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Upon Entry

Name: Upon Entry
Director: Alejandro Rojas, Juan Sebastián Vásquez
Released: 2023
Duration: 77 min

Representation Score

9.0/10

Excellent

2023

Director

Alejandro Rojas, Juan Sebastián Vásquez

Runtime

77 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Upon Entry is a focused study of institutional power dynamics. By limiting the setting to a claustrophobic airport inspection room, the film mirrors the psychological confinement of its protagonists. It challenges the traditional 'American Dream' cliché by shifting the focus from aspiration to the dehumanizing reality of state scrutiny. The film centers the perspective of outsiders, using the interrogation process to highlight the conflict between individual ability to act and the monolithic nature of border enforcement. This makes the systemic struggle feel deeply personal. While the film offers a sophisticated critique of Western institutions, it primarily focuses on the immigrant experience of Diego and Elena, exploring how state institutions control identity and movement.

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Category Breakdown

Does Upon Entry have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film does not include any explicit LGBTQ+ characters or themes.

How does Upon Entry portray gender?

Good

Elena and Diego navigate a patriarchal system that strips them of dignity. Their story highlights the emotional and psychological challenges they face.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Upon Entry?

Excellent

The film gives high ability to act to non-Western characters, showing the systemic barriers they face in integrating into society.

How does Upon Entry represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The film critiques Western bureaucratic systems and explores the tension between capitalist/nationalist borders and personal fulfillment.

Does Upon Entry include disability representation?

Fair

The film does not depict any specific physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Present on Screen

Challenges idealized immigrant narratives by focusing on nuanced psychological struggles.
Uses a confined setting to effectively mirror the characters' internal struggles.
Gives high ability to act to non-Western characters facing systemic barriers.

Limited or Absent

Does not include explicit representation of LGBTQ+ identities or neurodivergent perspectives.
Focuses heavily on institutional critique rather than broader social diversity.

Official Synopsis

Diego, a Venezuelan urbanist, and Elena, a contemporary dancer from Barcelona, move to the United States with their approved visas to start a new life. Their intention is to boost their professional careers and start a family in 'the land of opportunities'. But upon entering New York airport's immigration area, they are taken to the secondary inspection room, where border officers will subject them to an unpleasant inspection process and a psychologically grueling interrogation.

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