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They

Name: They
Director: Anahita Ghazvinizadeh
Released: 2018
Duration: 80 min

Representation Score

9.4/10

Excellent

2018

Not Rated

Director

Anahita Ghazvinizadeh

Runtime

80 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Anahita Ghazvinizadeh’s film is a thoughtful exploration of identity, centered on a non-binary adolescent navigating the complexities of gender dysphoria. By focusing on the protagonist’s use of hormone blockers and they/them pronouns, the narrative delves into the ability to act required for medical and social transition. The film effectively challenges traditional coming-of-age narratives by making the character's internal experience the primary driver of the plot. While the domestic setting includes diverse secondary characters, such as an Iranian boyfriend, the core strength lies in its intentional focus on non-binary lived experiences. Overall, the work provides a nuanced look at how individuals navigate identity during puberty. It challenges institutionalized views of biological development by prioritizing the protagonist's personal truth and bodily autonomy.

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Category Breakdown

Does They have LGBTQ+ representation?

Excellent

The film centers on a non-binary protagonist who uses they/them pronouns, highlighting gender identity as a key element of the story. It presents a strong, nuanced portrayal of non-binary identity.

How does They portray gender?

Good

By focusing on a character who exists outside the gender binary, the film challenges traditional gender hierarchies. It emphasizes the protagonist's autonomy and control over their life, rather than following conventional societal expectations.

How racially and ethnically diverse is They?

Good

The inclusion of an Iranian boyfriend adds cultural diversity to the story. This inclusion enriches the narrative's cultural context within a contemporary drama.

How does They represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The story explores themes of bodily autonomy and subjective morality. It portrays the protagonist's medical journey as a valid pursuit of selfhood, challenging conventional social norms.

Does They include disability representation?

Good

The film addresses mental health and neurodivergence through the lens of gender identity disorder. The protagonist actively manages their condition, showing significant control over their life rather than being portrayed as a passive victim.

Present on Screen

Centers on non-binary identity and the use of they/them pronouns.
Explores medical ability to act and gender-affirming transitions.
Subverts traditional coming-of-age and assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth developmental milestones.

Limited or Absent

Secondary characters provide a domestic backdrop but remain less central to the core identity themes.
The focus on ethnic diversity is meaningful but remains secondary to the gender-focused narrative.

Official Synopsis

J is in their early teens and lives in the countryside. J has been diagnosed with Gender Identity Disorder, goes by the selected pronoun “they”, and takes hormone blockers to suspend puberty. While J’s parents are away, their older sister and her Iranian boyfriend are assigned the duties of house-sitting and looking after J.

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