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On Call

Name: On Call
Director: Alice Diop
Released: 2016
Duration: 97 min

Representation Score

8.8/10

Excellent

2016

Director

Alice Diop

Runtime

97 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Alice Diop’s documentary shines by emphasizing the dignity and ability to act of immigrant populations. By focusing on Avicenne Hospital in suburban Paris, the film offers a profound, humanizing perspective on systemic struggles. The film’s strength lies in its disruption of Eurocentric narratives, providing a critical examination of how state institutions interact with displaced individuals. It employs a contemplative, observational style that honors the subjects’ lived experiences. However, the film’s specific focus on immigrant healthcare means that other identity markers, such as LGBTQ+ narratives or specific neurodivergent experiences, are not prominently featured.

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Category Breakdown

Does On Call have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film does not include any explicit LGBTQ+ narratives. Instead, it focuses on healthcare services for immigrants.

How does On Call portray gender?

Fair

The documentary avoids traditional male-centric hero narratives. It highlights the emotional labor and interactions in a medical setting.

How racially and ethnically diverse is On Call?

Excellent

The film excels by centering immigrant-majority subjects. It challenges Eurocentric norms by featuring characters of color as the main drivers of the story.

How does On Call represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The narrative prioritizes the personal experiences of displaced populations over institutional viewpoints. It explores the tension between individual stories and bureaucratic systems.

Does On Call include disability representation?

Good

The hospital setting highlights physical and psychological vulnerabilities. These conditions are presented with dignity, avoiding sensationalism.

Present on Screen

Centers non-white, immigrant-majority subjects as key figures in the narrative.
Challenges Eurocentric norms by highlighting suburban Parisian immigrant life.
Offers a dignified, observational approach that prioritizes the ability to act of underrepresented individuals.

Limited or Absent

Does not explicitly represent or center LGBTQ+ identities.
Does not fully address specific neurodivergent or chronic illness experiences.

Official Synopsis

At the consulting service for immigrants at the Avicenne Hospital in suburban Paris, we observe the sorrow and powerlessness of the immigrants who come here.

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