You are here:

New Beginnings

Name: New Beginnings
Director: Philippe Lefebvre
Released: 2023
Duration: 96 min

Representation Score

7.1/10

Good

2023

Director

Philippe Lefebvre

Runtime

96 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

New Beginnings is an intimate character study that prioritizes psychological realism over typical romantic comedy conventions. It dismantles the idea of an ideal long-term marriage, providing a complex look at how aging and routine shape identity. However, the film's impact is limited by a lack of visible diversity. The focus remains largely on a homogeneous interpersonal dynamic, which limits broader representation of race or LGBTQ+ identities. Overall, the film excels in exploring mental health and challenging traditional gender roles, despite its narrow social scope.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does New Beginnings have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film focuses on a long-term heterosexual relationship and does not include any explicit queer themes or non-straight identities.

How does New Beginnings portray gender?

Good

The story challenges traditional gender roles by showing a deep emotional disconnect between Alain and Diane. It explores the female experience of aging and hormonal changes with psychological depth.

How racially and ethnically diverse is New Beginnings?

Limited

The narrative concentrates on the internal emotions of a specific couple and does not provide much evidence of intentional racial or ethnic diversity.

How does New Beginnings represent religion and culture?

Good

The film critiques traditional domestic life and the empty nest syndrome, emphasizing individual psychological freedom over maintaining the traditional family structure.

Does New Beginnings include disability representation?

Fair

The plot delves into mental health issues, particularly Diane’s depression and emotional instability, treating these internal struggles as central, nuanced elements of the story.

Present on Screen

Challenges traditional masculine roles by portraying a husband who opts for disruption rather than protection.
Provides a nuanced, non-stereotypical portrayal of female aging and hormonal changes.
Highlights mental health and depression as central, meaningful narrative elements.

Limited or Absent

Lacks visible racial and ethnic diversity among the cast and settings.
Does not explicitly represent LGBTQ+ identities or themes.
Maintains a focus on a homogeneous interpersonal dynamic.

Official Synopsis

Alain and Diane have been together for 30 years. In his mind, Alain is still 30 years old. But the equation 30 years of routine feelings, empty nest (and incidentally a job where being 50 is like an incurable disease) creates a much less euphoric effect for Diane. She oscillates between depression and free fall - and the first one who says "hormonal" she smokes. Alain loves Diane like crazy and love is proof. He's going to do something crazy for her, something to make her feel vital again, to make her heart beat and youthfulness pulsate. The crazy thing? Leave her. The risk with electroshock ? Unknown: either it wakes up or it burns. They will take it, with their eyes closed.

How are these scores produced? →