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Saved

Name: Saved
Director: Tony Ayres
Released: 2009
Duration: 89 min

Representation Score

6.4/10

Good

2009

Director

Tony Ayres

Runtime

89 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Saved is a sophisticated study of identity politics that moves beyond simple representation. It effectively navigates the friction between systemic structures, such as religious institutions, and the individual's search for authenticity. The film excels at exploring the intersection of queer identity and religious dogma, challenging traditional Western moral frameworks and examining how social hierarchies impact personal ability to act. While the film provides a realistic portrayal of contemporary Australian multicultural demographics, the focus remains primarily on the psychological and social tensions surrounding religious and sexual identity.

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Category Breakdown

Does Saved have LGBTQ+ representation?

Excellent

The film places a protagonist at the intersection of religious dogma and queer identity, critiquing the rigidity of traditional social structures through the lens of self-actualization.

How does Saved portray gender?

Fair

The narrative explores how young men are socialized to conform to religious and communal standards, disrupting conventional masculine clichés by highlighting the psychological tension and vulnerability found in resisting peer conformity.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Saved?

Good

The cast reflects contemporary Australian demographics, offering a multifaceted view of a multicultural society and avoiding a homogeneous norm.

How does Saved represent religion and culture?

Good

The story critiques religious institutionalism and communal dogma, focusing on the tension between individual personal truth and the perceived infallibility of conservative moral structures.

Does Saved include disability representation?

Minimal

There is insufficient evidence regarding visible or invisible disabilities to provide a scored assessment.

Present on Screen

Sophisticated exploration of the intersection between queer identity and religious dogma.
Effective critique of religious institutionalism and its impact on individual ability to act.
Nuanced deconstruction of traditional masculine clichés and social conformity.
Realistic portrayal of contemporary Australian multicultural demographics.

Limited or Absent

Limited focus on gendered archetypes outside of high school social hierarchies.
Lack of visible or invisible disability representation within the narrative.

Official Synopsis

The advocate for a young Iranian refugee held in detention. Amir Ali claims to be an Iranian student persecuted by the government but the Department of Immigration dispute his identity. When Julia meets Amir, he is severely depressed and close to deportation. Julia throws herself obsessively into Amir's case, causing friction between Julia and her husband, Peter. Julia eventually frees Amir and the young Iranian man moves in with Peter and Julia. As Julia helps Amir adjust to ordinary life, she finds herself increasingly attracted to this handsome, damaged young man. But she also starts to see the subtle cracks in Amir's story. Is he really who he claims he is? Or does he have a darker, more dangerous history?

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