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I Used to Be Normal: A Boyband Fangirl Story

Name: I Used to Be Normal: A Boyband Fangirl Story
Director: Jessica Leski
Released: 2018
Duration: 92 min

Representation Score

5.7/10

Fair

2018

TV-14

Director

Jessica Leski

Runtime

92 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

This documentary examines how pop culture influences personal identity by focusing on four women and their connection to iconic boybands. It elevates female-centric experiences that are often sidelined in mainstream discussions. The narrative shifts away from a singular historical perspective to highlight individual, personal truths. While the film successfully validates women’s emotional intelligence, it lacks specific details about racial backgrounds or explicit LGBTQ+ representation, resulting in a moderate diversity profile centered around gendered perspectives.

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Category Breakdown

Does I Used to Be Normal: A Boyband Fangirl Story have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film includes personal testimonies that may explore queer identity, but it does not show any same-sex intimacy or gender non-conformity.

How does I Used to Be Normal: A Boyband Fangirl Story portray gender?

Good

The documentary highlights the emotional lives and roles of women, validating their experiences in fan culture as a positive influence rather than a marginal one.

How racially and ethnically diverse is I Used to Be Normal: A Boyband Fangirl Story?

Fair

Four women from diverse backgrounds are featured, though their specific ethnicities are not detailed. The aim is to represent a wide range of female experiences.

How does I Used to Be Normal: A Boyband Fangirl Story represent religion and culture?

Good

The film emphasizes lived experiences over traditional norms, using fandom as a means of self-discovery to challenge strict definitions of normalcy.

Does I Used to Be Normal: A Boyband Fangirl Story include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no indication of physical or neurodivergent disabilities being depicted in the documentary.

Present on Screen

Highlights the emotional lives and intellectual ability to act of women.
Validates fan culture as a transformative and positive force.
Challenges traditional social standards of normalcy through personal stories.

Limited or Absent

Could include more explicit LGBTQ+ characters and non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth identities.
Should provide more specific details about the racial and ethnic backgrounds of the subjects.
Needs to address disability representation and neurodivergent experiences.

Official Synopsis

The surprising coming of age story of four diverse women who have had their lives dramatically changed by their love of a boyband - Backstreet Boys, One Direction, Take That and The Beatles.

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