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Manlife

Name: Manlife
Director: Ryan Sarnowski
Released: 2017
Duration: 94 min

Representation Score

1.8/10

Minimal

2017

TV-PG

Director

Ryan Sarnowski

Runtime

94 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Manlife is a sociological study focusing on a specific community rather than a broad demographic survey. It excels in exploring unconventional social structures and the tension between communal ideals and personal connections. However, the film lacks significant representation of LGBTQ+, racial, or disability issues, remaining a focused study of a unique American movement.

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Category Breakdown

Does Manlife have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film highlights a long-term romantic relationship between Merle Hayden and Betty Kasch. However, there are no queer narratives or non-cisgender identities represented in the story.

How does Manlife portray gender?

Fair

Betty provides an important emotional balance to Merle's ideological journey. Although she is not portrayed as passive, the narrative remains focused on the male protagonist.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Manlife?

Minimal

The story centers on a local subculture in rural Wisconsin. There is no indication of a multi-ethnic cast or exploration of racial diversity.

How does Manlife represent religion and culture?

Good

The film examines utopianism and communal living through the Lawsonomy movement. It offers a detailed look at how fringe beliefs challenge mainstream societal norms.

Does Manlife include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no documented portrayal of physical or neurodivergent disabilities within the main narrative.

Present on Screen

Explores utopianism and non-traditional social structures in depth.
Provides a nuanced look at gender dynamics through Betty's role.
Examines the tension between institutional beliefs and personal relationships.

Limited or Absent

Does not include diverse racial, ethnic, or LGBTQ+ representation.
The narrative remains heavily centered on the male protagonist.
Provides no insight into disability or neurodivergent representation.

Official Synopsis

For over 80 years, Merle Hayden has crusaded to recruit members to the utopian movement Lawsonomy. Founded by aircraft pioneer Alfred Lawson, Lawsonomy advocates for economic reform and clean, communal living that transforms followers into a "New Species" that will benefit the human race either in this life or the next. Merle joined Lawson as a teenager and never looked back. His high school sweetheart Betty Kasch, however, is tired of Lawson coming between them. Reunited after over 60 years apart, non-believer Betty wants Merle to join her in Florida. Merle's commitment to preserving Lawson's legacy, artifacts currently rotting in a barn alongside a Wisconsin highway, has Betty worried Merle may leave her for Lawson once again.

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