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Furlough

Name: Furlough
Director: Laurie Collyer
Released: 2018
Duration: 84 min

Representation Score

4.6/10

Fair

2018

Director

Laurie Collyer

Runtime

84 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Furlough is a character-driven film that effectively challenges traditional power structures by focusing on the emotional negotiation between a rookie guard and a high-risk inmate. By centering on women's ability to drive the story and competence, the film disrupts conventional gender hierarchies. However, its impact on representing multiple aspects of identity is limited due to the homogeneous cast and a focus on localized, interpersonal stories. Consequently, while the film provides a nuanced look at human connection, it remains within conventional demographic boundaries.

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Category Breakdown

Does Furlough have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film focuses on emotional connections rather than specifically addressing LGBTQ+ identities. It presents a non-judgmental view of relationships but does not feature prominent LGBTQ+ character arcs.

How does Furlough portray gender?

Good

The movie centers on female perspectives and challenges traditional gender roles. It highlights the intellectual and emotional strength of the female characters, emphasizing their ability to act.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Furlough?

Limited

The cast is mainly composed of white actors, reflecting a particular urban, middle-class setting. The film does not use diverse casting to challenge historical demographic norms.

How does Furlough represent religion and culture?

Fair

The storyline emphasizes personal experiences and circumstances over religious doctrine. It portrays the inmate's journey through systemic factors rather than purely criminal behavior.

Does Furlough include disability representation?

Minimal

The film touches on caregiving and the fragility of life but does not portray characters with disabilities in a way that highlights their specific ability to act.

Present on Screen

Challenges traditional gender hierarchies by emphasizing women's ability to drive the story and competence.
Disrupts carceral power dynamics through a focus on individual ability to act and emotional negotiation.
Offers a nuanced, non-judgmental exploration of human connection and modern relationships.

Limited or Absent

Lacks racial and ethnic diversity, sticking to conventional demographic distributions.
Does not include prominent LGBTQ+ character arcs or explicit non-cisgender identities.
Does not directly critique Western institutions or systemic capitalism.

Official Synopsis

In between caring for her mother, a young woman works part time at a prison. The rookie guard gets a chance to prove her mettle when she's tasked with accompanying a hell-raising inmate on an emergency furlough to visit her dying mother. But things soon spiral out of control, sending the pair on a hilarious, surprising, and ultimately touching road trip.

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