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Stars by the Pound

Name: Stars by the Pound
Director: Marie-Sophie Chambon
Released: 2019
Duration: 88 min

Representation Score

8.8/10

Excellent

2019

Director

Marie-Sophie Chambon

Runtime

88 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Stars by the Pound succeeds by centering characters who exist on the periphery of social norms. By focusing on Lois’s intellectual pursuits in physics alongside her physical reality, the film avoids reductive clichés often found in coming-of-age stories. The film’s strength lies in its portrayal of women's ability to drive the story and the rejection of traditional hierarchies of perfection. The camaraderie between the protagonists serves as a powerful critique of social structures that marginalize based on appearance. However, the narrative’s depth is somewhat limited by a lack of explicit detail regarding racial diversity and LGBTQ+ identities. While the film explores outsider status, it remains focused on platonic solidarity rather than explicit identity markers.

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Category Breakdown

Does Stars by the Pound have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film highlights strong female solidarity and shared outsider status. However, it does not explicitly depict non-binary or transgender identities or same-sex relationships.

How does Stars by the Pound portray gender?

Excellent

The narrative centers around female characters who demonstrate intelligence and radical thinking, rather than passive roles. They navigate both societal and physical challenges actively.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Stars by the Pound?

Fair

The story focuses on a specific local community and socioeconomic exclusion. However, there are no explicit details about the racial makeup of the ensemble cast.

How does Stars by the Pound represent religion and culture?

Good

The narrative critiques conventional notions of success and meritocracy, presenting unconventional desires as valid responses to oppressive or unsatisfying realities.

Does Stars by the Pound include disability representation?

Excellent

The film offers a significant role in driving the story to a character dealing with weight and body image issues. It avoids inspirational clichés by focusing on her lived experiences and intellect.

Present on Screen

Strong portrayal of women's ability to drive the story and intellectual capabilities.
Nuanced approach to body image that avoids 'inspirational clichés'.
Effective exploration of underrepresented youth and systemic struggles.

Limited or Absent

Lack of explicit LGBTQ+ identity or romantic representation.
Limited detail regarding the racial and ethnic composition of the cast.

Official Synopsis

Lois, 16, has only one dream: becoming an astronaut. However, although she’s gifted in physics, she has a big problem: Lois weighs over 200 pounds – a family trait she’s inescapably stuck with. Then, just when everything seems lost, Lois meets Amélie, Stannah, and Justine: three teenagers shattered, like her, by life’s tough breaks; yet ready for anything in order to leave with her for outer space…

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