You are here:

Pretty Boys

Name: Pretty Boys
Director: Tompi
Released: 2019
Duration: 100 min

Representation Score

5.6/10

Fair

2019

Director

Tompi

Runtime

100 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Pretty Boys offers a localized look at urban aspiration and the pursuit of celebrity within a Southeast Asian context. By centering Indonesian protagonists, the film provides a necessary departure from Western-centric narratives that dominate global cinema. The film explores modern masculinity through the lens of aesthetic appeal and media-driven identity. This focus on the 'pretty boy' archetype suggests a shift toward more performative and urban versions of manhood. However, the narrative lacks depth in representing diverse identities. There is no clear evidence of LGBTQ+ ability to act or the inclusion of characters with disabilities, leaving these dimensions of diversity unaddressed.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Pretty Boys have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film does not include explicit representations of LGBTQ+ identities or same-sex relationships. It focuses on heterosexual relationships and does not explore queer subtext or non-straight identities.

How does Pretty Boys portray gender?

Fair

The story centers on male friendships and the 'pretty boy' archetype. It explores a performative, urban version of masculinity that contrasts with traditional, rugged standards.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Pretty Boys?

Good

As an Indonesian production, the film centers on Southeast Asian demographics. It emphasizes local identities and urban Indonesian experiences, moving away from Western-centric perspectives.

How does Pretty Boys represent religion and culture?

Good

The narrative explores themes of social mobility and the rejection of traditional familial structures. The protagonists prioritize personal success over communal or parental authority.

Does Pretty Boys include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no documented evidence of characters with visible or invisible disabilities in the film.

Present on Screen

Centers Southeast Asian identities and urban Indonesian experiences.
Explores contemporary, performative masculinity through the 'pretty boy' archetype.
Provides a non-Western perspective on social mobility and fame.

Limited or Absent

Lacks explicit representation of LGBTQ+ identities or queer ability to act.
Does not include characters with disabilities.
Does not explicitly challenge broader gender hierarchies.

Official Synopsis

Two best friends since childhood aspire to be famous. They run away from home and try their fortune in Jakarta. One day, when they become the paid audiences for a talk show, the audience coordinator offer them a way to their dreams.

How are these scores produced? →