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The Infidel

Name: The Infidel
Director: Josh Appignanesi
Released: 2010
Duration: 105 min

Representation Score

4.3/10

Fair

2010

TV-PG

Director

Josh Appignanesi

Runtime

105 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The Infidel excels in its satirical exploration of identity, especially through its nuanced portrayal of racial and cultural the way different parts of someone's identity overlap. By blending Muslim and Jewish heritages, the film challenges simplistic views of heritage and religion. However, the film remains tied to traditional gender hierarchies and lacks any substantial representation of LGBTQ+ identities. It focuses on a strictly straight-centered family framework. Overall, the film's strength lies in its ability to deconstruct religious and ethnic boundaries, even though it does not challenge traditional gender or sexual orientation norms.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Infidel have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film follows a traditional structure centered around heterosexual relationships and family ties, without delving into non-binary gender identities.

How does The Infidel portray gender?

Fair

The narrative emphasizes male authority within a patriarchal religious context. Women are shown in traditional domestic roles, reinforcing gender norms.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Infidel?

Excellent

The film features a diverse cast representing a multicultural British society. The protagonist's Jewish heritage adds layers to the cultural narrative, promoting a deeper understanding of intersecting identities.

How does The Infidel represent religion and culture?

Good

The story satirizes religious extremism and the tension between secular and religious viewpoints. It portrays religious adherence through situational ethics rather than rigid doctrines.

Does The Infidel include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no prominent portrayals of visible or invisible disabilities that play key roles in the plot or character development.

Present on Screen

Offers a sophisticated look at racial and cultural the way different parts of someone's identity overlap.
Uses satire effectively to critique religious extremism and dogma.
Challenges monolithic cultural identities through a multicultural perspective.

Limited or Absent

Lacks representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth narratives.
Depicts women in traditional roles, reinforcing gender norms.
Does not include significant portrayals of disability in character arcs.

Official Synopsis

Based in a London suburb Mahmud Nasir lives with his wife, Saamiya, and two children, Rashid and Nabi. His son plans to marry Uzma, the step-daughter of Egyptian-born Arshad Al-Masri, a so-called 'Hate Cleric' from Waziristan, Pakistan. Mahmud, who is not exactly a devout Muslim, he drinks alcohol, and does not pray five times, but does agree that he will appease Arshad, without whose approval the marriage cannot take place. Shortly thereafter Mahmud, while going over his recently deceased mother's documents, will find out that he was adopted, his birth parents were Jewish, and his name is actually Solly Shimshillewitz.

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