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Ammonite

Name: Ammonite
Director: Francis Lee
Released: 2020
Duration: 118 min

Representation Score

8.8/10

Excellent

2020

Director

Francis Lee

Runtime

118 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Ammonite is a carefully crafted historical drama that uses a past setting to explore modern themes of identity. It challenges traditional views of 19th-century domestic life by centering a narrative driven by women and LGBTQ+ characters. The film's strength lies in its portrayal of scientific and social institutions as restrictive and exclusionary, emphasizing the ability to act of underrepresented individuals over maintaining historical social norms. While it excels in gender and LGBTQ+ representation, it faces limitations in racial diversity due to its historical setting.

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Category Breakdown

Does Ammonite have LGBTQ+ representation?

Excellent

The film highlights a romantic and sexual relationship between Mary Anning and Charlotte, challenging the assumption that everyone is straight or cisgender. This relationship is central to the characters' development, rather than being a minor subplot.

How does Ammonite portray gender?

Excellent

The movie breaks down traditional gender roles by focusing on the intellectual work of women. Mary Anning is shown taking a leading role in driving the story, rather than being passive in a male-dominated scientific environment.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Ammonite?

Fair

Reflecting the demographic homogeneity of 1840s England, the film lacks a diverse racial cast. It focuses instead on the 'otherness' of the working class within its period setting.

How does Ammonite represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The film criticizes 19th-century institutions, such as strict class and religious norms, which are portrayed as oppressive forces that hinder genuine human connections.

Does Ammonite include disability representation?

Fair

The film touches on themes of recovery and emotional vulnerability, but these elements are woven into the larger romance storyline rather than being the main focus.

Present on Screen

Highlights a queer, female-led narrative that shapes character growth.
Shows women's intellectual leadership in a traditionally male-dominated field.
Offers a nuanced critique of rigid 19th-century class and religious structures.

Limited or Absent

Lacks racial and ethnic diversity due to the historical period.
Themes of disability are secondary to the central romance and social class issues.

Official Synopsis

In 1840s England, palaeontologist Mary Anning and a young woman sent by her husband to convalesce by the sea develop an intense relationship. Despite the chasm between their social spheres and personalities, Mary and Charlotte discover they can each offer what the other has been searching for: the realisation that they are not alone. It is the beginning of a passionate and all-consuming love affair that will defy all social bounds and alter the course of both lives irrevocably.

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