiences of migrants.

How does Menina represent religion and culture?

Good

The narrative questions traditional family structures like the nuclear family and parental authority. It emphasizes the psychological impact of migration over nationalist or traditionalist views.

Does Menina include disability representation?

Fair

The depiction of alcoholism suggests a focus on mental health and substance abuse. However, it is unclear whether these issues are shown with real depth or merely as plot devices.

Present on Screen

  • Offers meaningful representation of the Portuguese diaspora and Southern European migration.
  • Challenges traditional patriarchal hierarchies by depicting the domestic sphere as unstable.
  • Avoids Anglo-centric clichés by focusing on the psychological impact of political displacement.

Limited or Absent

  • Lacks any visible representation of LGBTQ+ characters or non-straight identities.
  • Portrayal of mental health and substance abuse lacks clarity regarding character depth.
  • Narrative scope appears limited in exploring neurodivergent or diverse disability perspectives.

Official Synopsis

An 8-year old Portuguese child fled with her parents to France in the early seventies. But the Portuguese terror travels along with her, with an alcoholic father and unloving mother.

How are these scores produced? →

Where to Watch

Rate this Movie

No rating selected
Use arrow keys to select a rating from 1 to 5 stars
Optional text review, maximum 2000 characters
Tip: Wrap spoilers with ||double pipes|| to hide them
0/2000 characters
You must be signed in to submit a rating

Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to share your thoughts on this movie!

Use the rating form above to leave a star rating and optional review.