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A Little Closer

Name: A Little Closer
Director: Matthew Petock
Released: 2011
Duration: 72 min

Representation Score

4.7/10

Fair

2011

Director

Matthew Petock

Runtime

72 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

A Little Closer is a character-focused drama that challenges the idealized view of rural life. It excels in portraying the emotional journeys of women and young people facing complex social issues. However, the film lacks diverse racial representation and does not include characters with disabilities. Its exploration of LGBTQ+ identity is centered around self-discovery rather than established orientations.

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Category Breakdown

Does A Little Closer have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film follows Stephen, a young boy exploring desires that go beyond typical peer interactions. His journey challenges the usual coming-of-age stories focused on heterosexual relationships.

How does A Little Closer portray gender?

Fair

Sheryl is shown as a strong woman managing both work and childcare. The story highlights her efforts to rebuild her family despite challenging circumstances.

How racially and ethnically diverse is A Little Closer?

Limited

The story focuses on a rural Virginia setting that appears to lean toward a homogeneous depiction of the working class. There is no explicit mention of racial blending or non-Anglo-Saxon majority casting.

How does A Little Closer represent religion and culture?

Good

The film looks at the harsh realities of rural life, avoiding idealized views of small-town America. It focuses on the struggles of economically disadvantaged communities rather than polished, traditional portrayals.

Does A Little Closer include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no mention of characters with visible or invisible disabilities in the narrative.

Present on Screen

Challenges typical coming-of-age stories by focusing on a young person's journey of self-discovery.
Highlights the resilience of women through the story of a hardworking mother.
Provides a realistic and gritty look at the economic and social struggles of rural communities.

Limited or Absent

Does not provide explicit evidence of racial or ethnic diversity among the characters.
Fails to include any characters with visible or invisible disabilities.
Focuses on the process of discovering LGBTQ+ identity rather than established orientations.

Official Synopsis

In the forgotten corners of rural Virginia, Sheryl struggles to balance her work as a housekeeper and raising her two sons, fifteen year-old Marc and eleven year-old Stephen. Hoping to meet the love of her life and bring home a father for her boys, she frequents a depressing, weekly mixer for the towns aging singles set. Meanwhile, Marc is desperate to lose his virginity, and spends his days working at a used car lot. And his brother Stephen, in the throes of sexual discovery, becomes infatuated with his school teacher while hoping to win the approval of a group of peers who adamantly detest her.

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