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The One and Only

Name: The One and Only
Director: Susanne Bier
Released: 1999
Duration: 106 min

Representation Score

6.5/10

Good

1999

Director

Susanne Bier

Runtime

106 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The One and Only is a character-driven film that emphasizes psychological realism over broad demographic representation. It effectively dismantles social norms, especially concerning the fragility of marriage and unstable traditional masculinity. However, the film lacks diversity in terms of race and sexual orientation. Its setting and casting reflect a culturally homogeneous Scandinavian context typical of its time. Overall, the film's strength lies in its exploration of moral subjectivity and the breakdown of the nuclear family, rather than offering a diverse social landscape.

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Category Breakdown

Does The One and Only have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film centers on heterosexual relationships and infidelity, without featuring any visible LGBTQ+ characters or non-conforming gender identities. It adheres to the conventions of late-90s romantic comedies.

How does The One and Only portray gender?

Good

The story challenges traditional gender roles by focusing on the male protagonist's emotional instability. It avoids portraying him as a stable provider, instead highlighting his mid-life crisis.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The One and Only?

Limited

Set in Denmark with a predominantly white cast, the film reflects the demographic homogeneity of late-90s Scandinavian productions. There is no significant racial diversity.

How does The One and Only represent religion and culture?

Good

The film questions the idealized Western family structure by emphasizing individual desires over social or marital obligations. It presents a morally relative perspective on family life.

Does The One and Only include disability representation?

Limited

The film does not focus on physical or neurodivergent disabilities. The characters' challenges are primarily psychological and emotional rather than being driven by disability-related issues.

Present on Screen

Highlights the male protagonist's emotional instability rather than portraying him as a stable provider.
Questions the sanctity of the nuclear family through a nuanced, morally relative lens.
Emphasizes psychological complexity and the deconstruction of social norms over traditional moralizing.

Limited or Absent

Does not include visible LGBTQ+ characters or non-conforming gender identities.
Features a predominantly white cast with minimal racial or ethnic diversity.
Provides no significant representation or focus on physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Official Synopsis

When kitchen fitter Niller comes to install Sus's new suite, their immediate attraction to one another proves a sweet escape from both of their problematic relationships.

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