You are here:

A Plastic Ocean

Name: A Plastic Ocean
Director: Craig Leeson
Released: 2016
Duration: 102 min

Representation Score

4.0/10

Limited

2016

Director

Craig Leeson

Runtime

102 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

A Plastic Ocean succeeds as a globalized environmental critique, moving beyond Western-centric perspectives to show how industrial waste affects the Global South. It effectively connects systemic manufacturing failures to the lived realities of diverse coastal communities. However, the film lacks representation regarding identity-based social categories. It does not address LGBTQ+ identities or disabilities, and its treatment of gender remains strictly neutral and scientific rather than social. Ultimately, the film's diversity is found in its geographic and systemic scope rather than in the personal identities of its subjects.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does A Plastic Ocean have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The documentary focuses solely on marine biology and environmental science. There are no LGBTQ+ characters or stories about non-straight relationships.

How does A Plastic Ocean portray gender?

Fair

The film maintains a neutral stance regarding gender roles. While it features a professional group of scientists, the narrative does not explicitly address gender hierarchies or roles.

How racially and ethnically diverse is A Plastic Ocean?

Good

The production highlights the disproportionate impact of global waste on non-Western populations. By featuring coastal communities in Southeast Asia, it provides a necessary globalized perspective on the environmental crisis.

How does A Plastic Ocean represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The narrative challenges the 'throwaway culture' and industrial cycles of single-use plastic. It prioritizes a secular, scientific worldview that critiques traditional Western industrial practices and consumer convenience.

Does A Plastic Ocean include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no focus on physical or neurodivergent representation within the documentary's scientific or community-based footage.

Present on Screen

Provides a globalized perspective by featuring coastal communities in Southeast Asia.
Challenges Western-centric narratives by highlighting the impact of industrial waste on the Global South.
Offers a strong systemic critique of global manufacturing and consumerist structures.

Limited or Absent

Lacks any representation of LGBTQ+ identities or narratives.
Provides no discernible focus on physical or neurodivergent representation.
Does not explicitly engage with the subversion of gender roles or patriarchal structures.

Official Synopsis

A documentary focused on plastic pollution in the world's oceans.

How are these scores produced? →