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The Space Between Us

The Space Between Us

Representation Score

2.9/10

Limited

2017

PG-13

Director

Peter Chelsom

Runtime

121 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

The film functions as a genre-driven romantic drama that prioritizes escapism over social interrogation. It relies heavily on traditional cinematic clichés and a central straight-centered romance, leaving little room for exploring multiple aspects of identity. While the science fiction premise introduces a unique biological vulnerability through the protagonist's physical struggle with Earth's gravity, the narrative remains within conventional Western storytelling frameworks. It lacks a broad engagement with systemic critiques or diverse social landscapes. Ultimately, the production aligns with traditional norms, focusing on individualist emotional arcs rather than using its setting to disrupt social hierarchies or introduce more inclusive narrative restructuring.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Space Between Us have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film centers around a heterosexual relationship between the main characters and does not include any representation of LGBTQ+ identities or narratives that challenge the assumption that everyone is straight.

How does The Space Between Us portray gender?

Fair

The story follows a traditional romantic pairing. While the character Tulsa has her own role in driving the story, the narrative adheres to established star-crossed lover archetypes without challenging gender hierarchies.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Space Between Us?

Limited

The primary cast and central characters are portrayed as white. The narrative does not actively seek to diversify the social landscape or integrate diverse racial perspectives.

How does The Space Between Us represent religion and culture?

Limited

The plot operates within established Western scientific and institutional structures. It focuses on individual emotional connections rather than critiquing capitalism, religion, or Western dominance.

Does The Space Between Us include disability representation?

Fair

Gardner's struggle with Earth's gravity serves as a central plot driver, portraying a form of biological disability. However, this is framed as a sci-fi obstacle rather than a deep exploration of disability.

Present on Screen

  • The film offers a unique exploration of physical vulnerability through the protagonist's physiological struggle with Earth's gravity.
  • The female lead, Tulsa, is written with a distinct personality and plays a significant role in driving the story.

Limited or Absent

  • The narrative lacks representation of LGBTQ+ identities or perspectives.
  • The film fails to diversify its social landscape, focusing almost exclusively on white characters.
  • The story misses opportunities to use its sci-fi setting to critique systemic structures or explore neurodivergence.

Official Synopsis

A young man raised by scientists on Mars returns to Earth to find his father.

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