You are here:

Digger

Name: Digger
Director: Rob Turner
Released: 1993
Duration: 92 min

Representation Score

4.4/10

Fair

1993

Director

Rob Turner

Runtime

92 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Digger is a character-driven drama that emphasizes emotional understanding over big action sequences. It succeeds in showing the aging process and terminal illness in a meaningful way, moving away from typical portrayals of older characters. However, the film sticks to a traditional, uniform social setting. It lacks significant racial diversity and does not include LGBTQ+ stories, making it a fairly traditional look at family life. Ultimately, the film's strength lies in its exploration of family breakdown and existential issues. It challenges the usual portrayal of older and terminally ill characters by highlighting their personal ability to act.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Digger have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film focuses on traditional family changes after a parental breakup. There are no stories about LGBTQ+ individuals or those whose gender doesn't match their assigned sex at birth.

How does Digger portray gender?

Fair

The story centers around a strong female figure, an aunt and a widowed grandmother. The grandmother's new relationship gives her more control and emotional freedom.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Digger?

Limited

The casting follows a traditional, uniform style typical of early 90s Canadian dramas. There is no significant mix of races or diverse casting.

How does Digger represent religion and culture?

Fair

The narrative explores death and life transitions through a thoughtful perspective. It leans towards secular themes rather than strict religious ones.

Does Digger include disability representation?

Good

The character Billy introduces themes of terminal illness. His connection to nature suggests a portrayal that goes beyond just being sick to a unique way of living.

Present on Screen

Shows the aging process through a grandmother who has emotional freedom.
Explores terminal illness through a character with a unique, spiritual bond to nature.
Focuses on emotional understanding and personal development over rigid social structures.

Limited or Absent

Does not include stories about LGBTQ+ individuals or non-cisgender narratives.
Uses a traditional, Anglo-centric casting style with little racial diversity.
Relies on conventional family structures without questioning established social norms.

Official Synopsis

A young boy is sent to live with relatives when his parents break up. He befriends a dying boy who has an eerie connection with nature.

How are these scores produced? →