You are here:

II

Name: II
Director: Vlada Senkova
Released: 2019
Duration: 61 min

Representation Score

5.9/10

Fair

2019

Director

Vlada Senkova

Runtime

61 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

II is a character-driven drama that examines the tension between individual identity and a rigid, post-Soviet institutional framework. The film uses the school environment as a mechanism for social policing, highlighting how systemic conformity reacts to perceived deviations. The narrative effectively challenges the stability of the established social order by prioritizing outsider perspectives, such as those related to perceived sexuality or cultural aspirations. However, the film lacks racial and ethnic diversity within its localized setting, focusing instead on a homogeneous environment.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does II have LGBTQ+ representation?

Good

Sasha's identity creates a central tension in the story. The film uses his experiences of peer bullying to criticize the social consequences of prejudice and exclusion.

How does II portray gender?

Fair

The film highlights women's ability to drive the story through Nastya’s academic goals and Kristina’s interpersonal focus. These characters navigate a rigid, male-dominated institutional environment.

How racially and ethnically diverse is II?

Fair

The setting is a localized, homogeneous Belarusian environment. Diversity is shown through social and political differences rather than multi-ethnic or racial backgrounds.

How does II represent religion and culture?

Good

The narrative critiques Soviet-era institutions and stagnant traditions. It portrays the school's strict discipline as an oppressive force against individual identity.

Does II include disability representation?

Minimal

The film contains no visible or mentioned depictions of physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Present on Screen

Effective critique of institutional rigidity and outdated social discipline.
Nuanced exploration of women's ability to drive the story and diverse life paths.
Meaningful portrayal of LGBTQ+ struggles to highlight social exclusion.

Limited or Absent

Lack of racial and ethnic diversity within the localized setting.
Absence of representation for physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Official Synopsis

Nastya, Sasha and Kristina are 16 years old. They study together at a school in a Belarusian town and live ordinary teenager lives, with the usual problems and dreams. Nastya wants a better life. Her dream is to study in Poland. Several times a week she goes to a private Polish language tutor. On these trips she is accompanied by her friend Sasha. The boy is constantly bullied by his schoolmates, who think he is gay. As for Kristina, she doesn’t plan on studying and is mostly interested in dating her new boyfriend. The school follows a severe law of rules and discipline that hasn’t changed much since Soviet times. The only person who stands out is a young English teacher. One day everything changes. A shocking event brings out fears, prejudice and hatred of those who are different.

How are these scores produced? →