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Miles

Name: Miles
Director: Nathan Adloff
Released: 2017
Duration: 90 min

Representation Score

5.3/10

Fair

2017

Director

Nathan Adloff

Runtime

90 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Miles succeeds as a character study that disrupts conventional demographic norms by centering Black identity and urban experiences. The casting of Shameik Moore and a predominantly Black ensemble allows for a narrative driven by the specific cultural realities of youth of color. However, the film's scope is limited in other areas of identity. It lacks engagement with LGBTQ+ narratives and provides no representation for characters with disabilities. While the gender dynamics offer some social friction, they do not deeply challenge traditional masculine or feminine roles. Ultimately, the film provides a sophisticated alternative to homogeneous storytelling through its racial representation, even if it remains narrow in its broader social critiques.

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Category Breakdown

Does Miles have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film does not include any explicit LGBTQ+ characters or non-cisgender identities. It focuses on traditional coming-of-age stories without incorporating queer narratives.

How does Miles portray gender?

Fair

The story explores gendered expectations through a male protagonist joining a female-dominated volleyball team. However, it does not explicitly challenge systemic gender hierarchies.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Miles?

Good

The film features a predominantly Black cast and centers on the experiences of Black youth. This provides meaningful representation and significant roles for characters of color.

How does Miles represent religion and culture?

Fair

The narrative challenges monolithic small-town perspectives by focusing on urban identity. It explores working-class or artistic socioeconomic backgrounds rather than traditional cultural frameworks.

Does Miles include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no depictions of visible or invisible disabilities or neurodivergence in the film.

Present on Screen

Strong racial representation through a predominantly Black cast.
High ability to act granted to characters of color within the narrative.
Effective disruption of Anglo-centric storytelling models.

Limited or Absent

Lack of visible LGBTQ+ representation or queer narratives.
Absence of characters with visible or invisible disabilities.
Limited engagement with systemic deconstruction of gender hierarchies.

Official Synopsis

High school senior Miles Walton joins the girls volleyball team in hopes of winning a college scholarship, which causes an uproar in his small Illinois farming town.

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