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Fantastica

Name: Fantastica
Director: Barry Gonzalez
Released: 2018
Duration: 114 min

Representation Score

3.6/10

Limited

2018

Director

Barry Gonzalez

Runtime

114 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Fantastica follows a traditional quest-based fantasy structure centered on a family unit's struggle to save their carnival. While the inclusion of adopted siblings offers a departure from the standard nuclear family, the story largely adheres to established mythological frameworks. The film's reliance on conventional clichés, such as the hero's journey and the intervention of a prince, suggests a narrative that reinforces rather than disrupts traditional power dynamics. Themes of community and displacement are present, but they are framed within a classic fairy tale architecture. Ultimately, the film occupies a space of moderate inclusion, introducing elements of non-traditional kinship but lacking specific evidence of progressive intentionality or systemic critique.

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Category Breakdown

Does Fantastica have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film includes adopted siblings, introducing a non-traditional family structure. However, it does not explicitly depict LGBTQ identities or same-sex relationships.

How does Fantastica portray gender?

Fair

Belat and her mother Fec are central to the plot, driving the carnival's survival. However, the resolution depends on a male figure providing necessary assistance.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Fantastica?

Fair

The fantasy setting allows for diverse casting through magical archetypes. Nevertheless, the narrative lacks specific evidence of a non-white majority or subversion of traditional norms.

How does Fantastica represent religion and culture?

Fair

The story centers on preserving the community against eviction. However, the plot remains rooted in Western fairy tale clichés featuring princes and princesses.

Does Fantastica include disability representation?

Minimal

The narrative does not provide any information about characters with visible or invisible disabilities.

Present on Screen

The inclusion of adopted siblings introduces a non-traditional family structure into the narrative.
Female characters like Belat and Fec are central to the plot's emotional and structural stakes.

Limited or Absent

The plot relies on a male figure to facilitate the female characters' goals, reinforcing traditional gender dynamics.
The narrative follows conventional Western fairy tale clichés rather than subverting them.
There is a lack of explicit representation for LGBTQ+ identities or disability.

Official Synopsis

Belat, her mother Fec and adopted siblings Daks, Pepe and Junjun face the possibility of being evicted from their land as they struggle to save their carnival. Hoping to prevent the carnival from closing, they turn to Prince, a man from Belat`s past, for help. He promises to give them a hand if they first help him look for the lost princesses Rapunselya, Maulan and Ariella so they can save the magical land, Fantastica.

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