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Growing Up Smith

Name: Growing Up Smith
Director: Frank Lotito
Released: 2017
Duration: 102 min

Representation Score

3.8/10

Limited

2017

PG-13

Director

Frank Lotito

Runtime

102 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Growing Up Smith offers a nuanced look at the immigrant experience, particularly through the lens of an Indian family navigating 1979 America. Its primary strength lies in using a child's perspective to explore the tension between inherited heritage and social assimilation. However, the film's scope is narrow in terms of identity. It lacks representation for LGBTQ+ individuals and those with disabilities, and the gender dynamics are heavily centered on traditional masculine roles. Ultimately, while the film successfully disrupts the typical Western protagonist mold, it remains a specialized character study rather than a broad exploration of diverse identities.

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Category Breakdown

Does Growing Up Smith have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any visible LGBTQ+ characters or non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth identities. The story focuses solely on heterosexual and cisgender adolescents and their development.

How does Growing Up Smith portray gender?

Fair

The story revolves around a male protagonist's journey towards traditional masculine roles. There is little indication of female character's ability to drive the story or diverse gender roles within the family.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Growing Up Smith?

Excellent

The film places an Indian immigrant family at its center, offering a actively leading representation. It challenges traditional Western-centric narratives by highlighting non-Anglo-Saxon experiences.

How does Growing Up Smith represent religion and culture?

Good

The plot delves into the tension between immigrant values and the American Dream. It highlights the pressures of assimilation and the potential loss of cultural heritage.

Does Growing Up Smith include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no information about the depiction of physical or neurodivergent disabilities in this narrative.

Present on Screen

Centers an Indian immigrant family as the main narrative force.
Explores the complex psychological tensions of cultural assimilation.
Critiques the 'American Dream' through a non-Western lens.

Limited or Absent

Lacks any representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth characters.
Does not engage with disability or neurodivergent representation.
Focuses heavily on masculine social structures with limited women's ability to drive the story.

Official Synopsis

In 1979, an Indian family moves to America with hopes of living the American Dream. While their 10-year-old boy Smith falls head-over-heels for the girl next door, his desire to become a "good old boy" propels him further away from his family's ideals than ever before.

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