You are here:

Edie & Thea: A Very Long Engagement

Edie & Thea: A Very Long Engagement

Representation Score

6.4/10

Good

2009

Director

Susan Muska, Gréta Olafsdóttir

Runtime

61 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Edie & Thea: A Very Long Engagement is a powerful testament to queer resilience. It moves beyond simple representation to provide a sophisticated look at how identity and political ability to act intersect over a lifetime. The film succeeds by presenting a sustained, joyful partnership that defies common cinematic clichés of tragedy. While the documentary excels in its portrayal of LGBTQ+ and gender autonomy, it lacks significant racial or ethnic diversity. The narrative remains centered on a specific social and political community, which limits its broader multi-ethnic scope. Ultimately, the film serves as a vital counter-narrative to mainstream history. It validates non-traditional domestic structures and celebrates the ability to find joy amidst decades of social and political struggle.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Edie & Thea: A Very Long Engagement have LGBTQ+ representation?

Excellent

The film provides a profound exploration of queer longevity and intimacy by focusing on a lesbian couple over forty-two years. It disrupts tragic clichés with a joyful, resilient partnership.

How does Edie & Thea: A Very Long Engagement portray gender?

Excellent

The narrative challenges traditional hierarchies by centering a partnership between two women. Their autonomy and intellectual vigor defy conventional, patriarchal depictions of femininity.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Edie & Thea: A Very Long Engagement?

Fair

The film focuses on a specific social community rather than a multi-ethnic ensemble. It prioritizes queer identity and activism over explicit racial or ethnic blending.

How does Edie & Thea: A Very Long Engagement represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The documentary challenges Western institutional norms by documenting lives lived on the periphery of mainstream structures. It emphasizes collective social progress and lived morality.

Does Edie & Thea: A Very Long Engagement include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no explicit evidence regarding the portrayal of physical or neurodivergent disabilities within the film.

Present on Screen

  • Provides a profound, joyful exploration of queer longevity and intimacy.
  • Challenges patriarchal structures through autonomous female-centered storytelling.
  • Offers a sophisticated look at the intersection of identity and political ability to act.

Limited or Absent

  • Lacks a multi-ethnic or racially diverse ensemble within the narrative.
  • Focuses on a specific social community rather than broader racial representation.

Official Synopsis

After 42 years, feisty and delightful lesbian couple Edie and Thea are finally getting married. From the early 1960s to the present day, the tireless community activists persevere through many battles, both personal and political. As Edie says, "we just went on with this talent we have for wrestling joy from the shit". Susan Muska and Greta Olafsdottir return with a love story of two remarkable women whose commitment to each other is an inspiration to us all.

How are these scores produced? →

Where to Watch

Rate this Movie

No rating selected
Use arrow keys to select a rating from 1 to 5 stars
Optional text review, maximum 2000 characters
Tip: Wrap spoilers with ||double pipes|| to hide them
0/2000 characters
You must be signed in to submit a rating

Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to share your thoughts on this movie!

Use the rating form above to leave a star rating and optional review.