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Shéhérazade

Name: Shéhérazade
Director: Jean-Bernard Marlin
Released: 2018
Duration: 106 min

Representation Score

3.1/10

Limited

2018

TV-MA

Director

Jean-Bernard Marlin

Runtime

106 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Shéhérazade is a gritty urban drama that explores social displacement and the breakdown of traditional authority. By focusing on characters navigating systemic failure in Marseille, the film offers a perspective outside of idealized Western social norms. However, the film lacks breadth in its representation. It does not include LGBTQ+ narratives or characters with disabilities, and the focus remains strictly on a heterosexual, transactional dynamic. Ultimately, the film succeeds as a study of exclusion but remains limited by its narrow thematic scope regarding identity and diverse lived experiences.

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Category Breakdown

Does Shéhérazade have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film focuses on a heterosexual relationship that is both romantic and transactional. There are no visible LGBTQ+ identities or narratives challenging the assumption that everyone is straight.

How does Shéhérazade portray gender?

Fair

Shéhérazade is the main female character, but her role is limited by her environment. The film highlights social dysfunction rather than traditional gender roles.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Shéhérazade?

Fair

While specific ethnicities are not mentioned, the setting in Marseille suggests a diverse cast with various ethnic backgrounds. The narrative hints at a complex, multicultural environment.

How does Shéhérazade represent religion and culture?

Good

The story critiques traditional Western institutions by showing a fractured nuclear family. It centers on characters living on the margins of legality and social acceptance.

Does Shéhérazade include disability representation?

Minimal

The film does not feature any characters with visible or invisible disabilities.

Present on Screen

Challenges traditional Western social norms by focusing on characters living on the periphery of society.
Provides a nuanced look at the breakdown of the nuclear family and systemic social failure.
Utilizes a setting likely to reflect the diverse, multicultural reality of Marseille.

Limited or Absent

Lacks representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth narratives.
Provides no visibility for characters with physical or invisible disabilities.
The central female protagonist's role is heavily constrained by her transactional environment.

Official Synopsis

Zachary, 17 years old, gets out of jail. Rejected by his mother, he hangs out in the mean streets of Marseille. He falls in love with Shéhérazade, a young prostitute of whom he becomes the pimp without realizing it...

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