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The True Cost

Name: The True Cost
Director: Andrew Morgan
Released: 2015
Duration: 92 min

Representation Score

5.0/10

Fair

2015

PG-13

Director

Andrew Morgan

Runtime

92 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The True Cost succeeds by challenging Western-centric economic hierarchies and centering the voices of workers in the Global South. It uses a post-colonial lens to connect gender, race, and class struggles within the garment industry. While the film excels at highlighting the ability to act of underrepresented workers, it lacks representation for LGBTQ+ identities and specific disability narratives. The focus is primarily on systemic industrial and socioeconomic exploitation. Ultimately, the documentary provides a powerful critique of how global capitalism impacts diverse populations, prioritizing the perspectives of those most affected by fast fashion's externalities.

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Category Breakdown

Does The True Cost have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include specific narratives or characters focused on LGBTQ+ identities. The focus is on socioeconomic and industrial labor issues.

How does The True Cost portray gender?

Excellent

The documentary centers on women in developing countries, portraying them as active participants rather than passive victims. It highlights how patriarchal industrial structures exploit female labor.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The True Cost?

Excellent

By focusing on the lived experiences of workers in Bangladesh, Cambodia, and Vietnam, the film challenges Western-centric views. It prioritizes the voices and ability to act of people of color.

How does The True Cost represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The film critiques global capitalism and Western consumerism as drivers of inequality. It frames the struggle for labor rights against multinational corporations through a lens of class struggle.

Does The True Cost include disability representation?

Minimal

There is insufficient evidence to provide a score for neurodivergence or specific disabilities. The film only touches upon the general physical toll of industrial labor.

Present on Screen

Centers the ability to act and lived experiences of workers in the Global South.
Provides a nuanced portrayal of how patriarchal structures exploit female labor.
Effectively challenges Western-centric perspectives through a post-colonial lens.

Limited or Absent

Lacks representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth gender expressions.
Does not feature specific character arcs regarding neurodivergence or disabilities.

Official Synopsis

Film from Andrew Morgan. The True Cost is a documentary film exploring the impact of fashion on people and the planet.

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