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Babyteeth

Babyteeth

Representation Score

8.6/10

Excellent

2020

MA-17

Director

Shannon Murphy

Runtime

118 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Babyteeth is a compelling subversion of the coming-of-age genre, using a terminal diagnosis to fuel character's ability to drive the story rather than pity. By centering a protagonist who rebels against social and familial expectations, the film successfully deconstructs traditional cinematic clichés regarding female fragility and morality. While the film excels in its nuanced handling of disability and gender autonomy, it remains limited by a homogeneous social environment. Ultimately, the film's strength lies in its moral relativism. It challenges the viewer to see the 'outlaw' and the 'patient' through a lens of complex, individual truth rather than societal norms.

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Category Breakdown

Does Babyteeth have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film explores non-traditional relationship dynamics that move away from conventional social expectations regarding intimacy. While specific LGBTQ identities do not drive the plot, the narrative deviates from standard heterosexual storylines.

How does Babyteeth portray gender?

Good

The female protagonist disrupts traditional hierarchies by maintaining a significant role in driving the story despite her terminal diagnosis. Her arc prioritizes personal autonomy over the stereotypical roles of a submissive daughter or a fragile patient.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Babyteeth?

Fair

The film focuses on a relatively homogeneous social setting. It avoids overt racial stereotypes but lacks the multi-layered casting or diverse ensemble necessary for a higher score.

How does Babyteeth represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The story excels in critiquing Western institutions by framing the 'outlaw' figure with sympathetic complexity. It prioritizes individual truth and subjective experience over established social morality and traditional family structures.

Does Babyteeth include disability representation?

Good

The portrayal of terminal illness avoids 'inspiration porn' by treating the condition as a catalyst for radical life choices. The narrative focuses on the psychological autonomy of the individual facing mortality.

Present on Screen

  • Subverts gender stereotypes by granting the female protagonist significant narrative ability to act and autonomy.
  • Provides a nuanced, non-pitying portrayal of terminal illness that avoids common clichés.
  • Challenges traditional social morality by framing rebellion and unconventional relationships with complexity.

Limited or Absent

  • Lacks multi-layered casting and a diverse ensemble to improve racial and ethnic representation.
  • The focus on a homogeneous social setting limits the breadth of cultural perspectives shown.

Official Synopsis

A terminally ill teen upsets her parents when she falls in love with a small-time drug dealer.

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