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Lily Was Here

Name: Lily Was Here
Director: Ben Verbong
Released: 1989
Duration: 111 min

Representation Score

4.2/10

Fair

1989

Director

Ben Verbong

Runtime

111 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Lily Was Here is a gritty drama centered around a woman's survival amid social and racial turmoil. It stands out by putting a female protagonist in charge of her own high-stakes journey, diverging from passive female roles typical of its time. The film excels in its layered approach to conflict, particularly in addressing racialized violence and systemic hostility. By focusing on the tragedy of a Black man's death, it engages with real-world social tensions. However, the absence of LGBTQ+ characters and people with disabilities limits its diversity profile.

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Category Breakdown

Does Lily Was Here have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or address the assumption that everyone is straight or cisgender. The narrative focuses solely on heterosexual relationships and personal struggles.

How does Lily Was Here portray gender?

Good

Lily is a strong central character who drives the plot through her own actions. The film challenges traditional gender stereotypes by emphasizing her autonomy rather than a male-dominated perspective.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Lily Was Here?

Good

The story includes the tragic death of Lily's Black partner, highlighting systemic racial hostility and adding a layer of social realism to the drama.

How does Lily Was Here represent religion and culture?

Good

The film critiques exploitative social hierarchies and institutional oppression. Lily's rebellion against the police, media, and organized commerce underscores themes of social alienation.

Does Lily Was Here include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no characters with visible or invisible disabilities in the film. The movie does not use neurodivergence or disability as part of its narrative.

Present on Screen

Strong female protagonist who challenges traditional gender roles.
Engages effectively with racialized violence and systemic issues.
Critiques mainstream institutions and social hierarchies.

Limited or Absent

Lack of LGBTQ+ representation or non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth identities.
No inclusion of characters with visible or invisible disabilities.

Official Synopsis

Lily works as a checkout girl at the local supermarket. She becomes pregnant, but before the child is born, the black father is attacked by skinheads and killed. Following his death, she flees to the city, where she soon finds herself under the wings of a pimp, Ted. Escaping Ted, she commences a one-woman spree of thefts, culminating in running from the police and the press. In the end, Lily must make a choice between freedom, and her baby.

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