You are here:

Two of Us

Name: Two of Us
Director: Roger Tonge
Released: 1987
Duration: 60 min

Representation Score

5.8/10

Fair

1987

Director

Roger Tonge

Runtime

60 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Two of Us stands as a significant work of queer cinema that prioritizes personal identity over conventional genre clichés. By centering the emotional reality of a gay protagonist, the film challenges the assumption that everyone is straight or cisgender. The film's strength lies in the narrative ability to act granted to its LGBTQ+ characters. They are not peripheral figures but the central drivers of a story about navigating an oppressive social environment. However, the film lacks breadth in other areas. It functions primarily as a study of sexual identity rather than one of racial or ethnic diversity, and it lacks representation regarding disabilities.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Two of Us have LGBTQ+ representation?

Excellent

The film centers on a gay male protagonist, making his queer identity the main focus of the plot. It explores the psychological impact of living in a society that doesn't fully support non-straight relationships.

How does Two of Us portray gender?

Good

The story shifts focus away from traditional masculine dominance toward emotional interdependence and vulnerability. Tension arises from the conflict between the protagonists' fluid emotions and the rigid expectations of their male peers.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Two of Us?

Fair

The story focuses on a relatively homogeneous social group. There is no significant evidence of a multi-ethnic cast or the intentional blending of racial identities within the central character arcs.

How does Two of Us represent religion and culture?

Good

The film critiques traditional Western social institutions by portraying family and peer groups as sources of hostility. It highlights the systemic failure of community structures to accommodate non-conforming identities.

Does Two of Us include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no prominent depictions of physical or neurodivergent disabilities that drive the narrative.

Present on Screen

Strong narrative ability to act for LGBTQ+ protagonists.
Effective deconstruction of traditional masculine archetypes.
Meaningful critique of oppressive social and domestic structures.

Limited or Absent

Lack of racial and ethnic diversity.
Minimal representation of physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Official Synopsis

Matthew is a boy who just left school. He is handsome and athletic and believes himself to be gay. He retains a friendship with only one school friend, Phil, who has stuck by Matthew despite hostile reactions from his peers. As their relationship grows more intense, Phil's girlfriend Sharon and his classmates become vindictive and aggressive. The two friends find themselves ostracized by both friends and family and decide to run away.

How are these scores produced? →