You are here:

August

Name: August
Director: Eldar Rapaport
Released: 2011
Duration: 100 min

Representation Score

6.5/10

Good

2011

Director

Eldar Rapaport

Runtime

100 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

August stands out by placing queer romantic dynamics at the center of its storytelling. Rather than marginalizing LGBTQ+ identities, the film uses the emotional connections of Troy and Jonathan to drive the central conflict. The film introduces multi-ethnic textures through characters like Raul, preventing the Los Angeles setting from feeling monolithic. This adds a layer of cosmopolitan realism to the interpersonal drama. While the film excels in character-driven complexity, its narrow focus on a specific romantic triad limits the scope of its social commentary. The exploration of gender and culture remains intimate rather than expansive.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does August have LGBTQ+ representation?

Excellent

The film focuses on the renewed relationship between Troy and Jonathan, emphasizing their connection rather than treating their identities as secondary plot devices. Instead, their relationship serves as the main lens for the drama.

How does August portray gender?

Good

The narrative challenges traditional masculine stereotypes by highlighting emotional vulnerability. However, the story's focus on a specific romantic triangle limits the broader exploration of gender roles.

How racially and ethnically diverse is August?

Good

The inclusion of Raul adds an international and multi-ethnic dimension to the Los Angeles setting. This diversity enriches the characters' backgrounds and social contexts.

How does August represent religion and culture?

Good

The story presents a secular worldview where personal passion guides actions, avoiding prescriptive moral outcomes. The conflict is framed around complex, situational ethics.

Does August include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no discernible evidence regarding the portrayal of physical or neurodivergent disabilities within the narrative.

Present on Screen

Centers queer romantic frameworks as the primary narrative driver.
Highlights emotional vulnerability over traditional masculine archetypes.
Adds multi-ethnic textures through international character backgrounds.
Avoids relegating LGBTQ+ identities to secondary plot devices.

Limited or Absent

Narrow focus on a specific romantic triad limits broader gender role exploration.
Lacks representation of physical or neurodivergent disabilities.
Narrative scope remains tightly contained within a specific social circle.

Official Synopsis

August tells the story of two former lovers, Troy and Jonathan, who reunite after a long ago painful breakup. After spending several years in Spain, Troy returns to Los Angeles and decides to phone Jonathan and meet for coffee. A seemingly innocent rendezvous turns into an attempt to revive passions past. Only this time it's not that simple as Jonathan has a new beau, Raul, and is trying to make the right decision a second time around.

How are these scores produced? →