You are here:

Ashby

Ashby

Representation Score

5.7/10

Fair

2015

R

Director

Tony McNamara

Runtime

102 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Ashby is a character study that prioritizes individual existentialism over broader social representation. It succeeds in deconstructing the 'invincible male' cliché by focusing on vulnerability and physical decline. However, the film remains traditional in its demographic composition, adhering to straight-centered structures and lacking engagement with multi-layered or systemic social identities. Ultimately, the film's subversion is personal rather than social, focusing on the disruption of character archetypes rather than broader cultural diversity.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Ashby have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The story focuses on traditional heterosexual relationships, with no significant representation of LGBTQ+ identities or narratives that challenge the assumption that everyone is straight or cisgender.

How does Ashby portray gender?

Fair

The film explores traditional masculinity through a male protagonist facing terminal illness. Female characters like Eloise offer intellectual counterpoints, but the primary focus remains on the male protagonist's journey.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Ashby?

Limited

The production features a predominantly white cast, reflecting a homogeneous social environment. There is no evidence of color-blind casting or the intentional use of diverse ethnic backgrounds.

How does Ashby represent religion and culture?

Fair

The narrative leans into a postmodern, nihilistic worldview that disrupts traditional Western stability. It avoids promoting institutional morality by focusing on a disillusioned character operating outside social norms.

Does Ashby include disability representation?

Fair

Terminal illness serves as a central plot driver and catalyst for existential reflection. The film avoids inspiration porn by focusing on cynicism, though the condition primarily facilitates a specific narrative arc.

Present on Screen

  • Deconstructs the 'invincible male' cliché by centering on vulnerability and physical decline.
  • Avoids 'inspiration porn' by portraying the protagonist's terminal illness through a lens of cynicism.
  • Subverts traditional character archetypes through a postmodern, nihilistic worldview.

Limited or Absent

  • Lacks representation of LGBTQ+ identities or narratives.
  • Maintains a predominantly white, homogeneous cast with little ethnic diversity.
  • Primary narrative ability to act remains heavily focused on male-driven existential crises.

Official Synopsis

When new kid in town Ed Wallis is given an assignment to interview an older person, he turns to his mysterious neighbor, Ashby Holt for help. That new connection leads to unexpected journeys for both of them, as Ashby – who turns out to be a retired CIA assassin – deals with a terminal prognosis, and Ed deals with adjusting to life with his newly single mom and developing relationship with a brainy classmate, Eloise.

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.