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High Expectations

Name: High Expectations
Director: Pedro Antônio, Alvaro Campos
Released: 2017
Duration: 90 min

Representation Score

7.7/10

Good

2017

Director

Pedro Antônio, Alvaro Campos

Runtime

90 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

High Expectations grounds its comedy in realistic social dynamics. By focusing on Lena's economic struggles and her role as a caregiver, the film challenges typical gender clichés. The inclusion of a character with a physical disability adds a layer of lived experience to the protagonist's motivations. However, the film stays within traditional boundaries regarding romantic and sexual identity. The central plot follows a standard courtship, and there is no explicit LGBTQ+ representation. Overall, the film's strength lies in its localized perspective. It opts for a nuanced look at domestic duty and the socioeconomic realities of Rio de Janeiro over polished, high-budget aesthetics.

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Category Breakdown

Does High Expectations have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film focuses on a traditional romance between Décio and Lena. There are no explicit LGBTQ+ characters or relationships that challenge straight or cisgender norms.

How does High Expectations portray gender?

Fair

Lena is a key character defined by her economic responsibilities and caregiving duties. The film avoids clichés by showing her struggles as systemic and financial rather than purely romantic.

How racially and ethnically diverse is High Expectations?

Good

Set in Rio de Janeiro, the film addresses Brazilian social inequalities. It highlights local socioeconomic issues, offering a perspective that diverges from Western prosperity narratives.

How does High Expectations represent religion and culture?

Fair

The story delves into economic instability and the weight of family obligations. It presents a realistic depiction of working-class life in Rio de Janeiro, avoiding idealized portrayals.

Does High Expectations include disability representation?

Good

Lena’s brother, who uses a wheelchair, is shown as a regular part of the protagonist's daily life. His disability is portrayed as a functional aspect of life rather than just a plot device.

Present on Screen

Challenges gender clichés by giving the female lead significant economic and familial influence.
Presents disability as a functional, realistic part of the character's daily life.
Offers a localized, non-Western perspective on socioeconomic struggles in Brazil.

Limited or Absent

Lacks explicit LGBTQ+ representation or non-traditional relationship arcs.
Relies on a conventional romantic framework for its central plot tension.

Official Synopsis

Décio is a winning horse trainer who works at the Rio de Janeiro’s Jockey Club, where Lena runs an indebted coffee shop that she inherited. Worried about her financial situation and having to take care of her younger brother who is in a wheelchair, Lena never smiles. In love, Décio must overcome his shyness to get close to her, especially with him being only 1.20m tall. He will do anything to get Lena's attention, including becoming a comedian, just so he can see Lena smile.

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