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Obvious Child

Name: Obvious Child
Director: Gillian Robespierre
Released: 2014
Duration: 85 min

Representation Score

4.1/10

Fair

2014

Director

Gillian Robespierre

Runtime

85 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Obvious Child is a focused character study that prioritizes women's ability to drive the story and their autonomy. It excels at subverting traditional gendered expectations by centering the narrative on a woman's internal decision-making process regarding pregnancy. However, the film's impact is limited by its narrow demographic scope. The lack of racial diversity and the absence of LGBTQ+ or disability representation prevent a more multi-layered exploration of identity. Ultimately, while the film offers a nuanced critique of gendered performance, it remains contained within a specific, homogeneous socioeconomic milieu.

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Category Breakdown

Does Obvious Child have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not prominently feature LGBTQ+ characters or storylines. The central romantic tension follows a structure that assumes everyone is straight or cisgender.

How does Obvious Child portray gender?

Good

The narrative centers on women's ability to drive the story and their reproductive autonomy. It successfully passes the Bechdel test, using conversations between women to advance the plot.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Obvious Child?

Limited

The cast is relatively homogeneous, focusing on a white, middle-class urban demographic. The film lacks intentionality in diversifying the cast or challenging racial norms.

How does Obvious Child represent religion and culture?

Good

The story explores moral relativism and the deconstruction of the idealized family unit. It portrays the protagonist's friction with traditional familial expectations as part of her growth.

Does Obvious Child include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no prominent depictions of physical or neurodivergent disabilities. No such characters serve as central plot drivers or character arcs.

Present on Screen

Strong emphasis on women's ability to drive the story and their reproductive autonomy.
Effective use of conversations between women to advance the narrative.
Nuanced exploration of modern, non-linear life paths and identity.

Limited or Absent

Lack of racial and ethnic diversity within the cast.
Minimal representation of LGBTQ+ identities or storylines.
Absence of characters with physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Official Synopsis

An immature, newly unemployed comic must navigate the murky waters of adulthood after her fling with a graduate student results in an unplanned pregnancy.

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