You are here:

Lemon

Lemon

Representation Score

9.0/10

Excellent

2017

Not Rated

Director

Janicza Bravo

Runtime

83 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Lemon is a postmodern character study that rejects linear storytelling to explore the disorientation of modern social hierarchies. Its greatest strength is the intentional centering of Black women's ability to drive the story, which informs the film's cinematic language and social interactions. While the film excels in racial and gender representation, it remains more ambiguous regarding LGBTQ+ and disability themes. The narrative leans into subtext and existential themes rather than explicit depictions of specific identities or lived experiences of disability. Ultimately, the film succeeds as an experimental work that avoids mainstream clichés, using identity as a primary lens rather than a secondary plot device.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Lemon have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film explores the fluidity of identity and the ambiguity of personal discovery. It maintains a space for exploring non-straight relationships through subtle hints rather than direct labeling.

How does Lemon portray gender?

Good

The narrative focuses heavily on the roles of women, highlighting the complexities of womanhood. Female characters drive the emotional and social momentum, challenging traditional cinematic focuses.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Lemon?

Excellent

A predominantly Black female cast centers the lived experiences of Black women in an urban environment. This portrayal avoids including someone from a minority group without giving them real depth by making racial identity foundational.

How does Lemon represent religion and culture?

Good

The film engages with subjective morality and skepticism towards traditional Western milestones. It frames the search for selfhood as a destabilizing, complex process.

Does Lemon include disability representation?

Fair

The film touches on themes of vulnerability and finding one's place. However, there is no clear evidence of characters with disabilities playing central roles.

Present on Screen

  • Centering Black women's ability to drive the story and lived experiences within an urban environment.
  • Subverting traditional gender hierarchies by prioritizing female interiority and ability to act.
  • Utilizing a postmodern, non-linear structure to mirror complex social navigation.

Limited or Absent

  • Providing more explicit or defined depictions of LGBTQ+ identities.
  • Including characters with disabilities as central, active agents in the plot.

Official Synopsis

Isaac has seen better days. His acting career is tanking, his blind girlfriend of 10 years plans to leave him, and his own family singles him out as a constant disappointment. Even as he takes a chance on new romance, he struggles to define his place in a world that has seemingly turned against him.

How are these scores produced? →

Where to Watch

Rate this Movie

No rating selected
Use arrow keys to select a rating from 1 to 5 stars
Optional text review, maximum 2000 characters
Tip: Wrap spoilers with ||double pipes|| to hide them
0/2000 characters
You must be signed in to submit a rating

Reviews

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.