You are here:

The Crossing

Name: The Crossing
Director: Florence Miailhe
Released: 2021
Duration: 84 min

Representation Score

9.4/10

Excellent

2021

Director

Florence Miailhe

Runtime

84 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

The film is a sophisticated critique of geopolitical hierarchies. By focusing on the lived experiences of displaced people of color, it moves beyond simple inclusion to address systemic Western failures. Its strength lies in framing survival as a result of historical and institutional structures rather than individual shortcomings. The animation style supports a visceral, humanistic exploration of underrepresented lives. While it excels in critiquing racial and cultural issues, it remains neutral regarding explicit LGBTQ+ identities and lacks a focus on permanent physical disabilities.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does The Crossing have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film highlights the supportive relationship between Kyona and Adriel, focusing on their platonic companionship without falling into typical romantic clichés.

How does The Crossing portray gender?

Good

The protagonists share equal roles rather than traditional gender roles. Their journey emphasizes mutual support and emotional openness, challenging the idea of male leadership.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Crossing?

Excellent

The story centers on undocumented migrants from North Africa and the Middle East. It offers a nuanced look at post-colonial issues and border policies through the experiences of characters of color.

How does The Crossing represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The film critiques Western institutions and maritime borders, presenting them as indifferent forces. It frames the migrant crisis as a result of geopolitical failures.

Does The Crossing include disability representation?

Fair

The narrative shows the physical and mental impacts of displacement. Characters face situational disabilities due to trauma and exhaustion, avoiding clichés like inspiration porn in favor of realism.

Present on Screen

Highlights the resilience of North African and Middle Eastern migrants.
Challenges traditional gender hierarchies through mutual support and vulnerability.
Offers a profound critique of post-colonial dynamics and Western border systems.

Limited or Absent

Lacks explicit representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-binary gender expressions.
Does not focus on permanent physical disabilities or diverse neurodivergent experiences.

Official Synopsis

In a small town plunged into darkness, two children, Kyona and Adriel, are separated from their parents and, facing the path of exile alone, embark on a heroic journey that will take them from childhood to adolescence, in search of refuge, peace and the hope of finding their family.

How are these scores produced? →