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The First Death of Joana

The First Death of Joana

Representation Score

6.9/10

Good

2021

Director

Cristiane Oliveira

Runtime

91 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

The film stands out by focusing on the internal lives of its characters, challenging patriarchal and traditional structures. It moves beyond conventional plot-driven narratives to explore identity and autonomy. While it offers a strong regional perspective, it lacks specific representation of physical or neurodivergent disabilities. Overall, the work is a progressive exploration of individual desire and subjective truth, contrasting them with traditional social fabrics and modern influences.

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Category Breakdown

Does The First Death of Joana have LGBTQ+ representation?

Good

The film centers on Joana's journey of self-discovery, exploring her non-traditional desires within a rural setting. It highlights the importance of queer identity in shaping her internal world, challenging traditional expectations.

How does The First Death of Joana portray gender?

Excellent

This drama focuses on the secret histories of women, emphasizing their autonomy and independence. It disrupts stereotypes of domesticity and submission, highlighting the strength and ability to act of female characters.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The First Death of Joana?

Good

Set in South Brazil, the film presents a localized perspective that avoids Western-centric homogeneity. It grounds the story in a specific South American cultural context, offering a unique regional viewpoint.

How does The First Death of Joana represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The narrative questions traditional institutions like the family and communal social expectations. It prioritizes individual autonomy and subjective truth over religious or communal mandates.

Does The First Death of Joana include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no evidence regarding the representation of physical or neurodivergent disabilities in this work.

Present on Screen

  • Strong emphasis on female autonomy and the disruption of patriarchal hierarchies.
  • Nuanced integration of queer identity in character development.
  • Authentic regional perspective that avoids Western-centric storytelling.

Limited or Absent

  • Lack of visible representation or information regarding physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Official Synopsis

Late summer of 2007, South of Brazil. Joana, 13, wants to find out why her great-aunt Rosa died at 70 without ever having dated anyone. Encouraged by her friend Carolina, Joana starts an investigation about Rosa’s past. As she confronts the values of her community, Joana realizes that all the women in her family have a secret, while something hidden inside her also reveals. She plunges into her imagination to find answers while a large wind power plant is being built in their small town.

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