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Lying to Be Perfect

Name: Lying to Be Perfect
Director: Gary Harvey
Released: 2010
Duration: 89 min

Representation Score

3.6/10

Limited

2010

TV-PG

Director

Gary Harvey

Runtime

89 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Lying to Be Perfect is a conventional character-driven comedy that emphasizes personal identity shifts within traditional social frameworks. While it offers female protagonists ability to act to navigate their crises, the narrative remains tied to established social norms. The film's strengths lie in its portrayal of an unassuming, imperfect protagonist and her friends navigating personal changes. This provides a more realistic look at women's ability to drive the story and friendship. However, the movie struggles with a lack of diverse representation, relying on traditional beauty standards and physical transformation to drive the narrative arc.

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Category Breakdown

Does Lying to Be Perfect have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The story focuses on friendships and social dynamics where everyone is assumed to be straight. There are no characters with openly LGBTQ+ identities or discussions about queer experiences.

How does Lying to Be Perfect portray gender?

Fair

The film features a protagonist who is not traditionally beautiful. However, the plot relies on her physical transformation to fit into a 'Cinderella Pact,' reinforcing traditional beauty standards.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Lying to Be Perfect?

Limited

The narrative does not provide specific information about the racial makeup of the cast. While the name Belinda Apple might suggest a particular identity, there is no clear evidence of diverse racial backgrounds.

How does Lying to Be Perfect represent religion and culture?

Fair

The story follows a typical Western storyline focused on personal growth. It does not challenge traditional family values or depict social institutions as oppressive.

Does Lying to Be Perfect include disability representation?

Minimal

The film does not include characters with visible or invisible disabilities. There is no representation of neurodivergence or chronic health conditions.

Present on Screen

Presents a protagonist who is not initially polished or perfect, offering a more grounded look at women's ability to drive the story.
Focuses on a group of friends navigating personal changes and relationships.

Limited or Absent

Relies heavily on traditional beauty standards and physical transformation to drive the narrative.
Does not include diverse racial or LGBTQ+ identities.
Operates within conventional social structures without challenging systemic hierarchies or cultural norms.

Official Synopsis

Nola Devlin is an unassuming, frumpy magazine editor who is overlooked and teased by her coworkers. Though, when she is behind the glow and anonymity of her computer screen, she becomes the famous advice columnist Belinda Apple. Nola’s friends, tired of being overworked and overweight, band together to create the Cinderella Pact, vowing to lose pounds by following the advice of Belinda Apple. When her secret identity is threatened, Nola is forced to take her own alter ego’s advice. But, as the group of friends drops dress sizes, their real issues are exposed, and better-than-expected life changes begin to blossom.

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