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Newness

Name: Newness
Director: Drake Doremus
Released: 2017
Duration: 112 min

Representation Score

8.6/10

Excellent

2017

Unrated

Director

Drake Doremus

Runtime

112 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Newness succeeds as a postmodern exploration of intimacy, prioritizing personal freedom over established social structures. Its strength lies in deconstructing traditional romantic frameworks and challenging the societal imposition of monogamy. However, the film is limited by a lack of racial diversity, focusing instead on a specific socioeconomic class. This creates a narrow view of the Los Angeles landscape despite its urban setting. Ultimately, the film is a progressive exploration of identity. It replaces institutional stability with a framework of personal liberation and digital-age exploration.

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Category Breakdown

Does Newness have LGBTQ+ representation?

Good

The film challenges traditional assumptions about relationships by focusing on a non-monogamous structure. This approach breaks away from typical domestic scenarios and applies a queer perspective to conventional partnership norms.

How does Newness portray gender?

Good

Both main characters play significant roles in driving the story, subverting traditional gender hierarchies. The female protagonist controls her own destiny, while masculinity is shown through vulnerability rather than dominance.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Newness?

Fair

The narrative focuses on a relatively homogeneous group of professionals in Los Angeles. It does not emphasize racial or ethnic diversity as a central theme.

How does Newness represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The film portrays traditional Western institutions like marriage as restrictive. It criticizes the modern consumerist 'app economy' of dating culture.

Does Newness include disability representation?

Fair

There is no meaningful depiction of physical or neurodivergent disabilities. The film does not use disability as a plot device or provide representation in this area.

Present on Screen

Subverts traditional gender hierarchies by giving both leads significant control over their destinies.
Challenges traditional relationship norms through the exploration of non-monogamous dynamics.
Offers a sophisticated critique of modern consumerist dating culture and the digital app economy.

Limited or Absent

Lacks significant racial and ethnic diversity within the primary narrative.
Provides no meaningful representation or depiction of physical or neurodivergent disabilities.
Focuses heavily on a homogeneous socioeconomic class, limiting the breadth of the urban setting.

Official Synopsis

In contemporary Los Angeles, two millennials navigating a social media–driven hookup culture begin a relationship that pushes both emotional and physical boundaries.

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