You are here:

The Adopted

Name: The Adopted
Director: Mélanie Laurent
Released: 2011
Duration: 100 min

Representation Score

4.5/10

Fair

2011

Director

Mélanie Laurent

Runtime

100 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

The film excels as a character study that challenges traditional gender dynamics by focusing on the female experience. It explores non-traditional relationships and de-centers masculinity, offering a sophisticated look at interpersonal connections. However, the work lacks significant racial diversity, presenting a mostly homogeneous European setting. LGBTQ+ themes are primarily implied rather than explicitly stated, and the plot eventually shifts towards a more conventional romantic conflict involving a male character. Overall, the film is a nuanced exploration of human vulnerability, balancing unconventional domesticity with a lack of diverse demographic representation.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does The Adopted have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film focuses on two women living together. Their non-straight relationship is hinted at indirectly, but the introduction of a male love interest shifts the story towards traditional conflict.

How does The Adopted portray gender?

Good

The story emphasizes the emotional and intellectual roles of women. Masculinity is presented as an external force disrupting a stable environment, shifting away from the usual male perspective.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Adopted?

Limited

The film features a predominantly white European cast and setting. There is no indication of multicultural casts or non-white protagonists.

How does The Adopted represent religion and culture?

Fair

The movie favors personal authenticity and unconventional families over traditional religious norms. It highlights subjective morality and secular values.

Does The Adopted include disability representation?

Minimal

The film does not prominently feature characters with physical or neurodivergent disabilities. A plot twist involving an accident hints at disability, but its representation is unclear.

Present on Screen

Strong female-centric narrative that prioritizes women's roles and emotional experiences.
Exploration of non-traditional domestic relationships and companionship.
Secular, character-focused approach that avoids rigid genre formulas.

Limited or Absent

Lack of racial and ethnic diversity among the cast and setting.
LGBTQ+ themes are mostly implied rather than explicitly defined.
No prominent depiction of physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Official Synopsis

Lisa and Marine live a life of relative companionship together, where the only man permitted into the equation is Lisa’s young son, Leo. However, their simple existence is thrown into disarray when Marie meets and falls in love with Alex, a customer at her bookshop. Lisa is left feeling excluded, and tension develop. But soon an unexpected accident forces all of those involved to reassess the situation and adopt a different position in each other’s lives.

How are these scores produced? →