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The Exception

Name: The Exception
Director: Jesper W. Nielsen
Released: 2019
Duration: 115 min

Representation Score

5.7/10

Fair

2019

Director

Jesper W. Nielsen

Runtime

115 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

The Exception operates as a traditional historical drama set during the Nazi occupation of Denmark. Its demographic profile is shaped by the era, resulting in a predominantly white cast and a lack of LGBTQ+ representation. However, the film finds progressive value by challenging traditional gender roles. By centering a female protagonist in a high-pressure espionage role, it moves beyond mere domesticity to explore complex power dynamics. Ultimately, the film's strength lies in its intellectual exploration of systemic oppression and moral ambiguity, even if it remains demographically homogeneous.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Exception have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film follows traditional structures typical of historical period pieces, with no explicit depiction of non-traditional gender identities or same-sex relationships within the main storyline.

How does The Exception portray gender?

Fair

The narrative centers around a female protagonist who uses her intellect and fortitude to navigate high-stakes deception. While it challenges traditional gender roles, it upholds conventional strengths for male characters.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Exception?

Limited

The cast is predominantly white, reflecting the demographics of 1943 Scandinavia. The story focuses on the political and ethnic tensions between Danish citizens and German occupiers.

How does The Exception represent religion and culture?

Good

The film critiques institutional authority by portraying resistance and sabotage as necessary responses to an oppressive regime. It explores moral relativism and the corruption of the established political order.

Does The Exception include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no significant focus on visible or invisible disabilities. Characters are defined by their political affiliations and wartime roles rather than physical or neurodivergent traits.

Present on Screen

Challenges traditional gender roles by centering a female protagonist with significant intellect.
Provides a nuanced critique of institutional authority and the legitimacy of oppressive regimes.
Explores complex moral relativism and the ethics of survival during wartime occupation.

Limited or Absent

Lacks representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-traditional gender narratives.
Maintains high demographic homogeneity, lacking racial or ethnic diversity beyond the historical setting.
Provides no significant focus on characters with visible or invisible disabilities.

Official Synopsis

When four female colleagues receive an email death threat each, they are convinced the sender is a war criminal, whom they have exposed. But what if the threats come from within their own office at the Danish Center for Information on Genocide?

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