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Something Necessary

Name: Something Necessary
Director: Judy Kibinge
Released: 2013
Duration: 85 min

Representation Score

5.3/10

Fair

2013

Director

Judy Kibinge

Runtime

85 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Something Necessary is a sophisticated drama that centers the psychological journey of a Black woman navigating trauma. It avoids reductive stereotypes and focuses on the internal, transformative power of the individual. The film's greatest strength is its authentic Kenyan setting and its refusal to rely on a Western perspective. By centering a non-Western viewpoint, it offers high cultural specificity and ethnic ability to act. However, the film lacks diversity in terms of LGBTQ+ representation and disability. The narrative structure remains centered on traditional heterosexual relationships and does not explore non-binary gender identities.

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Category Breakdown

Does Something Necessary have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The story focuses on heterosexual relationships between the two main characters. There is no representation of non-binary gender identities or critiques of the assumption that everyone is straight.

How does Something Necessary portray gender?

Good

The film highlights the female lead's ability to act by emphasizing her determination to rebuild her life. It challenges traditional gender roles by centering her emotional and intellectual journey.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Something Necessary?

Excellent

The production features a predominantly Black Kenyan cast and setting. It avoids a Western perspective by highlighting a specific African viewpoint and socio-political context.

How does Something Necessary represent religion and culture?

Good

The narrative delves into post-colonial identity and redemption through psychological complexity. It emphasizes personal healing over strict adherence to religious or traditional moral codes.

Does Something Necessary include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no representation of physical or neurodivergent disabilities among the characters or in the plot summary.

Present on Screen

Authentic Kenyan representation through a predominantly Black cast and specific socio-political setting.
Strong female lead who drives the story with her resilience rather than her status as a victim.
Complex exploration of redemption and morality through detailed, individual character studies.

Limited or Absent

Lack of LGBTQ+ representation or narratives that challenge the assumption that everyone is straight.
Absence of visible representation for physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Official Synopsis

SOMETHING NECESSARY is an intimate moment in the lives of Anne and Joseph. A woman struggling to rebuild her life after the civil unrest that swept Kenya after the 2007 elections claiming the life of her husband, the health of her son and leaving her home on an isolated farm in the Kenyan countryside in ruins, she now has nothing but her resolve to rebuild her life left. A young man, troubled gang member who participated in the countrywide violence is drawn to Anne and her farm seemingly in search of redemption. Both, Joseph and Anne need something that only the other can give to allow them to shed the painful memories of their past and move on.

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