You are here:

The Bélier Family

Name: The Bélier Family
Director: Éric Lartigau
Released: 2014
Duration: 105 min

Representation Score

5.0/10

Fair

2014

Director

Éric Lartigau

Runtime

105 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

The film stands out by centering a non-normative sensory experience, treating deafness as a core part of the family's identity rather than a mere plot device. Characters navigate their world with ability to act, offering a grounded look at communication and systemic challenges. However, the narrative remains within traditional demographic boundaries. The absence of LGBTQ+ representation and the homogeneous racial makeup of the rural setting limit the film's broader diversity profile. Ultimately, the work is a specialized character study. It prioritizes a deep, authentic exploration of a specific physical reality over broader demographic variety.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does The Bélier Family have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters. The main romantic and family relationships follow traditional heterosexual structures.

How does The Bélier Family portray gender?

Fair

Paula asserts her independence against her parents' influence, serving as the primary driver of change. The mother acts as a stabilizing force within the family hierarchy.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Bélier Family?

Fair

This rural French film features a largely homogeneous cast. It focuses on the cultural nuances of provincial life rather than ethnic diversity.

How does The Bélier Family represent religion and culture?

Fair

The story explores the tension between traditional agrarian lifestyles and the modern world of professional music. It examines the conflict between family loyalty and individual passion.

Does The Bélier Family include disability representation?

Excellent

The film centers on the lived experience of deafness as a core identity. It avoids clichés by focusing on the practical challenges of living in a hearing-centric society.

Present on Screen

Exceptional portrayal of deafness as a core identity rather than a tragic condition.
Avoids clichés by focusing on the practical and interpersonal realities of a hearing-centric world.
Strong character's ability to drive the story, especially through the protagonist's pursuit of artistic independence.

Limited or Absent

Lack of LGBTQ+ representation or exploration of non-traditional identities.
Limited racial and ethnic diversity within the cast.
Adherence to traditional social and familial structures.

Official Synopsis

The whole Bélier family is deaf, except for sixteen year old Paula who is the important translator in her parents' day to day life especially when it comes to matters concerning the family farm. When her music teacher discovers she has a fantastic singing voice and she gets an opportunity to enter a big Radio France contest the whole family's future is set up for big changes.

How are these scores produced? →