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The Advent Calendar

The Advent Calendar

Representation Score

6.5/10

Good

2021

Director

Patrick Ridremont

Runtime

104 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

The film stands out by placing a character with a physical disability at the heart of a high-stakes ethical dilemma. Eva is a proactive protagonist whose disability is a complex part of her identity rather than a mere plot device. However, the film falls short in other areas of representation. It lacks LGBTQ+ narratives and does not engage with racial or systemic critiques. The story prioritizes the exploration of bodily autonomy and moral relativism over broader social or identity-based diversity.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Advent Calendar have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film does not include clear LGBTQ+ character arcs or narratives that challenge traditional heterosexual relationships. The story focuses on the protagonist's friendship and her personal struggles with physical limitations.

How does The Advent Calendar portray gender?

Fair

The narrative offers a nuanced portrayal of women's ability to drive the story through the main character Eva. She breaks away from traditional 'damsel' clichés by reclaiming power, but the friendship dynamics still follow conventional patterns without significantly challenging social hierarchies.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Advent Calendar?

Fair

The film does not provide explicit information about the racial makeup of the cast. It does not clearly engage with racial identity to challenge historical norms.

How does The Advent Calendar represent religion and culture?

Fair

The story uses a traditional Western advent calendar to explore magic clichés. It delves into subjective morality and the harmful outcomes of personal desires.

Does The Advent Calendar include disability representation?

Excellent

This is the film's strongest area. By placing a wheelchair user at the center of the plot, the film highlights her significant role in driving the story and avoids the 'inspiration porn' cliché.

Present on Screen

  • Highlights a protagonist with a physical disability who drives the plot.
  • Avoids 'inspiration porn' by focusing on complex moral dilemmas.
  • Challenges traditional 'damsel' clichés through strong women's ability to drive the story.

Limited or Absent

  • Includes more LGBTQ+ character arcs or queer-coded subtext.
  • Engages with racial identity to drive systemic critique.
  • Explores gender dynamics that challenge conventional patterns.

Official Synopsis

Eva, an ex-dancer, is now living in a wheelchair, unable to walk. When her friend Sophie gives her an old wooden antique advent calendar before Christmas, she realizes each window contains a surprise that triggers repercussions in real life: some of them good, but most of them bad... Now Eva will have to choose between getting rid of the calendar or walking again… even if it causes death around her.

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