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Laughter

Name: Laughter
Director: Martin Laroche
Released: 2020
Duration: 124 min

Representation Score

8.2/10

Excellent

2020

Director

Martin Laroche

Runtime

124 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Laughter offers a nuanced character study that prioritizes psychological depth and human resilience. It succeeds most notably in its dignified portrayal of disability and women's ability to drive the story, moving beyond simple clichés to present complex, multi-dimensional women. However, the film's focus on a localized Quebecois setting suggests a potential lack of racial and ethnic breadth. The narrative's specific regional lens may result in a more homogeneous cast. Ultimately, the film excels at exploring the internal landscapes of its characters, even if it remains quiet on broader social diversity metrics.

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Category Breakdown

Does Laughter have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film centers on the emotional reconstruction of intimacy between Valerie and Gabriel. While the narrative emphasizes the power of love, it lacks explicit confirmation of their relationship dynamics.

How does Laughter portray gender?

Good

Valerie serves as a resilient protagonist navigating systemic trauma and emotional labor. The inclusion of Jeanne as an intellectual, funny figure helps challenge common clichés of female suffering.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Laughter?

Fair

Set during a civil war in Quebec, the story focuses on a specific regional identity. There is little evidence of a multi-ethnic cast within this localized setting.

How does Laughter represent religion and culture?

Good

The film explores social instability and the fragility of institutions through a backdrop of civil unrest. It prioritizes individual resilience and the joy of living over traditional patriotic narratives.

Does Laughter include disability representation?

Excellent

Jeanne is portrayed as an erudite woman managing a significant physical handicap. The character is defined by her intellect and personality rather than her physical limitations.

Present on Screen

Dignified portrayal of disability through Jeanne's intellect and humor.
Strong women's ability to drive the story in Valerie's navigation of trauma and caretaking.
Nuanced exploration of emotional connection and survivor's syndrome.

Limited or Absent

Limited evidence of racial and ethnic diversity within the regional setting.
Lack of explicit clarity regarding LGBTQ+ identities and dynamics.

Official Synopsis

As a civil war shakes the Quebec province of Canada, Valerie is the sole survivor of a mass execution where her boyfriend is killed. Years later, she’s in a close relationship with her new partner, Gabriel. At the Long Term Care Center where she works as an orderly, she befriends Jeanne, an erudite and funny woman, dealing with an important physical handicap. Mixing realism and worrying strangeness, The Laugh presents a humane exploration of the survivor’s syndrome, the grieving process, the distance of time, the power of love, and the joy of being alive.

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