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Levitating

Levitating

2026

Director

Wregas Bhanuteja

Runtime

119 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

Synopsis

In a town where pleasure equals being possessed by spiritual beings, Bayu aspires to be the shaman of a trance party so he can fundraise enough money to prevent an impending eviction.

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Diversity & Representation

Overall Score

6.9/10

Good


Category Breakdown

LGBTQ+ Representation

Fair

The narrative focuses on spiritual possession and economic survival. There is no explicit depiction of non-cisnormative identities or same-sex intimacy in the current synopsis.

Gender Representation

Fair

While the story centers on Bayu, prominent female leads like Maudy Ayunda and Anggun suggest a multi-faceted landscape. Spiritual agency in trance contexts may subvert traditional gender roles.

Racial & Ethnic Diversity

Excellent

As an international co-production involving Indonesia, Singapore, and France, the film provides significant Southeast Asian representation. The regional ensemble offers high ethnic agency and cultural specificity.

Religious & Cultural Diversity

Excellent

The film prioritizes spiritual truths over capitalist logic by centering shamanic trance and village life. This approach critiques modern suburban displacement and conventional social sobriety.

Disability Representation

Minimal

There is no specific information regarding the portrayal of physical or neurodivergent disabilities. Possession could serve as a metaphor, but no evidence is present.

Strengths

  • Strong Southeast Asian representation through an international co-production involving Indonesia, Singapore, and France.
  • Deep cultural specificity that centers indigenous shamanic practices and traditional village life.
  • A narrative structure that challenges Western-centric capitalist norms by prioritizing spiritual agency.

Areas for Improvement

  • Lack of explicit information regarding LGBTQ+ identities or non-cisnormative characters.
  • Insufficient evidence regarding the representation of physical or neurodivergent disabilities.
  • Unclear depiction of specific gendered power dynamics within the character landscape.

AI Analysis

Levitating stands out as a culturally specific drama that centers Southeast Asian spiritual practices within a global cinematic framework. By framing the protagonist's struggle through shamanism and trance, the film challenges Western-centric narrative norms and capitalist logic. The production benefits from its international co-production status, ensuring a diverse regional ensemble. However, the film's focus on spiritual possession and economic survival leaves questions regarding the explicit representation of LGBTQ+ identities and specific disability portrayals.

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