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The Shepherd

Name: The Shepherd
Director: Jonathan Cenzual Burley
Released: 2016
Duration: 98 min

Representation Score

2.1/10

Limited

2016

Director

Jonathan Cenzual Burley

Runtime

98 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The Shepherd is a minimalist psychological drama that emphasizes thematic depth over demographic diversity. It serves as a parable about individual autonomy versus corporate greed, focusing on a single male figure's struggle against systemic expansion. While the film lacks diverse representation in terms of gender, race, and sexuality, it effectively explores the tension between traditional agrarian life and modern industrial interests. Ultimately, the film adheres to traditional storytelling, providing a narrow but focused perspective on the conflict between the individual and the institution.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Shepherd have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film centers on a single male protagonist in a rural setting. There are no LGBTQ+ identities or same-sex relationships portrayed.

How does The Shepherd portray gender?

Limited

The story follows a traditional, male-dominated structure where women play minor roles and have limited influence.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Shepherd?

Fair

The film depicts a homogeneous rural community in Spain. There is no representation of diverse ethnic backgrounds or intentional color-blind casting.

How does The Shepherd represent religion and culture?

Good

The story critiques the impact of capitalism on natural spaces, highlighting the tension between traditional ways of life and modern industry.

Does The Shepherd include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no depictions of physical disabilities or neurodivergence as central narrative elements. The protagonist's reserved demeanor is treated as a personality trait.

Present on Screen

Offers a critical view of corporate dominance and capitalist intrusion.
Examines the complex relationship between traditional lifestyles and modern industrial progress.

Limited or Absent

Needs to include more significant female characters and ability to act.
Should incorporate diverse ethnic perspectives and non-straight-centered identities.
Could address physical disabilities and neurodivergence as central narrative elements.

Official Synopsis

The Shepherd is a slow burning psychological drama and a parable of corporate greed, steadily building to a powerful climax under the skilful direction of young Spanish filmmaker Jonathan Cenzual Burley. Anselmo is a taciturn shepherd who lives a spartan life on a small farm in the Spanish plains. When he is approached by a construction company looking to buy his land, his casual refusal sends ripples through the community. It seems everyone around him has a stake in the development and increasingly extreme opposition from his neighbours leads to bitter conflict.

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