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Chances Are

Name: Chances Are
Director: Emile Ardolino
Released: 1989
Duration: 108 min

Representation Score

3.6/10

Limited

1989

Director

Emile Ardolino

Runtime

108 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Chances Are functions as a conventional romantic fantasy that upholds established social hierarchies. The narrative structure relies on traditional romantic and family clichés, offering little disruption to mainstream cinematic norms of the late 1980s. The film lacks meaningful representation across most diversity metrics. It focuses on a homogeneous cast and a straight-centered central conflict, prioritizing a predictable, sentimental journey over exploring diverse backgrounds.

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Category Breakdown

Does Chances Are have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film follows traditional assumptions about straight relationships and does not include queer narratives or non-cisgender identities. It sticks to typical 1980s romantic storylines.

How does Chances Are portray gender?

Fair

The female lead plays a significant role in her personal story, but the overall plot is driven by the male protagonist's spiritual journey. The gender roles remain traditional and conventional.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Chances Are?

Limited

The story centers around a predominantly white, Anglo-Saxon cast despite being set in New York City. It does not prioritize diverse backgrounds or color-blind casting.

How does Chances Are represent religion and culture?

Limited

The narrative highlights Western values such as the sanctity of the nuclear family. It reinforces conventional moral frameworks without challenging societal structures.

Does Chances Are include disability representation?

Minimal

The film does not feature characters with visible or invisible disabilities. Reincarnation is used as a tool for character development rather than exploring disability issues.

Present on Screen

The female lead plays a significant role in her personal narrative.

Limited or Absent

The film lacks racial and ethnic diversity, focusing on a predominantly white cast.
It does not represent LGBTQ+ identities or non-cisgender gender expressions.
The story fails to include characters with visible or invisible disabilities.
The narrative adheres to traditional gender hierarchies and conventional romantic structures.

Official Synopsis

Louie Jeffries is happily married to Corinne. On their first anniversary, Louie is killed crossing the road. Louie is reincarnated as Alex Finch, and twenty years later, fate brings Alex and Louie's daughter, Miranda, together. It's not until Alex is invited to Louie's home that he begins to remember his former life, wife and best friend. Of course, there's also the problem that he's attracted to Louie's/his own daughter.

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