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Too Far Away

Name: Too Far Away
Director: Sarah Winkenstette
Released: 2019
Duration: 86 min

Representation Score

5.9/10

Fair

2019

Director

Sarah Winkenstette

Runtime

86 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Too Far Away is a nuanced coming-of-age story that moves beyond simple morality tales. It succeeds by giving the refugee character, Tariq, a significant role in driving the story and emotional depth rather than treating him as a passive victim. The film uses football to bridge the gap between a local boy facing displacement and a refugee seeking family, creating a sophisticated look at modern identity. While the film leans into a male-centric perspective, it avoids aggressive stereotypes and focuses on the complexities of displacement and the systemic obstacles that prevent social integration.

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Category Breakdown

Does Too Far Away have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The story centers on the friendship between two boys. Though it doesn't include explicit LGBTQ+ identities, it avoids overly macho clichés by focusing on emotional vulnerability.

How does Too Far Away portray gender?

Fair

The film follows a male-focused coming-of-age story. However, it challenges stoic stereotypes by delving into the protagonists' sensitivity, jealousy, and emotional struggles.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Too Far Away?

Excellent

The narrative pairs a local boy with a Syrian refugee, achieving a sophisticated multi-layered approach. Football serves as a bridge to connect cultures, avoiding including someone from a minority group without giving them real depth.

How does Too Far Away represent religion and culture?

Good

The film critiques Western bureaucracy as a barrier to human connection. It portrays 'home' as a fragile concept influenced by industrial and political changes.

Does Too Far Away include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no visible or invisible disabilities portrayed as central to the character arcs in this narrative.

Present on Screen

Gives a significant role in driving the story to the non-Western protagonist, Tariq.
Uses sports to bridge racial and cultural divides.
Explores male vulnerability and emotional sensitivity in depth.
Critiques how bureaucracy impacts human connection.

Limited or Absent

Defaults to a male-centric coming-of-age perspective.
Lacks explicit representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-straight-centered characters.
No visible representation of characters with disabilities.

Official Synopsis

Ben (11) and Tariq (12) have more in common than they realise. Both are new to school and football and have lost their homeland. Ben's village will soon became an open brown coal mine. He and his family move to a nearby city but Ben fails to fit in at his new school. Bullied, he returns secretly to his old, abandoned home. His one pleasure, football, pales with the arrival of Tariq, a Syrian refugee and better player. But when bureaucracy stops Tariq playing, he runs away, Ben finds him and learns that Tariq is desperate to be reunited with his scattered family. Jealousy on the football field becomes friendship and understanding.

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