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Between Us

Name: Between Us
Director: Paola Mendoza, Gloria La Morte
Released: 2009
Duration: 80 min

Representation Score

4.6/10

Fair

2009

Director

Paola Mendoza, Gloria La Morte

Runtime

80 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Between Us is a nuanced exploration of post-colonial displacement and systemic friction. It succeeds by centering the ability to act of Latin American protagonists navigating a landscape designed to exclude them. The film's strength lies in its refusal to rely on traditional Western formulas. Instead, it uses multi-layered identity—where race, legal status, and gender intersect—to create a complex portrait of survival. While the film excels in ethnic and cultural depth, it lacks representation for LGBTQ+ identities and provides no evidence regarding disability.

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Category Breakdown

Does Between Us have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film focuses on the survival and interpersonal connection between a man and a woman. There is no evidence of LGBTQ+ characters or non-cisgender identities.

How does Between Us portray gender?

Good

Mariana disrupts traditional domestic hierarchies by acting as the primary provider and protector. The narrative emphasizes female resilience and intellectual navigation of a hostile environment.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Between Us?

Excellent

The film provides actively leading representation for Colombian natives. Their ethnic identity and legal status serve as the central pillars of the narrative's tension.

How does Between Us represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The story critiques Western institutional structures and systemic barriers. It prioritizes the lived reality of underrepresented communities over idealized narratives of Western capitalism.

Does Between Us include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no specific evidence regarding the portrayal of visible or invisible disabilities as central character traits or plot drivers.

Present on Screen

actively leading representation of Latin American characters navigating socioeconomic hardship.
Sophisticated critique of Western institutional structures and systemic exclusion.
Strong focus on female resilience and the subversion of traditional patriarchal roles.

Limited or Absent

Lack of LGBTQ+ representation or non-cisgender gender identities.
No evidence of characters with visible or invisible disabilities.

Official Synopsis

Abruptly abandoned by her husband in a country completely foreign to her, Colombian native Mariana struggles to take care of herself and her two young children on the unforgiving streets of New York City.

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