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Applesauce

Name: Applesauce
Director: Onur Tukel
Released: 2015
Duration: 91 min

Representation Score

9.2/10

Excellent

2015

Director

Onur Tukel

Runtime

91 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Applesauce is a transgressive comedy that challenges social norms using a critical perspective. Its strength lies in its sophisticated engagement with non-traditional gender identities and same-sex relationships, moving beyond superficial representation. The film effectively dismantles traditional gender hierarchies and patriarchal roles, offering a strong critique of conventional Western social and religious institutions. However, it falls short in providing meaningful representation for characters with disabilities, focusing instead on psychological themes.

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Category Breakdown

Does Applesauce have LGBTQ+ representation?

Excellent

The film centers on non-traditional gender identities and same-sex relationships, critiquing the assumption that everyone is straight or cisgender. These elements are crucial to the urban setting.

How does Applesauce portray gender?

Excellent

The film portrays gender as fluid and chaotic, challenging traditional ideas of masculinity and femininity. Characters reject conventional gender roles, emphasizing the complexity of gender identity.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Applesauce?

Good

The diverse cast reflects the varied demographics of urban New York City. While not the main focus, the film avoids the homogeneity often seen in mainstream dramas.

How does Applesauce represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The film critiques traditional Western institutions like the nuclear family, favoring individualistic exploration over religious or civic morality. Social transgressions are framed as a form of liberation.

Does Applesauce include disability representation?

Fair

The film focuses on psychological issues rather than physical disabilities. It does not provide a platform for characters with disabilities to take an active role in the story.

Present on Screen

Sophisticated engagement with non-traditional gender identities and same-sex relationships.
Effective disruption of traditional gender hierarchies and patriarchal roles.
Strong critique of conventional Western social and religious institutions.

Limited or Absent

Lack of meaningful representation or active roles for characters with disabilities.
Limited focus on racial and ethnic diversity compared to gender and sexual identity.

Official Synopsis

Every Tuesday night, radio talk show host Stevie Bricks invites his listeners to call in and share their stories. When one night he asks people to share the worst thing they’ve ever done, high school teacher Ron Welz can't resist. Big mistake—what he reveals sets off a chain of hilariously uncontrollable events adversely affecting his marriage and another couple. And when someone starts sending him body parts, his life really begins to fall apart. Who is tormenting him? An insolent high school student? His best friend? His wife? There are over eight million people in the Naked City, and everyone's a suspect.

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