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The Present

Name: The Present
Director: Jacob Frey
Released: 2014
Duration: 4 min

Representation Score

5.0/10

Fair

2014

Director

Jacob Frey

Runtime

4 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

The film's impact hinges on a narrative shift that transforms the viewer's perspective from a child's indifference to a reflection on shared experiences. By employing a non-human character to mirror human struggles, it challenges the notion that physical completeness is essential for happiness. While the overall social representation leans traditional and somewhat vague, the portrayal of physical disabilities is nuanced. The story avoids exploiting disability for pity, instead emphasizing the characters' ability to act in dealing with their conditions. Ultimately, the film succeeds by using disability as a means for connection rather than a plot device for sympathy.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Present have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film centers around a family interaction involving a mother, her son, and a pet. There are no depictions of LGBTQ+ identities or queer-coded subtext.

How does The Present portray gender?

Fair

The film portrays a traditional domestic setting where the mother is shown in a nurturing role. It avoids harmful stereotypes while highlighting the mother's active role in the story.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Present?

Fair

The characters and settings reflect a generalized Western domestic environment. Racial identity is not highlighted, providing a neutral backdrop for the story.

How does The Present represent religion and culture?

Fair

The narrative follows standard Western family structures and sentimental themes. It does not challenge religious or institutional norms.

Does The Present include disability representation?

Excellent

The film stands out by using a puppy with a missing limb to foster emotional connection. The boy's disability is presented as a shared identity rather than a tragic condition.

Present on Screen

Effective use of disability through narrative ability to act and shared identity.
Avoids using impairment as a tool for pity.
Utilizes a non-human character to mirror human emotional growth.

Limited or Absent

No explicit representation of LGBTQ+ identities or queer-coded subtext.
Depicts traditional, somewhat vague Western domestic and familial structures.
Minimal emphasis on racial or ethnic diversity.

Official Synopsis

The short tells the story of a boy who rather spends his time indoors playing videogames instead of discovering whats waiting in front of the door. One day his Mum decides to get a little surprise for her son, which makes it hard for him to concentrate on his video game.

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