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Small City

Name: Small City
Director: Adriano Vilanova, Georgie Curran
Released: 2021
Duration: 74 min

Representation Score

5.6/10

Fair

2021

TV-14

Director

Adriano Vilanova, Georgie Curran

Runtime

74 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Small City is a character-driven crime thriller that explores the intersection of underrepresented identities. By pairing a London street hustler with a European drug courier, the film goes beyond typical crime genre clichés to examine survival and systemic pressures. The narrative structure provides a nuanced look at how individuals from different social backgrounds form bonds amid violence. This focus on the margins of society allows for a meaningful exploration of diverse identities and international displacement. However, the film’s portrayal remains somewhat ambiguous. While the setting hints at multiculturalism, the absence of detailed information about gender roles and LGBTQ+ identities prevents a clearer assessment of its inclusiveness.

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Category Breakdown

Does Small City have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film explores an unlikely bond between two characters, which could suggest non-traditional intimacy. However, there is no clear indication of non-straight or non-gender-conforming identities.

How does Small City portray gender?

Fair

The story focuses on a hustler and a drug courier, roles typically associated with masculinity. It's unclear whether the film challenges or reinforces traditional gender roles in criminal narratives.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Small City?

Good

Set in London with a European protagonist, the film highlights diverse ethnic backgrounds and transcends national and racial boundaries.

How does Small City represent religion and culture?

Good

By focusing on characters operating outside legal systems, the film critiques mainstream societal structures and emphasizes the lived experiences of those underrepresented by society.

Does Small City include disability representation?

Minimal

The narrative does not mention any characters dealing with physical, neurological, or mental health conditions.

Present on Screen

The premise offers a meaningful exploration of diverse identities and multicultural urban settings.
Focusing on underrepresented characters allows for a critique of systemic stability and mainstream societal structures.
The unlikely bond between protagonists provides potential for nuanced, character-focused storytelling.

Limited or Absent

The film lacks clear evidence of LGBTQ+ representation or non-straight/gender-conforming identities.
Gender roles are traditionally masculine, possibly reinforcing standard crime genre hierarchies.
There is no visible representation of characters with physical or neurological disabilities.

Official Synopsis

A young street hustler from London and a drugs mule from Europe form an unlikely bond after a violent confrontation with a neighbourhood heavy.

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