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There Is a Light

Name: There Is a Light
Director: Fabio Mollo
Released: 2017
Duration: 93 min

Representation Score

5.9/10

Fair

2017

Director

Fabio Mollo

Runtime

93 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

There Is a Light succeeds by centering its narrative on characters living on the periphery of traditional social and economic norms. The film's strength lies in its meaningful integration of queer identity and its refusal to rely on conventional romantic or familial clichés. By focusing on Mia’s struggle with homelessness and the protagonists' journey through non-traditional social structures, the film offers a nuanced look at modern identity. It effectively uses setting and character's ability to drive the story to disrupt standard cinematic expectations. However, the film lacks significant racial or ethnic diversity, focusing instead on a localized Italian context. Additionally, there is no representation of disability or neurodivergence to round out its social commentary.

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Category Breakdown

Does There Is a Light have LGBTQ+ representation?

Excellent

The film uses queer spaces as a vital narrative catalyst rather than a mere backdrop. By centering a chance encounter in a gay club, it explores the complexities of non-straight social environments.

How does There Is a Light portray gender?

Good

Mia is portrayed as an independent woman navigating socioeconomic instability and significant life transitions. The narrative avoids submissive clichés, focusing instead on her personal ability to act and independence.

How racially and ethnically diverse is There Is a Light?

Fair

The story focuses on a localized Italian social fabric with little evidence of multi-layered diversity. While it lacks a diverse ethnic cast, it highlights diversity through socioeconomic class.

How does There Is a Light represent religion and culture?

Good

The film critiques traditional Western institutions and familial models through its characters' precarious lifestyles. It prioritizes personal truth and situational ethics over rigid, institutionalized social structures.

Does There Is a Light include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no documented evidence regarding the portrayal of visible or invisible disabilities or neurodivergence within the film.

Present on Screen

Meaningful integration of queer spaces as a foundational narrative element.
Strong portrayal of female autonomy and independence amidst socioeconomic instability.
Effective critique of traditional social safety nets and institutionalized family models.

Limited or Absent

Lack of racial and ethnic diversity within the primary cast.
Absence of representation regarding visible or invisible disabilities.
Limited focus on diverse cultural backgrounds beyond a localized Italian context.

Official Synopsis

Paolo is a sceptical 30-year-old who works unwillingly as a sales clerk in a Turin department store. Mia is a back-up singer in a band and lives her life haphazardly, which leads her to being practically homeless. One night, they bump into each other by chance, in a gay club in Turin. It will be the beginning of an emotional adventure and a journey across the country looking for the father of Mia’s baby.

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