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The Hidden Child

Name: The Hidden Child
Director: Roberto Andò
Released: 2021
Duration: 110 min

Representation Score

5.5/10

Fair

2021

Director

Roberto Andò

Runtime

110 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

The Hidden Child is a character-driven drama that explores the tension between established social hierarchies and individual morality. By focusing on a breach of social norms, the film examines how authority figures react to systemic outsiders. The film successfully breaks down traditional power structures through the Professor's moral development. It uses the conflict between different socioeconomic levels to highlight human vulnerability and the instability of domestic environments. However, the film lacks specific representation of LGBTQ+ identities and disabilities. The narrative remains heavily focused on male characters, limiting its exploration of diverse social issues.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Hidden Child have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film does not include explicit depictions of LGBTQ+ identities or dynamics that go beyond assuming everyone is straight. The story focuses on the relationship between the Professor and the child.

How does The Hidden Child portray gender?

Fair

While the film centers on male characters, it challenges traditional masculine stereotypes. The Professor's vulnerability and protective instincts break away from the typical image of a tough, unshakable authority figure.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Hidden Child?

Fair

Set in a working-class Italian community, the film highlights conflicts arising from different socioeconomic statuses. The story focuses on individuals who are underrepresented and live on the fringes of society.

How does The Hidden Child represent religion and culture?

Good

The narrative questions institutional stability and traditional family structures. It emphasizes individual ethics and situational morality over strict adherence to social or legal norms.

Does The Hidden Child include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no visible or mentioned depictions of physical or neurodivergent disabilities in the story.

Present on Screen

Challenges traditional masculine stereotypes by highlighting vulnerability and protective instincts.
Offers a nuanced critique of institutional stability and rigid social orders.
Explores the moral complexity of prioritizing individual ethics over legal norms.

Limited or Absent

Lacks explicit representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-straight relationships.
Provides no visible depictions of physical or neurodivergent disabilities.
The narrative remains heavily centered on male protagonists.

Official Synopsis

Gabriele Santoro is a Professor of Pianoforte at the Music Conservatory San Pietro a Majella who lives in a working-class area of the city. One morning, while shaving his beard, the postman buzzes at the intercom to tell him he has a package. Gabriele opens the door and, before greeting him, runs to rinse his face. In that short space of time, a ten-year-old child slips into his apartment and hides away. “The maestro” – as he’s called in his neighbourhood – only notices the stowaway late at night. And when he sees him, he recognises the intruder as Ciro, a child who lives with his parents and siblings on the top floor of his building. When asked why he has fled his home, Ciro refuses to speak. Nevertheless, the maestro instinctively decides to hide him in his home, setting Ciro’s enemies a uniquely difficult challenge.

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