You are here:

Flower

Name: Flower
Director: Max Winkler
Released: 2017
Duration: 94 min

Representation Score

7.8/10

Good

2017

Director

Max Winkler

Runtime

94 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Flower focuses on the disruption of a domestic unit through the lens of adolescent rebellion. The film excels in depicting a proactive female lead and exploring the tensions in blended, non-traditional families. However, it lacks explicit LGBTQ+ representation or specific ethnic identifiers. While the setting suggests diversity, the character descriptions emphasize psychological and social upheaval over multi-layered identity. The film successfully challenges conventional social hierarchies and institutional authority, though it remains somewhat narrow in its demographic focus.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Flower have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The story revolves around a single mother and her new partner, but there is no explicit mention of LGBTQ+ identities or non-straight relationships.

How does Flower portray gender?

Good

Erica Vandross is portrayed as a strong, rebellious protagonist who drives the plot through her intelligence and actions. This portrayal challenges the stereotype of passive teenage girls by emphasizing her active role in the story.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Flower?

Fair

Although the San Fernando Valley setting hints at a diverse community, the specific racial backgrounds of the characters are not detailed. The focus is on socioeconomic and family dynamics.

How does Flower represent religion and culture?

Good

The film examines moral relativism by questioning traditional authority and institutional respect. It highlights complex, realistic domestic situations rather than idealized family structures.

Does Flower include disability representation?

Fair

The character Luke brings themes of mental health and recovery into the story. His journey back from rehabilitation adds depth to the central domestic drama.

Present on Screen

Highlights a strong, intelligent female protagonist who drives the narrative.
Examines complex, non-traditional family structures and the tensions within blended households.
Challenges institutional authority and traditional social hierarchies through rebellious themes.

Limited or Absent

Lacks explicit depiction of LGBTQ+ identities or non-straight relationships.
Does not specify the racial or ethnic backgrounds of the main characters.
Mental health themes are present but their depth of impact is not fully explored.

Official Synopsis

Rebellious, quick-witted Erica Vandross is a 17-year-old firecracker living with her single mom, Laurie, and her mom's new boyfriend, Bob, in L.A.'s San Fernando Valley. When Bob's mentally unbalanced son, Luke, arrives from rehab to live with the family, Erica finds her domestic and personal life overwhelmed. With Luke and her sidekicks Kala and Claudine in tow, Erica acts out by exposing a high school teacher's dark secret.

How are these scores produced? →