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Something Fishy

Name: Something Fishy
Director: Tonie Marshall
Released: 1994
Duration: 100 min

Representation Score

6.1/10

Good

1994

Director

Tonie Marshall

Runtime

100 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Something Fishy is a sophisticated character study that challenges conventional social structures. It succeeds by avoiding traditional gendered aesthetics and embracing sexual fluidity through its protagonist. The film's strength lies in its portrayal of a skilled, chain-smoking investigator who establishes women's ability to drive the story independent of romantic or domestic status. However, the film lacks significant racial diversity, remaining within a Eurocentric social framework. While it excels at deconstructing family and religious norms, it does not address broader systemic racial dynamics.

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Category Breakdown

Does Something Fishy have LGBTQ+ representation?

Good

The film centers a protagonist with a history of romantic relationships with both men and women, challenging the assumption that everyone is straight or cisgender. Her fluid sexuality is part of her identity rather than just a plot device.

How does Something Fishy portray gender?

Good

Maxime breaks down gender hierarchies by taking on the role of a private investigator, which is typically associated with masculinity. She is shown as a competent professional rather than an idealized feminine figure or a domestic character.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Something Fishy?

Limited

The film focuses on a predominantly white, Eurocentric social setting. It does not seem to use multi-ethnic casting to challenge broader racial dynamics.

How does Something Fishy represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The story emphasizes secularism and moral relativism, positioning itself against traditional religious orthodoxies. It prioritizes individual autonomy and the deconstruction of the traditional nuclear family structure.

Does Something Fishy include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no visible or invisible disabilities that play a central role in the character arcs or the plot progression.

Present on Screen

Subverts traditional gendered aesthetics by presenting a competent, non-idealized female protagonist.
Integrates sexual fluidity naturally into the character's established identity.
Challenges traditional religious and nuclear family structures through a secular lens.

Limited or Absent

Lacks significant racial and ethnic diversity within the social milieu.
Does not utilize multi-ethnic casting to engage with broader systemic dynamics.

Official Synopsis

A private eye finds that her professional and personal lives are beginning to intertwine in this French drama. Maxime Chabrier (Anémone) is a woman in her mid-40s who works as a private detective. Despite her chain smoking and sloppy appearance, Maxime is regarded as a skilled investigator by her colleagues and considered the best PI at her agency by her boss. While Maxime has romantic dalliances with both men and women, she hasn't been involved in a long-term relationship since she left her husband 15 years ago. However, Maxime is hired to look into a case that suggests that her former husband has become involved with insurance fraud, which brings her into contact with her 17-year-old son Baptiste (Gregoire Colin) for the first time since the divorce. Just as Maxime is trying to mend fences with her son and find out what her ex has gotten himself into, she finds herself falling in love with Jacques (Michel Didym), an economist.

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