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Plum

Name: Plum
Director: Deuandra T. Brown
Released: 2013
Duration: 120 min

Representation Score

8.1/10

Excellent

2013

Director

Deuandra T. Brown

Runtime

120 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Plum is a significant contribution to speculative fiction for its commitment to diverse storytelling. By placing a Black female protagonist at the center of a sci-fi thriller, the film actively challenges the genre's historical tendency toward Anglo-centric perspectives and male-dominated leadership. The film's strength lies in its portrayal of ability to act. Plum is not merely a witness to the UFO encounter but a driving force in the narrative, providing a powerful model of female autonomy. This intentionality elevates the film beyond simple genre clichés. However, the narrative remains narrow in its social scope. The absence of LGBTQ+ representation and disability-centric storylines limits the film's ability to explore a broader spectrum of underrepresented identities, leaving the social landscape feeling somewhat singular.

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Category Breakdown

Does Plum have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film does not include any explicit LGBTQ+ characters or stories focused on queer relationships. The narrative centers on the protagonist's experiences and the sci-fi elements rather than exploring LGBTQ+ identities.

How does Plum portray gender?

Good

The film features a young female protagonist named Plum who takes charge during a global crisis, disrupting traditional gender roles. She is shown as an active leader rather than a passive participant.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Plum?

Excellent

The film stands out by featuring a predominantly Black cast within the sci-fi genre. It offers nuanced depth by centering Black girlhood and challenges the typical Anglo-centric casting clichés.

How does Plum represent religion and culture?

Good

The narrative highlights individual ability to act against systemic forces and external institutions. It presents a secular, identity-driven story that prioritizes personal identity over traditional religious or patriotic frameworks.

Does Plum include disability representation?

Fair

The film does not feature any characters with visible or invisible disabilities. It does not use disability as a plot device or engage with common disability clichés.

Present on Screen

Features a predominantly Black cast, offering strong racial diversity.
Centers a female protagonist with significant influence on the plot.
Subverts traditional sci-fi narratives by focusing on Black girlhood.

Limited or Absent

Does not include explicit LGBTQ+ characters or stories focused on queer identities.
Lacks any representation of characters with visible or invisible disabilities.
Maintains a focus on specific social identities, limiting broader exploration.

Official Synopsis

Six friends go on a road trip to Sin City. On the road trip they have an encounter with a UFO. Plum takes control of the situation, finding herself in the middle of it all with Jack the leader from the other planet. Dr. Hollins, Scientists Tara and Landon all try to save the world.

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