
You Are Not Alone
1978

1974
RDirector
Purusha Larkin
Runtime
86 minutes
Average Rating
No ratings yetSynopsis
When David, an ex-monk still in his twenties meets Mark, he falls hard; soon he's asked Mark if they can live together. Things go well for awhile, and then differences in their definition of "commitment" begin to push them apart. Mark wants other sexual adventures, David tries to go along. Can they talk through the crisis in their relationship or is a breakup in the offing? David sees his relationship with Mark as a marriage, so if it ends, can David's heart ever heal?
Overall Score
Fair
Category Breakdown
LGBTQ+ Representation
The film centers entirely on a same-sex romantic relationship, disrupting 1974 heteronormative standards. It explores intimacy and domesticity, granting the male couple significant narrative agency rather than treating their identity as a subplot.
Gender Representation
The story subverts traditional hierarchies by focusing on emotional vulnerability. David’s transition from a disciplined monk to a romantic partner challenges conventional tropes of stoic masculinity through his search for stability.
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
The narrative appears focused on a specific interpersonal drama without highlighting racial or ethnic intersectionality. There is no evidence of a diverse or non-Anglo-Saxon majority cast.
Religious & Cultural Diversity
The film critiques traditional Western institutions by following a protagonist who abandons a religious vocation. It prioritizes secular, individualistic exploration and treats commitment as a subjective, evolving concept.
Disability Representation
There is no documented evidence regarding the portrayal of physical or neurodivergent disabilities within the film's context.
Strengths
Areas for Improvement
AI Analysis
A Very Natural Thing stands out for its bold centering of queer companionship during an era of mainstream heteronormativity. By focusing on the internal emotional dynamics of David and Mark, the film treats their relationship as a primary narrative engine rather than a peripheral curiosity. The film successfully deconstructs traditional structures, both in terms of gendered masculinity and religious dogma. David's journey from the monastery to a fluid romantic life offers a nuanced look at how individuals navigate shifting interpersonal roles and secular identities. However, the film's impact is limited by a lack of intersectional breadth. The absence of visible racial diversity and disability representation prevents the work from achieving a more comprehensive inclusive score.

1978

1982

2002

1996

2012

1975

2007

2010

1999

1978

1989

2012
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your thoughts on this movie!
Use the rating form above to leave a star rating and optional review.