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When in Rome

Name: When in Rome
Director: Niclas Bendixen
Released: 2024
Duration: 99 min

Representation Score

5.5/10

Fair

2024

Director

Niclas Bendixen

Runtime

99 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

When in Rome is a character study focusing on mid-life identity and the disruption of domestic structures. It successfully centers women's ability to drive the story, allowing Gerda to pursue her own emotional and intellectual growth. However, the film remains a conventional European character study. The focus on a specific interpersonal relationship limits the breadth of racial and ethnic representation, despite the multicultural setting of Rome. Ultimately, the film prioritizes a deep exploration of individual emotional truth and the questioning of traditional matrimonial sanctity over broad multi-layered diversity.

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Category Breakdown

Does When in Rome have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film focuses on a traditional marriage between Gerda and Kristoffer. There is no clear indication of queer subtext or non-straight relationships within the story.

How does When in Rome portray gender?

Good

Gerda drives the plot through her own desires and actions, challenging the stereotype of a passive wife. The story positions the husband as secondary, subverting traditional gender roles.

How racially and ethnically diverse is When in Rome?

Fair

The narrative centers on a specific interpersonal relationship within a Roman setting. It lacks explicit evidence of diverse racial or ethnic representation.

How does When in Rome represent religion and culture?

Good

The film explores the deconstruction of long-term commitments like marriage. It emphasizes individual emotional truth and personal growth over maintaining traditional family structures.

Does When in Rome include disability representation?

Minimal

The story does not include characters dealing with physical, neurodivergent, or mental health conditions.

Present on Screen

The film empowers the female protagonist, making her the primary driver of her own emotional and intellectual fulfillment.
It subverts traditional gender roles by positioning the male character in a secondary, sidelined role in the narrative.

Limited or Absent

The narrative lacks explicit evidence of racial or ethnic diversity within its central character group.
There is no visible representation of LGBTQ+ identities or neurodivergent experiences.

Official Synopsis

Gerda and Kristoffer are celebrating their 35th wedding anniversary in Rome, where Gerda used to study art when she was young. But the trip doesn't go quite as planned, when the couple run into Gerda's charismatic art teacher and former flame, Johannes. Kristoffer ends up on the sideline, while Gerda chases her youth through the streets and alleys of Rome, to confront the ghosts of the past.

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