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Submarino

Name: Submarino
Director: Thomas Vinterberg
Released: 2010
Duration: 115 min

Representation Score

6.0/10

Fair

2010

Not Rated

Director

Thomas Vinterberg

Runtime

115 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Submarino is a raw, naturalistic character study that prioritizes psychological complexity over broad demographic representation. It effectively deconstructs traditional social structures, particularly regarding gender and family dynamics, by highlighting the failures of authority and the impact of trauma. However, the film's focus is highly insular, emphasizing a specific, homogeneous Danish social stratum with limited racial and LGBTQ+ representation. The narrative is driven by personal dysfunction rather than a diverse range of identities. Ultimately, the film's strength lies in its critique of social clichés, offering a concentrated, postmodern exploration of identity fragmentation and the breakdown of traditional patriarchal roles.

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Category Breakdown

Does Submarino have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or non-straight relationships. The story centers around the strained interactions within a traditional family unit.

How does Submarino portray gender?

Good

The film challenges traditional masculine roles by focusing on the instability and volatility of its male characters. Women provide a stabilizing influence against the chaos created by the men.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Submarino?

Limited

The cast is primarily composed of white actors, depicting a narrow slice of Danish society. The homogeneous setting highlights a confined and isolated social environment.

How does Submarino represent religion and culture?

Good

The film questions traditional family structures by showing the nuclear family as a source of trauma rather than stability. It emphasizes a gritty, secular perspective over idealized family life.

Does Submarino include disability representation?

Fair

While there are no physically disabled characters, the film delves deeply into mental health issues and addiction. These psychological conditions are central to the plot.

Present on Screen

Challenges traditional masculine roles and hierarchies.
Explores mental health, addiction, and childhood trauma deeply.
Critiques the stability of conventional family structures.

Limited or Absent

Includes very few LGBTQ+ identities or non-straight relationships.
Lacks racial and ethnic diversity among the cast and setting.
Does not address diverse physical or sensory disabilities.

Official Synopsis

As children, Nick and his little brother take care of their baby brother while their mother drinks herself senseless. But the baby dies, and both brothers blame themselves. Many years later, Nick is out of prison after serving time for an assault. He drinks, lives in a shelter and tries to help an old friend. When their mother dies, Nick meets his brother at the funeral. The brother, who remains nameless, is a single father to a young boy, but also supports a drug habit that is spiraling out of control. When an opportunity presents itself, he becomes a drug dealer to secure his son's future. Eventually, the two brothers meet again.

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