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Cowboys

Name: Cowboys
Director: Anna Kerrigan
Released: 2020
Duration: 86 min

Representation Score

5.6/10

Fair

2020

Director

Anna Kerrigan

Runtime

86 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Cowboys disrupts the traditional Western genre by shifting the focus from rugged individualism to a story of familial protection and identity. By centering a transgender child and his father, the film critiques straight-centered and patriarchal structures through a lens of survival. The film excels in its nuanced handling of LGBTQ+ themes and its subversion of gendered roles within a hyper-masculine setting. It successfully reframes the frontier as a space of social friction rather than manifest destiny. However, the film lacks racial and ethnic diversity, sticking closely to the historical demographics of its setting. While culturally critical of authority, it offers little representation for characters with disabilities.

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Category Breakdown

Does Cowboys have LGBTQ+ representation?

Excellent

The film centers a transgender child, providing a strong role for this character rather than treating identity as a subplot.

How does Cowboys portray gender?

Good

The story challenges traditional masculine roles by emphasizing a protective, nurturing bond. It focuses on individual identity rather than traditional patriarchal authority.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Cowboys?

Limited

The film adheres to the demographic realities of its setting without offering diverse ethnic representation. This results in a lack of actively leading characters of color.

How does Cowboys represent religion and culture?

Good

The narrative portrays law and family as oppressive forces. It prioritizes the survival of underrepresented individuals over established social or religious orders.