You are here:

Wakefield

Name: Wakefield
Director: Robin Swicord
Released: 2017
Duration: 106 min

Representation Score

5.8/10

Fair

2017

Director

Robin Swicord

Runtime

106 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Wakefield is a character study that emphasizes thematic subversion over broad demographic representation. While it lacks racial and LGBTQ+ diversity, it successfully dismantles traditional social hierarchies and patriarchal structures. The film's strength lies in its critique of Western institutions and the superficial nature of the American Dream. It also challenges conventional gender roles and responsibilities. However, the film remains limited by its homogeneous casting and its lack of nuanced or empowered portrayals of neurodivergence or visible disabilities.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Wakefield have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film centers on a heterosexual couple and does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or those with non-binary gender identities.

How does Wakefield portray gender?

Good

It challenges traditional gender roles by showing a male protagonist who abandons his role as a provider, highlighting the emotional impact on the female lead.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Wakefield?

Limited

The cast is made up of a homogeneous, white, middle-class group that does not include diverse racial backgrounds.

How does Wakefield represent religion and culture?

Good

The film critiques Western institutions and the concept of the American Dream. It portrays the nuclear family as fragmented rather than a stable haven.

Does Wakefield include disability representation?

Limited

A psychological breakdown serves as a narrative catalyst but does not explore neurodivergence in depth. The film lacks characters with visible disabilities who have specific ability to act.

Present on Screen

Challenges traditional patriarchal hierarchies by breaking down the stereotype of the competent male leader.
Provides a critical look at Western institutions and the superficial nature of the American Dream.
Questions conventional gender roles and responsibilities.

Limited or Absent

Focuses on a homogeneous white, middle-class demographic, lacking racial and ethnic diversity.
Does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or those with non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth identities.
Fails to offer a nuanced or empowered portrayal of neurodivergence or visible disabilities.

Official Synopsis

A man's nervous breakdown causes him to leave his wife and live in his attic for several months.

How are these scores produced? →