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Angel

Name: Angel
Director: Harry Cleven
Released: 2016
Duration: 80 min

Representation Score

5.8/10

Fair

2016

Director

Harry Cleven

Runtime

80 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The film uses magical realism to explore life on the fringes of social normalcy. By focusing on characters with sensory and psychological differences, it offers a nuanced look at non-traditional experiences. Though it lacks visible LGBTQ+ or racial diversity, it excels in its portrayal of disability. Characters navigate their unique circumstances with significant influence rather than being mere objects of sympathy. The film's strength lies in its challenge to traditional social structures, validating unconventional human experiences through the perspective of outsiders.

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Category Breakdown

Does Angel have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The story centers on heterosexual relationships between the main character and Madeleine, without any explicit mention of LGBTQ+ identities or critiques of heterosexuality.

How does Angel portray gender?

Fair

Louise is a key figure who deals with psychological trauma and maternal responsibilities. She avoids passive stereotypes but the narrative still emphasizes traditional maternal roles.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Angel?

Minimal

The provided information does not offer specific details regarding the racial or ethnic composition of the cast. No definitive score can be assigned due to lack of data.

How does Angel represent religion and culture?

Good

The film challenges conventional ideas of normalcy by focusing on a psychiatric asylum and using magical realism. It highlights subjective, outsider experiences over mainstream societal norms.

Does Angel include disability representation?

Excellent

The film portrays blindness and psychological struggles as core aspects of identity rather than as plot devices to evoke pity. Madeleine is shown taking control in a significant relationship.

Present on Screen

Exceptional depiction of disability, presenting blindness and neurodivergence as essential, empowered identities.
Strong female lead who exhibits decisive action and protective maternal instincts.
Effective use of magical realism to validate the experiences of those outside social norms.

Limited or Absent

Lack of visible LGBTQ+ representation or queer identities in the narrative.
Reliance on traditional maternal roles for the female lead’s characterization.
No information available about racial and ethnic diversity among the characters.

Official Synopsis

Once upon a time there was Louise and her friend, the magician. But his last trick left a bitter taste in her mouth. He disappeared in a curtain of smoke… never to appear again. This is too much for the young woman. Devastated by endless grief, Louise is sent to a psychiatric asylum, resigned to the idea that she will swallow pills till the end of her days. Yet nine months later she gives birth to a child who is likely to have a big problem for his future class pictures, since he’s invisible. But Louise doesn’t care. He’s her angel and, wanting to protect him from this cruel world, she decides to keep his existence a secret. Years later, Louise’s angel has grown up. He even managed to find a girlfriend; Madeleine. The two become inseparable, for Madeleine never judges him. And for good reason: she’s blind.

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