Coil
2020
No user ratings available yet
Representation score: 5.5 out of 10
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Smile
Representation Score
3.9/10
Limited
2021
Director
Joanna Tsanis
Runtime
7 minutes
Average Rating
No ratings yetNew Showbiz Analysis
Smile (2021) stands out by centering its horror on the internal experience of clinical depression. By externalizing mental illness as a monstrous force, the film explores the destabilization of the self beyond superficial clichés. The film excels in its portrayal of psychological disability, treating neurodivergence with structural significance rather than as a character flaw. This offers a nuanced, albeit dark, representation of mental health struggles. However, the film's diversity profile is limited due to a lack of information regarding racial, ethnic, and LGBTQ+ representation.
Category Breakdown
Does Smile have LGBTQ+ representation?
The film does not provide any information about sexual orientation or gender identity. There are no character arcs focused on LGBTQ+ identities.
How does Smile portray gender?
The story focuses on a female protagonist dealing with severe psychological issues. It avoids clichéd portrayals of female fragility, emphasizing the protagonist's role in managing her mental health crisis.
How racially and ethnically diverse is Smile?
There is insufficient information regarding the cast's racial or ethnic composition. Consequently, a meaningful assessment of racial diversity cannot be provided.
How does Smile represent religion and culture?
The narrative challenges Western social norms by depicting depression as a transformative force. It prioritizes the protagonist's internal experience over societal expectations of positivity.
Does Smile include disability representation?
The film portrays depression as a central, driving force rather than a mere plot device. This approach highlights the structural importance of mental illness within the horror genre.
Present on Screen
- Elevates mental health from a plot device to a central narrative force.
- Avoids clichéd gendered clichés by highlighting women's ability to drive the story during psychological crises.
- Challenges societal expectations of performative positivity and social normalcy.
Limited or Absent
- Lacks visible representation of racial or ethnic diversity within the cast.
- Does not include any evidence of LGBTQ+ characters or non-straight narrative arcs.
Official Synopsis
When a young woman struggles to smile, her depression becomes something truly monstrous.
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