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Kingdom of Us

Name: Kingdom of Us
Director: Lucy Cohen
Released: 2017
Duration: 109 min

Representation Score

7.2/10

Good

2017

Director

Lucy Cohen

Runtime

109 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Kingdom of Us is a psychological character study that dismantles traditional family narratives. It excels in going beyond surface-level storytelling to explore the nuances of personal trauma and the complexities of human identity. The film achieves a progressive perspective by highlighting the ability to act of women in times of crisis and by treating mental health issues seriously rather than using them merely as plot devices. However, the work lacks overt markers of the way different parts of someone's identity overlap. The absence of explicit LGBTQ+ identities and diverse racial or ethnic representation limits its broader social impact.

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Category Breakdown

Does Kingdom of Us have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film focuses on the aftermath of a father's suicide within a nuclear family. There is no explicit mention of LGBTQ+ identities or stories that go beyond the assumption that everyone is straight.

How does Kingdom of Us portray gender?

Fair

The story centers on a woman's struggle as the head of her household after a family tragedy. It highlights the strength needed for women to navigate emotional and financial hardships.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Kingdom of Us?

Limited

The narrative centers on the Shanks family without delving into the complexities of their racial or ethnic backgrounds. It depicts a typical family portrait without a diverse cast.

How does Kingdom of Us represent religion and culture?

Good

The film critiques the fragility of capitalist stability by showing how trauma can lead to financial ruin. It challenges the idealized depiction of the prosperous Western family unit.

Does Kingdom of Us include disability representation?

Good

The documentary deeply explores mental health as a central theme. It looks at the invisible psychological impact of suicide on a family unit.

Present on Screen

Offers a nuanced look at mental health and its psychological impact on a family unit.
Highlights the resilience of women as heads of households during a crisis.
Criticizes the fragility of Western economic and familial stability.

Limited or Absent

Does not include explicit representation of LGBTQ+ identities or stories that go beyond the assumption that everyone is straight.
Shows limited racial and ethnic diversity within the central domestic unit.
Focuses primarily on a typical family portrait without broader multi-layered complexities.

Official Synopsis

How does a traumatic event shape a family? How do you sift through the memories to find hidden clues and unlock a collective grief? Kingdom of Us takes a look at a mother and her seven children, whose father's suicide left them in financial ruin. Through home movies and raw moments, the Shanks family travels the rocky road towards hope.

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