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Once Upon a Time in November

Name: Once Upon a Time in November
Director: Andrzej Jakimowski
Released: 2017
Duration: 88 min

Representation Score

7.2/10

Good

2017

Director

Andrzej Jakimowski

Runtime

88 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Andrzej Jakimowski’s drama is a gritty social critique centered on systemic displacement and political extremism. It prioritizes the emotional labor of a mother and child struggling against urban policy and state-driven homelessness. The film stands out for its anti-institutional stance, using documentary-style realism to challenge nationalist hierarchies. It portrays the protagonists as victims of systemic failure rather than individual shortcomings. While the film does not specifically represent LGBTQ+, multi-ethnic, or disabled communities, it provides a powerful look at class struggle and the human cost of political violence.

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Category Breakdown

Does Once Upon a Time in November have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film centers on a maternal bond and a child's perspective. It does not depict any LGBTQ+ identities or non-straight relationships.

How does Once Upon a Time in November portray gender?

Fair

The story emphasizes the female experience through Mamusia as she deals with systemic instability. It highlights a maternal-focused survival model rather than traditional patriarchal leadership.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Once Upon a Time in November?

Fair

Set in a specific Polish socio-political context, the film focuses on local class struggles. There is no indication of a multi-ethnic cast that disrupts the local demographic.

How does Once Upon a Time in November represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The narrative criticizes institutional power and nationalist fervor. It uses documentary footage to show the oppression of state authorities and fascist militias against displaced citizens.

Does Once Upon a Time in November include disability representation?

Fair

There is no explicit mention of neurodivergence or physical disability. However, the characters' profound vulnerability and precarious living conditions reflect the fragility of those on society's margins.

Present on Screen

Strong critique of institutional power and oppressive state policies.
Meaningful portrayal of maternal survival in a crisis.
Effective use of documentary-style realism to highlight social friction.

Limited or Absent

Lack of explicit LGBTQ+ representation or queer-coded subtext.
Minimal racial and ethnic diversity within the local setting.
Absence of active ability to act regarding disability or neurodivergence.

Official Synopsis

Mareczek takes Mamusia from a little allotment house in the outskirts where she has been spending the nights recently. It’s too cold for her to stay there. They set out to the city together with Koleś, a stray dog. They had both lost their flat due to the brutal policy of the city authorities and now they keep going from one shelter to the next. Although the dog is a burden in these circumstances, Mamusia doesn’t want to part with it. The woman makes herself comfortable in a squat where she and Mareczek witness the brutal attempt at burning down the building together with its inhabitants made by fascist militia who had left the Independence March on 11th November a moment earlier. The filmmakers used documentary material of true street incidents.

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