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The Ideal

Name: The Ideal
Director: Wes Tomasz Ciesla
Released: 2011
Duration: 96 min

Representation Score

4.2/10

Fair

2011

Director

Wes Tomasz Ciesla

Runtime

96 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The Ideal operates as a mid-range entry that emphasizes genre-driven suspense over the deconstruction of social hierarchies. While the cast suggests ethnic variety, the film lacks the multi-layered character's ability to drive the story necessary for a higher score. The narrative’s strength lies in its thematic potential, offering a subtle critique of institutionalized knowledge and cultural authority by framing history as obscured by traditional education. However, the film remains largely conventional in its character dynamics, lacking explicit depictions of LGBTQ+ identities or disability.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Ideal have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film does not include explicit representations of LGBTQ+ characters or non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth identities. The main focus is on the interactions between Julia, Alexander, and Mr. Zenidro.

How does The Ideal portray gender?

Fair

Julia serves as a central female protagonist, offering a strong foundation for women's ability to drive the story. However, the mentor-student relationship appears traditional and does not clearly challenge gender hierarchies.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Ideal?

Fair

The cast includes a multi-ethnic ensemble with actors like Kanika Jones and Ivan Perez. While diverse, the film does not explicitly explore how these identities intersect with the story.

How does The Ideal represent religion and culture?

Fair

The film examines history through a lens that questions standard textbooks, suggesting a narrative interest in revisiting established Western historical narratives.

Does The Ideal include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no identifiable mention of characters dealing with physical, neurodivergent, or mental health disabilities within the provided information.

Present on Screen

The cast features a multi-ethnic ensemble, including actors like Kanika Jones and Ivan Perez.
The thematic focus on revisionist history offers a potential critique of traditional Western narratives.
The inclusion of a central female protagonist provides a foundation for women's ability to drive the story.

Limited or Absent

The film lacks explicit representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth characters.
There is no evidence of characters navigating physical or neurodivergent disabilities.
The narrative does not clearly show how racial identities intersect with the central plot.

Official Synopsis

It's a high school summer job for Julia and Alexander - the chance to earn money and work with eccentric, charismatic social studies teacher, Mr. Zenidro. But something else awaits them in the empty, yet mysterious school building. As the past and present begin to blur together so do sanity and madness, and Mr. Zenidro draws them into a lesson on history one can't find in books.

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