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The Changeover

Name: The Changeover
Director: Stuart McKenzie, Miranda Harcourt
Released: 2017
Duration: 95 min

Representation Score

3.0/10

Limited

2017

Not Rated

Director

Stuart McKenzie, Miranda Harcourt

Runtime

95 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The film successfully challenges traditional hero clichés by focusing on a teenage girl's ability to act and intelligence. Laura's supernatural abilities become the primary mechanism for her family's survival, shifting away from conventional gender hierarchies. However, the film lacks depth in representing multiple aspects of identity. The focus remains tightly centered within a traditional family structure, limiting broader social representation. The absence of LGBTQ+ and disability representation narrows the story's scope. While the setting provides a localized New Zealand identity, the cast lacks racial diversity. The film operates more as a specific coming-of-age tale than a vehicle for broader social critique.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Changeover have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or stories that challenge the assumption that everyone is straight or cisgender. The story centers around the relationship between a sister and her brother.

How does The Changeover portray gender?

Good

Laura is a strong female character who drives the plot through her own actions and decisions. She uses her spiritual strength to solve problems that adults can't handle.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Changeover?

Limited

The cast is mainly of Western descent, reflecting a specific working-class Christchurch setting. There is no evidence of diverse casting or the use of non-human species to represent racial differences.

How does The Changeover represent religion and culture?

Fair

The narrative explores grief and economic struggles within a partially destroyed city. It emphasizes personal supernatural beliefs rather than relying on established religious institutions.

Does The Changeover include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no evidence of characters with visible or invisible disabilities. Neurodivergence and chronic illnesses are not part of the story.

Present on Screen

The film empowers a young female lead, giving her primary role and spiritual strength.
It challenges traditional gender hierarchies by emphasizing female intellect as the central tool for survival.
The setting provides a localized, atmospheric sense of place within a specific New Zealand context.

Limited or Absent

The narrative lacks representation for LGBTQ+ identities and non-traditional gender expressions.
There is a notable absence of characters with disabilities or neurodivergent traits.
The cast lacks racial and ethnic diversity, focusing almost exclusively on Western characters.

Official Synopsis

Laura Chant, 16, lives with her mother and four-year-old brother Jacko in a poor new suburb on the edge of a partially demolished Christchurch, New Zealand. Laura is drawn into a supernatural battle with an ancient spirit who attacks Jacko and slowly drains the life out of him as the spirit becomes ever younger. Laura discovers her true identity and the supernatural ability within her, and must harness it to save her brother's life.

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