You are here:

Under the Wire

Name: Under the Wire
Director: Chris Martin
Released: 2018
Duration: 95 min

Representation Score

8.5/10

Excellent

2018

Director

Chris Martin

Runtime

95 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Under the Wire succeeds by deconstructing the traditional 'heroic' military narrative. Instead of focusing on geopolitical victory, it centers the lived experiences of civilians and the intellectual courage of Marie Colvin. This shift provides a sophisticated view of conflict that prioritizes human ability to act over state-sponsored violence. The film’s strength lies in its ability to amplify the voices of the underrepresented during the siege of Homs. By documenting the physical and psychological realities of war, it offers a raw, unvarnished look at the consequences of institutional failure. However, the film remains limited by its primary focus on Western journalists, lacking explicit LGBTQ+ narratives or specific disability advocacy.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Under the Wire have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film focuses on the professional lives of journalists without explicitly addressing LGBTQ+ identities or queer character arcs.

How does Under the Wire portray gender?

Good

Marie Colvin’s role as a high-stakes war correspondent highlights her bravery and intellect, challenging traditional gender hierarchies and expectations of competence.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Under the Wire?

Good

While the protagonists are Western, the film centers the plight of Syrian civilians, shifting the focus to the ability to act and resilience of a non-Western population.

How does Under the Wire represent religion and culture?

Good

The narrative prioritizes the human cost over nationalist justifications, portraying state military actions as sources of chaos and highlighting systemic failures of institutional power.

Does Under the Wire include disability representation?

Fair

The documentary captures the physical and psychological toll of war, avoiding 'inspiration porn' and focusing on the raw reality of bodily vulnerability and injury.

Present on Screen

Challenges traditional gender hierarchies in journalism and warfare by centering Marie Colvin
Shifts focus to the ability to act and suffering of Syrian civilians rather than military narratives
Provides a profound critique of state-sponsored violence and institutional power

Limited or Absent

Lacks explicit focus on LGBTQ+ identities or queer character arcs
No specific representation of neurodivergence or disability advocacy
Primary protagonists remain Western-centric journalists

Official Synopsis

On 12 February 2012, two journalists entered war-ravaged Syria. One of them was celebrated Sunday Times war correspondent, Marie Colvin. The other was photographer, Paul Conroy. Their aim was to cover the plight of Syrian civilians trapped in Homs, a city under siege and relentless military attack from the Syrian army. Only one of them returned.

How are these scores produced? →