You are here:

Darlin'

Name: Darlin'
Director: Pollyanna McIntosh
Released: 2019
Duration: 101 min

Representation Score

6.7/10

Good

2019

Director

Pollyanna McIntosh

Runtime

101 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Darlin’ stands out by subverting traditional gender roles and critiquing the morality of established religious authority. By placing a feral protagonist against a restrictive Catholic institution, the film dismantles conventional social structures. However, the film’s narrow focus limits the inclusion of diverse racial and LGBTQ+ identities, resulting in a homogeneous cast lacking multi-layered depth. Ultimately, Darlin’ prioritizes primal survivalism over broader social representation, making its progressive impact through character empowerment and institutional critique.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Darlin' have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or non-straight relationships. The narrative focuses solely on survival, leaving no room for LGBTQ+ themes or identity arcs.

How does Darlin' portray gender?

Good

Darlin’ presents a strong, independent female survivor instead of a traditional damsel in distress. The presence of 'The Woman' adds a unique and powerful feminine dynamic that challenges conventional gender roles.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Darlin'?

Limited

The post-apocalyptic setting and limited cast result in a lack of visible racial diversity. The focus on a homogeneous group means there is no significant multi-layered racial depth.

How does Darlin' represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The film critiques Western institutions by showing organized religion as a tool of systemic oppression. It questions traditional concepts of sin and goodness through a lens of primal survival.

Does Darlin' include disability representation?

Fair

Darlin’ portrays a feral protagonist that may exhibit traits associated with neurodivergence. However, this is presented more as a survival mechanism rather than a detailed exploration of disability.

Present on Screen

Challenges the 'damsel in distress' cliché with a highly capable and autonomous female protagonist.
Provides a strong critique of organized religion as a tool for forced conformity and systemic oppression.
Introduces a unique feminine power dynamic through the presence of 'The Woman'.

Limited or Absent

Lacks visible racial and ethnic diversity due to the small, homogeneous cast.
Does not include any representation or subtext for LGBTQ+ identities.
Presents social non-conformity as a survival trait rather than a nuanced exploration of disability.

Official Synopsis

Found at a Catholic hospital filthy and ferocious, feral teenager Darlin’ is whisked off to a care home run by The Bishop and his obedient nuns, where she’s to be rehabilitated into a "good girl" as an example of the miraculous work of the church. But Darlin’ holds a secret darker than the "sins" she is threatened with, and she is not traveling alone. The Woman who raised her, equally fierce and feral, is ever present in the shadows of Darlin’s psyche and is determined to come for her no matter who tries to get in her way.

How are these scores produced? →