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Next Gen

Name: Next Gen
Director: Kevin R. Adams, Joe Ksander
Released: 2018
Duration: 105 min

Representation Score

7.8/10

Good

2018

TV-PG

Director

Kevin R. Adams, Joe Ksander

Runtime

105 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Next Gen succeeds in subverting traditional hero archetypes by centering a female protagonist of color within a high-tech, futuristic setting. This choice provides a more inclusive vision of a globalized future and disrupts standard sci-fi clichés. The film's strength lies in its character's ability to drive the story and its critique of technological hegemony. By focusing on Mai's autonomy, the narrative avoids the 'damsel in distress' cliché and offers a more complex view of leadership. However, the film lacks explicit representation regarding LGBTQ+ identities and specific disabilities. While it touches on themes of social alienation, it does not provide direct, identifiable representation for these specific communities.

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Category Breakdown

Does Next Gen have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film does not include explicit LGBTQ+ characters or coding. Emotional connections explored in the film do not specifically address LGBTQ+ identities.

How does Next Gen portray gender?

Good

Mai is a strong female protagonist who drives the plot through her own actions. She avoids traditional passive stereotypes, navigating the technological landscape with significant tactical autonomy.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Next Gen?

Good

By featuring a protagonist of color in a central role, the film diversifies the typical sci-fi mold. This choice challenges the historical tendency to frame futuristic settings through a homogeneous lens.

How does Next Gen represent religion and culture?

Good

The story critiques systemic control and the influence of massive technological corporations. It explores how power and institutional corruption shape a stratified, high-tech urban environment.

Does Next Gen include disability representation?

Fair

There is no explicit representation of physical or neurodivergent disabilities. However, the protagonist's profound social isolation and loneliness may resonate with experiences of social alienation.

Present on Screen

Features a strong, autonomous female protagonist who drives the narrative.
Challenges homogeneous depictions of futuristic sci-fi worlds by centering a protagonist of color.
Provides a thoughtful critique of corporate power and systemic technological control.

Limited or Absent

Lacks explicit representation of LGBTQ+ identities or queer characters.
Does not address physical or neurodivergent disabilities directly.
Does not lean into specific identity politics, remaining somewhat broad in its social commentary.

Official Synopsis

A friendship with a top-secret robot turns a lonely girl's life into a thrilling adventure as they take on bullies, evil bots and a scheming madman.

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