You are here:

Adeline

Name: Adeline
Director: Greg James
Released: 2022
Duration: 97 min

Representation Score

5.6/10

Fair

2022

Director

Greg James

Runtime

97 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Adeline is a traditional inspirational drama that centers on equine therapy for individuals with special needs. While the film successfully portrays the active role of those with disabilities in the therapeutic process, it lacks multi-layered depth. The small-town setting and emphasis on communal altruism suggest a narrow demographic and cultural scope. The narrative structure reinforces traditional moral frameworks without offering a systemic critique. The film’s strength lies in its meaningful engagement with disability representation, positioning individuals with special needs as active participants in the therapeutic process. However, it remains a conventional story that upholds established social hierarchies rather than challenging them.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Adeline have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film does not include any explicit references to LGBTQ+ characters or non-straight identities. The story focuses solely on the relationship between a practitioner, an animal, and a local community.

How does Adeline portray gender?

Fair

A female doctor serves as the main character, showing professional competence and leadership. However, it is unclear whether the story challenges traditional gender roles or adheres to conventional nurturing themes.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Adeline?

Limited

The film is set in a small Midwestern town and implies a potentially homogeneous population. There is no indication of a multi-ethnic cast or the inclusion of diverse cultural perspectives.

How does Adeline represent religion and culture?

Limited

The story highlights traditional Western values such as community cohesion and the triumph of the human spirit. It follows a restorative plot that upholds social stability without questioning systemic institutions.

Does Adeline include disability representation?

Good

The film excels in its portrayal of individuals with special needs, focusing on equine therapy as a primary method for healing. It emphasizes the ability to act of those facing physical or cognitive challenges.

Present on Screen

Provides meaningful engagement with disability representation through equine therapy.
Highlights the active role of individuals with special needs in the therapeutic process.

Limited or Absent

Lacks visible LGBTQ+ representation or non-straight identities.
Limited demographic breadth, implying a potentially homogeneous racial and ethnic cast.
Narrative structure reinforces traditional values without offering systemic critique.

Official Synopsis

When a mysterious doctor arrives in a small Midwestern town, her therapy horse, Adeline, quickly gains a reputation for ‘healing’ those with special needs. Not used to this alternative form of healing, some begin to question the authenticity of Adeline’s methods and tensions arise. But one day during an equine therapy session, a destructive tornado descends upon the barn. Adeline leaps into action and corrals her students, pushing them against the founding wall of the stable. Although Adeline saves the lives of 12 people, she takes the brunt of the storm’s destructive force and suffers a shattered leg. With the town’s people now convinced of Adeline’s amazing spirit, they band together to raise the funds necessary to fix her leg and save her life. Based on an inspirational true story, Adeline teaches all those she encounters the same powerful lesson: miracles happen when you let go of the reins.

How are these scores produced? →