You are here:

Being AP

Being AP

Representation Score

6.4/10

Good

2015

PG-13

Director

Anthony Wonke

Runtime

98 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Being AP succeeds as a deconstruction of the invincible athlete myth. By prioritizing vulnerability over pure triumph, it offers a more humanized portrait of professional excellence and its systemic costs. However, the film lacks broad demographic diversity. Its focus remains narrow, reflecting the specific, homogeneous environment of the British racing industry during this period. Ultimately, the film's strength lies in its psychological depth, trading traditional sports spectacle for a nuanced study of physical and mental endurance.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Being AP have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film centers on AP McCoy's personal journey and career. Though it doesn't feature explicit LGBTQ+ character arcs, it provides a neutral space for exploring non-traditional masculine expressions through its focus on internal emotional landscapes.

How does Being AP portray gender?

Fair

Set in the predominantly masculine world of horse racing, the film steers clear of typical heroic archetypes. It complicates traditional stoicism by highlighting the protagonist's physical fragility and emotional complexity.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Being AP?

Limited

The film reflects the demographic homogeneity of the British horse racing circuit. There is no indication of significant racial blending or diverse casting within the primary subject matter.

How does Being AP represent religion and culture?

Good

The narrative avoids glorifying sport as mere triumph. Instead, it delves into the psychological cost of sacrifice and the burden of navigating one's limits within a demanding professional system.

Does Being AP include disability representation?

Good

The documentary addresses chronic physical injuries and pain management with dignity. It avoids 'inspiration porn' by focusing on the subject's ability to act and the reality of his physical limitations.

Present on Screen

  • Challenges monolithic sports hero clichés by emphasizing vulnerability.
  • Provides a dignified, non-exploitative look at chronic physical injury.
  • Offers a nuanced psychological study of professional sacrifice.

Limited or Absent

  • Lacks significant racial and ethnic diversity within the narrative.
  • Operates within a traditionally masculine-dominated professional sphere.
  • Provides limited representation of diverse LGBTQ+ identities or arcs.

Official Synopsis

Undoubtedly one of Britain's greatest ever sportsmen, the story of AP McCoy's final season is a fascinating mix of sacrifice, doubt, decisions, triumphs and failures, injury and ultimately, finding a way to leave the stage. With unprecedented access to a top athlete, the film tracks all the elements that make up McCoy's life.

How are these scores produced? →

Where to Watch

Rate this Movie

No rating selected
Use arrow keys to select a rating from 1 to 5 stars
Optional text review, maximum 2000 characters
Tip: Wrap spoilers with ||double pipes|| to hide them
0/2000 characters
You must be signed in to submit a rating

Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to share your thoughts on this movie!

Use the rating form above to leave a star rating and optional review.