You are here:

Next to Me

Name: Next to Me
Director: Stevan Filipović
Released: 2015
Duration: 95 min

Representation Score

6.2/10

Good

2015

Director

Stevan Filipović

Runtime

95 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Next to Me is a sophisticated work of social realism that uses a school setting to dissect systemic issues. It excels at challenging traditional Balkan norms, particularly through its progressive handling of queer identities and the critique of rigid masculinity. The film's strength lies in its thematic commitment to identity politics and the friction between the individual and society. It goes beyond simple inclusion to offer a genuine critique of the structures that enforce homophobia and social conformity. However, the film remains localized in its ethnic representation, reflecting the homogeneous landscape of its Belgrade setting. While this aligns with the specific cultural context, it limits the scope of racial and ethnic intersectionality.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Next to Me have LGBTQ+ representation?

Excellent

The film challenges the assumption that everyone is straight or cisgender by focusing on the struggles of queer youth against societal stigma. It portrays their fight as a confrontation with external pressures rather than personal shortcomings.

How does Next to Me portray gender?

Good

The narrative explores the tension between performative masculinity and the pressures faced by young men. It upends traditional power dynamics by placing a female educator in charge of rebellious male students.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Next to Me?

Fair

Set in Belgrade, the film reflects a relatively homogeneous ethnic landscape. It focuses on social stratification within the region rather than the intersection of multiple ethnicities or races.

How does Next to Me represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The film critiques traditional institutions and social structures through the lens of youth rebellion. It emphasizes individual identity over the maintenance of traditionalist or institutional stability.

Does Next to Me include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no significant depiction of visible or invisible disabilities within the film.

Present on Screen

Offers a significant and influential disruption of the assumption that everyone is straight or cisgender.
Effectively challenges traditional masculinity and the pressures of aggressive social archetypes.
Uses a microcosm of a school to critique broader systemic and institutional failures.

Limited or Absent

Lacks ethnic and racial diversity, reflecting a more homogeneous regional landscape.
Provides no visible or significant representation of individuals with disabilities.

Official Synopsis

After being attacked by a group of masked hooligans, Olja discovers that some of her students were responsible. She decides to teach them a lesson by locking them in the school building and confronts them.

How are these scores produced? →