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To Remove the Heart

Name: To Remove the Heart
Director: Melissa Elizondo Moreno
Released: 2019
Duration: 29 min

Representation Score

6.3/10

Good

2019

Director

Melissa Elizondo Moreno

Runtime

29 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

To Remove the Heart is a documentary that focuses on the lived experiences of a specific cultural community in Mexico. It moves away from traditional, centralized documentary clichés by highlighting localized, non-Western perspectives. The film excels in centering underrepresented geographic and age-based demographics. By focusing on how children in San Gregorio, Atlapulco use art to process the 2017 earthquake, it provides a nuanced look at communal trauma. While the film shines in cultural and ethnic representation, it lacks specific information regarding LGBTQ+ themes or explicit disability narratives. Its strength lies in its multi-layered approach to systemic vulnerability.

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Category Breakdown

Does To Remove the Heart have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not provide any specific information about LGBTQ+ characters or themes.

How does To Remove the Heart portray gender?

Fair

By focusing on the creative work of children, the film disrupts typical adult-centric power structures. However, there are no confirmed gender-specific character arcs.

How racially and ethnically diverse is To Remove the Heart?

Excellent

The documentary centers a non-Western, indigenous-adjacent community in San Gregorio, Atlapulco. This shift away from Anglo-centric perspectives challenges the dominance of Western documentary subjects.

How does To Remove the Heart represent religion and culture?

Good

The narrative explores how communities respond to disasters through a non-Western lens. It highlights art as a subjective tool for dealing with systemic hardships and survival.

Does To Remove the Heart include disability representation?

Good

The film addresses psychological and emotional injuries through the theme of coping with trauma. It potentially portrays invisible mental health conditions.

Present on Screen

Centers a non-Western, indigenous-adjacent community as primary protagonists.
Challenges Western-centric documentary clichés by focusing on localized Mexican realities.
Prioritizes the creativity and ability to act of children.

Limited or Absent

Lacks visible representation or specific details regarding LGBTQ+ characters.
Provides no explicit information regarding physical or neurodivergent disabilities.
No specific gendered character arcs are confirmed within the narrative.

Official Synopsis

Art is the way in which some children from San Gregorio, Atlapulco, sublimate their trauma when witnessing the 2017 earthquake in Mexico.

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