the queer bechdel.

The Vito Russo Test has 3 requirements: 1) A queer character... 2) Who is not defined by their sexuality or gender... 3) And is tied into the plot so their removal would have a significant effect. But let's be honest. Those are low standards. So I offer some real critiques. I rate these films on a scale of 1 to 6. Up to 3 points are awarded based on the above criteria, and up to 3 are awarded based on how good I think the movie actually is. [Browse by Identity] [Browse by Rating] [Browse by "Genre"]

[thevitorussotest]

Dog Day Afternoon (3/6)

The Vito Russo Test (2/3):

At least one queer character… ✔️ There’s the main character, who identifies somewhere on the queer spectrum for sure. And there’s his lover, who is a trans woman. So that makes two.

Who is not predominantly defined by their sexual orientation/gender… ✖️ I don’t know. Up for debate? I can’t remember a single thing I know about this character other than that he’s robbing a bank for his trans partner. Of course that tells you a lot about his decision making process, but you still don’t know much about him. Then again, you don’t find out his motives until very well into the film. Who knows. I’m going to stick with my guns and go with a no because I can’t tell you a thing about Sonny. (Leon is also almost exclusively defined by being trans, so that can further this point. You learn that she is mentally unstable as well, but that is all.)

And is tied into the plot in such a way that their removal would have a significant effect. ✔️ Sonny is the plot.

My Two Cents (1/3):

What made me cringe:

Is it great representation for someone to be threatening to kill hostages while robbing a bank? Probably not. But it’s true. 

Sonny is cheating. He’s stealing money for his lover, but he’s married to someone else. 

He is stealing for his lover, which is a very romantic move and all, and he’s stealing it for her gender confirmation surgery (of course not called  that at the time), but he misgenders her constantly. I don’t think she’s ever referred to as a woman or with she/her pronouns, but her whole thing is that she’s a trans woman and needs money to transition. I understand that this was a different time, but even with that lens I don’t see how this adds up, and it makes me very uncomfortable. 

I know this is a good movie but the treatment of queerness just so overshadows the rest for me. 

What made me happy:

Well you’ve got to love a good heist film. Well, a heist film. An attempted heist film.

It’s nice that you don’t know his motivation at first. You don’t know his sexuality or relationship status or much about him. You learn it all organically, not in some air-dropped news bit or anything like that.

Even though it was sensational as a news piece in its day, it was also groundbreaking as a film in its day. It was also notable that Al Pacino would play this character. 

[thevitorussotest]

The Celluloid Closet (5/6?)

I’m not even sure documentaries can be evaluated on this scale but whatever.

The Vito Russo Test (2/3?):

At least one queer character… ✔️ It’s a documentary about queer characters.

Who is not predominantly defined by their sexual orientation/gender… ✖️ Does this apply? I suppose they are. It’s a documentary about queer characters... being queer. 

And is tied into the plot in such a way that their removal would have a significant effect. ✔️ It’s a documentary about queer characters.

My Two Cents (3/3):

What made me cringe:

Hm. Well. It’s a documentary about queer characters. It’s depressing at times to see the history we were up against. 

But overall nothing really did make me cringe except for the stereotypical characters that it showed at times.

What made me happy:

It’s a documentary about queer characters. As you can see this is literally my passion. It’s very informative, easy to watch, and definitely worth viewing. I think it’s an important place from which to start a discussion of queer cinema. It gives origins to many tropes, including "camp gay” and “bury your gays,” though this one is far from being named at the time.

It’s based on a book called “The Celluloid Closet: Homosexuality in the Movies” by Vito Russo. Now you know where the name of my blog comes from. The documentary is not as comprehensive as the book, and also spans less time - the book was updated since its original publication. It reads very much like a text book, but it’s engrossing. Whether you want to read this is up to you. In the afterward, the author steps back and asks what he really wants from queer cinema, and his answer is that he wants characters to be just like straight ones. He wants good ones, bad ones, funny ones, and serious ones. He wants them to not be known as gay characters or gay movies. Years later, GLAAD (which he co-founded) commemorated this desire with the codification of the Vito Russo Test.

[thevitorussotest]

Camp Takota (5/6)

The Vito Russo Test (3/3):

At least one queer character… ✔️ Once again Hannah Hart’s character, Allsion, is a lesbian. Although I will say that this is only alluded to twice. I hear both sides of the argument here: it’s great to have a character be queer and have that fact not matter at all; vs. I want it to be emphasized that she’s queer / my life revolves around being queer / I blog about it.

Who is not predominantly defined by their sexual orientation/gender… ✔️ Nope. Her big thing is her ambition to be a chef and go to culinary school. 

And is tied into the plot in such a way that their removal would have a significant effect. ✔️ As one of the main three, the movie would pretty much fall apart without her.

My Two Cents (2/3):

What made me cringe:

Well, it was someone’s first time writing a movie, and some people’s first time acting. It’s not top notch quality in any respect. But it sure is fun.

What made me happy:

I love the cast. You may learn this about me. I mean I crowdfunded it. I have the tee shirt. I was all in from the start.

Women being friends, women supporting women, women encouraging each other. Yes, please! And yet, all of this positivity does not mean that the relationships are fake. There is conflict. There are differences and disagreements. Wow, it’s like they’re real people with a lot to sort out!

[thevitorussotest]

Dirty 30 (4/6)

The Vito Russo Test (3/3):

At least one queer character… ✔️ Charlie is attempting to overcome her personal flaws for the sole purpose of being good enough to settle down with her girlfriend. 

Who is not predominantly defined by their sexual orientation/gender… ✔️ Nope, her primary trait is that she’s a hot mess. 

And is tied into the plot in such a way that their removal would have a significant effect. ✔️ This one could be debated. She’s not necessarily essential to the main plot, which follows Kate. She is one of the three main characters, and is one of Kate’s two supportive best friends, and therefore a part of many important scenes. But in all reality, Evie could handle all of those scenes on her own. I will give this a check mark because Charlie does have her own subplot. There are scenes that revolve around her that, while they could be removed and leave the move intact, would certainly make the movie much shorter. But you certainly have the right to disagree.

My Two Cents (1/3):

What made me cringe:

The humor can be a bit basic and cringey in fundamental meaning of the word.

The writing isn’t top notch. If you’re looking for a fun movie on a Friday night, this will certainly do. 

What made me happy:

It’s a fun comedy revolving around women. Big hit. Very Sisters. 

The cast. I have a soft spot for Hannah, Grace, and Mamrie. So take this as a warning as well to take this whole review with a grain of salt. 

It’s honestly written in a somewhat TV style, which is fun. You have an A plot, a B plot, and a C plot. All of the women get explored as characters and reach resolution in the end.

[thevitorussotest]

Brokeback Mountain (6/6)

The Vito Russo Test (3/3):

At least one queer character… ✔️ There be 2.

Who is not predominantly defined by their sexual orientation/gender… ✔️ I’m sure this is up for debate. They’re cowboys and whatever, but that’s all we really know about one of them. The other gets a family and anger issues and so forth, so that’s why I’ll go with an affirmative. 

And is tied into the plot in such a way that their removal would have a significant effect. ✔️ Ummyeah

My Two Cents (3/3):

What made me cringe:

Violence against queer people is never easy to swallow. And this is kind of the example for the Bury Your Gays trope. 

Slurs are also hard. 

But these are both signs of the times and incredibly intentional decisions by the filmmakers to try give the audience a sense of fear.

The time frame is a little long and jumpy for my taste I suppose.

Also this has nothing to do with the movie but you should read about the initial reception of it. People laughed on their way out of the theater. This is a beautiful film that does stand up to the test of time, but it was released in an era that needed it so desperately, some people missed the point entirely. Really this just goes to show that the film was all the more brave to be put out, so this cringe point is actually secretly praise. “When the two actors kissed, much of the audience burst into gates of derisive laughter or shrieks of anger and disgust. ‘People were actually storming up the aisles to get out... It was like there was a bomb in the theater. People just didn’t want to deal with two men having sex.’”

What made me happy:

Cinematography, anyone?

Real chemistry between the actors and a love story that I really buy.

Even though it had a tragic ending, it wasn’t gory. The filmmakers could have chosen to shock the audience and showed the violence on-screen. The film was already rated R because the Motion Picture Association was viciously homophobic anyway. 

The characters struggle to confront their own sexuality, which yes is internalized homophobia (and reasonable external fear). But this is presented in such a relatable and heartbreaking way. I think it did make some audiences think. 

[thevitorussotest]

Imagine Me & You (5/6)

The Vito Russo Test (3/3):

At least one queer character… ✔️ For sure there’s 2 who are into each other.

Who is not predominantly defined by their sexual orientation/gender… ✔️ I wouldn’t say so. They both have their flaws and their passions. But I wouldn’t argue with someone who disagrees with me.

And is tied into the plot in such a way that their removal would have a significant effect. ✔️ Yes it’s a romantic comedy about the lesbians!

My Two Cents (2/3):

What made me cringe:

Cheating. Queer women cheating on the men they were with during their self-discovery. Especially a very serious relationship where they’re, oh I dunno, getting married. How many times do I have to list this as a trope that I hate? And how can this be that specifically replicated?

What made me happy:

“You’re a wanker, number nine!”

They’re really just so cute, and the movie gives them all of the satisfying cheesiness that a proper romantic comedy has. This is the movie where WLW get the romance they deserve. 

She owns a flower shop?? What more can a little lesbian heart ask for?

[thevitorussotest]

Rocketman (6/6)

The Vito Russo Test (3/3):

At least one queer character… ✔️ It’s ya boy Elton, who the film proudly announces at the end is now raising two children with his partner.

Who is not predominantly defined by their sexual orientation/gender… ✔️ Not at all. He has so much depth and struggles so hard to find his identity.

And is tied into the plot in such a way that their removal would have a significant effect. ✔️ Yeah so we all know who Rocketman is.

My Two Cents (3/3):

What made me cringe:

404 Not Found

I mean the only thing I can say is that they cast someone who is simply more conventionally attractive than Elton John. But whacha gonna do?

What made me happy:

Okay so it’s not just the basic story of the crash and burn of a rock star. Well maybe it is, but it goes far beyond all of the reasons you thought you knew. And for events you may have known already, they’re presented in such a heartbreaking way, contrasted directly with the energy of his shows. But it goes further. Right in the opening scene, not only does he share that he’s addicted to drugs and alcohol, which is already widespread knowledge, but he shares many more vices and struggles - including bulimia, which is so rarely mentioned, especially by a man.

Every time you see his parents they break your heart a little bit.

Getting the actors to cover the songs? A stroke of genius that I didn’t expect to like at all. But it gives the songs a lot more meaning in the film, especially after you learn they were all written by Bernie, and gives the movie some strong Across the Universe vibes but in a biopic.

I could just dissect the script, costumes, and other decisions shot by shot and tell you how great this is in each individual moment. This is definitely going to be showed in film schools.

It’s such an important breath of fresh air for you to have a character that is so importantly gay and yet also so importantly many other things.

[thevitorussotest]

Colette (6/6)

The Vito Russo Test (3/3):

At least one queer character… ✔️ 3.

Who is not predominantly defined by their sexual orientation/gender… ✔️ Colette certainly is not. She’s a brilliant writer, and she is a woman who stands up for herself.

And is tied into the plot in such a way that their removal would have a significant effect. ✔️ She is the plot.

My Two Cents (3/3):

What made me cringe:

???

Straight actresses

Blurring the line between butch lesbians and trans men is always makes me uncomfy, but in the time period of this movie, the lines there really were blurred. 

What made me happy:

Badass woman knows what she wants!

All of the shortcomings of Colette at the beginning of the movie become strengths and areas of growth by the end. A real round character, with development and everything!

The span of the film allows us to explore 3 different relationships without feeling fake or rushed, and the way that time is sometimes summarized and skipped feels very natural and lets the story move forward easily.

Shining a light on a real historical queer lady is always a joy. And though they don’t tell the story of her whole life here, they do seem to tell it pretty accurately. And it’s awesome! Go Colette!

[thevitorussotest]

The Favourite (4/6)

The Vito Russo Test (3/3):

At least one queer character… ✔️ There’s... at least one. That probably is it but it’s possible that there’ two.

Who is not predominantly defined by their sexual orientation/gender… ✔️ There’s actually so much else to focus on with her.

And is tied into the plot in such a way that their removal would have a significant effect. ✔️ Yeah the whole plot is these two women fighting over her. She also is the Queen.

My Two Cents (1/3):

What made me cringe:

I mean this is straight up one of the weirdest movies I’ve ever seen. If you’re not into arthouse films, this ain’t for you. You’ve been warned. 

The Queen seems to suffer from... hysteria. Which is never truly addressed, and really only seems to define itself within that word, which is an outdated and sexist diagnosis. I suppose it could be some form of mood disorder, but we don’t really get to peek into her character enough to understand what it is. It’s primarily used as a plot device to distance her from us and the other characters.

I think her lesbianism plays into the hysteria. Meaning, I feel that it is just another facet of what makes her so strange to the mainstream audience. Unlike... well, pretty much any film on this blog, I didn’t connect with her even in her love of women. She seemed to enjoy having power over the women and making them please her more than she enjoyed... the women.

Two out of three of the women who slept with women... weren’t gay, I think. As I said, I believe that Queen Anne is, and it’s possible that Lady Sarah is, but I don’t think so. Abigail certainly isn’t. Both of these two characters only sleep with Queen Anne in order to manipulate her. There’s never a moment that they are shown taking pleasure in what they do to her, they just do it. I do believe that Lady Sarah truly loves the Queen in some kind of way, but I don’t think that she’s really... into her.

Those credits were impossible to read! Screw that, and let us praise the people behind this!

What made me happy:

Frankly, I love seeing vicious women. Women are so often tamed for the screen, and it’s oddly refreshing to truly have no idea what they’re going to do next, and yet totally understand why they do everything, as much of a stretch as it all is. The whole world is against them. They have always only had themselves, and will do anything to protect and advance themselves. The characters are always true to their cores, 

I know love triangles are boring, but I’ve never seen one with only women before! And I honestly don’t think I’ll ever see one again that compares to this, at least in terms of how high-stakes and unpredictable it is. I’m. On. Board.

A lesbian is shot (kind of)... But doesn’t die! I love subverting tropes, especially when it’s Bury Your Gays. Pulling a Wynonna Earp, I see. Go Bulletproof Lesbians! 

As I said, I love this movie because I was way into the thriller aspects and wild personalities it brought. Is it good representation? No. Is it a hell of a ride? Yes. Ask your doctor if this movie is for you.

[thevitorussotest]

Certain Women (4/6)

The Vito Russo Test (3/3):

At least one queer character… ✔️ There is one.

Who is not predominantly defined by their sexual orientation/gender… ✔️ She like horses! And is poor. And also has a crush on teacher.

And is tied into the plot in such a way that their removal would have a significant effect. ✔️ I have never struggled so hard with this one. It really could go either way just because of the weird ass structure of this film. If you’ll watch it you’ll see. You really could remove anyone and sure, you’d only have 2/3 of the movie left, but it would be fine. But I’m giving it a check in the spirit of the question - she’s not a side character. She is one of the main 3.

My Two Cents (1/3):

What made me cringe:

So first and foremost. I’m really happy to see Kristen Stewart acting in queer stories. But um... her character... was... straight??? I was so solidly thrown that any casting director out there would let her in on this plot, in this movie, and cast her as the straight one!!! Absolutely bonkers to watch. Her character is not even aware of the big gay bambi eyes being thrown her way. It. Was. Wild(ly disappointing).

It didn’t even have a gay ending? I think the moral of the story for this while film was “sometimes life be like that, huh.” (To be fair, all three plots ended on these vibes. It’s not just our girls.)

They play the actual lesbian as a little creepy in the end? She doesn’t cross any physical lines, but she does highkey stalk someone who’s not interested.

This is such a weird (read: arthouse) movie. I even watched it in a film class, no kidding! Anyway, the film as a whole just wasn’t my speed, and I wasn’t invested in any of the plots until the last one (ft. our gays).

Whatever you think of the film as a whole, only 1/3 of it is gay at all. Which is 2/3 less than movies I like to recommend. That’s why the low rating on my end. It’s not necessarily that this story is no good, it’s just that you have to watch at least an hour of straights before you even get to this. 

What made me happy:

As I said, Kristen Stewart being in a queer story. It’s about time this becomes her main. Also just, Kristen Stewart. And her wardrobe.

Oh but here’s a real one: The character who is actually queer is brilliant aside from her last move. You’re totally in on it right from when she sees the teacher, wearing her button up and ugly sweater. She’s into it. And her character is so wonderfully and quietly written. Just looks, all the looks. And increasingly engaging conversation with the teacher.

She takes her!! For a ride!! On her horse!! Where she has to hold on!! To her!! This scene!! Was the gayest shit!! I’ve ever seen!! Except for the fact that the other character was 100% oblivious the moves being made.

[thevitorussotest]

Rocky Horror Picture Show (5/6)

The Vito Russo Test (3/3):

At least one queer character… ✔️ Oh yeah. OH YEAH.

Who is not predominantly defined by their sexual orientation/gender… ✔️ NAH. Brad is an asshole! That has nothing to do with his bicuriousity... Besides, there is so much going on is this movie I can’t say any one character is defined by any one thing.

And is tied into the plot in such a way that their removal would have a significant effect. ✔️ There would literally be no one left without them. Well, Janet, I suppose. Damnit.

My Two Cents (2/3):

What made me cringe:

While this is certainly the beginning of a conversation about gender and gender roles, it ummmm.... doesn’t make any sense? Trans people are actually aliens, according to this. I think. I’m still not entirely sure I understand this, and I’ve seen it countless times. 

Both “transvestite” and “transsexual” (Key lyrics to an entire musical number) aren’t ideal words today. In fact, I generally treat transvestite as a slur. However, every thing this movie does wrong, we have to remember that there was simply nothing like it in its time (And I don’t know that there ever will be). And it was something brave for them to be talking about the existence of trans people at all.

Honestly there’s so much more nonsense to go on about, but it’s a cult classic for a reason.

What made me happy:

Seeing it in theaters is an experience. Please do this if you can. Ideally, there should be a shadow cast as well, but if nothing else, see it in theaters where you can hear the callouts, be sprayed with water repeatedly, and feel the love of the crowd around you. 

The music? Great. The production quality? Hilarious. The plot??? Absurd! Overall a great time to watch and experience!!

The movie being nonsense is kind of poetic in its own way, as gender itself is also nonsense,

[thevitorussotest]

A Fantastic Woman (4/6)

The Vito Russo Test (2/3):

At least one queer character… ✔️ We have the one trans woman, our main character.

Who is not predominantly defined by their sexual orientation/gender… ✖️ She absolutely is. The movie is about little else than being a lens for us to see how she is treated every day.

And is tied into the plot in such a way that their removal would have a significant effect. ✔️ Well she is the main character.

My Two Cents (2/3):

What made me cringe:

Misgendering, deadnaming... Not all of the time, but I’d say at least half.

I was always afraid for her. There was no space, no period of time in this film, where I felt I got to truly see her let her walls down.

While she is not visually fetishized, it is never really made clear whether the relationship that she is in at the beginning of the movie was one that she enjoyed being in or one that she was forced into for survival. And it is a relationship with a much older man. It is once again unclear whether he truly loved her or just liked her for the novelty of her being transgender.

What made me happy:

A TRANS WOMAN PLAYED BY A TRANS WOMAN.

And to top that an actress playing the part of a singer who actually does the singing - Daniela Vega is classically trained in opera.

The perfect balance between calculation and spontaneity behind the decisions in where Marina will go. She navigates some spaces strongly, driven by emotion. In some places she makes herself small, knowing that she will not be accepted. And in others, she uses the duality of how she is perceived to her advantage.

All of my critiques, though honest for myself, should be taken with a grain of salt. The story was tailored to the needs and desires of Daniela Vega, and therefore even if I see tropes or problems in the way the story is presented, it is nonetheless something that the actress sees at truthful.

[thevitorussotest]

Rafiki (4/6)

The Vito Russo Test (3/3):

At least one queer character… ✔️ 3.

Who is not predominantly defined by their sexual orientation/gender… ✔️ Though this is close as usual, I think the the film did a great job representing Kena’s life outside of her queerness, especially in regard to her home life and parents.

And is tied into the plot in such a way that their removal would have a significant effect. ✔️ The main two, at least, could not be removed. 

My Two Cents (1/3):

What made me cringe:

Violence towards queer people is never something I enjoy watching, as realistic as it is in this setting. Creators always have a choice between highlighting hardship or hope, and here it was hardship.

Most of the love scenes, even just kissing, between the two women, made me uncomfortable. I did not pick up any natural chemistry between the actresses aside from one moment where they made eyes at each other from across the street. After that, the intimacy seemed force, and the sounds of them kissing was often so loud that it made me - literally - cringe in my seat. Beyond this, although it is implied that Kena and Ziki spent some time together and bonded over actual conversation, this is done almost exclusively through montage, so the audience was not able to see their relationship develop in a meaningful way.

What made me happy:

It was refreshing seeing a queer story told outside of the typical Westernized, Euro-centric lens.

I also loved the styles of both of the women and the set and color choices overall. 

The ending was a little clever, with a lack of clarity about whether the women ended up together or not. It left the opportunity for hope, even if that wasn’t its main point.

[thevitorussotest]

Boys Don’t Cry (4/6)

The Vito Russo Test (2/3):

At least one queer character… ✔️ Our boy is trans!!!!

Who is not predominantly defined by their sexual orientation/gender… ✖️ Debatable probably but going with no because I don’t remember much else about him. He probably had mommy issues.

And is tied into the plot in such a way that their removal would have a significant effect. ✔️ Totally.

My Two Cents (2/3):

What made me cringe:

Bury Your Gays much? Quite possibly the biggest queer tragedy to ever grace our screens. That said, it’s entirely true. That ending? It happened.

Trans character played by cis actress. Yuck.

What made me happy:

A trans boy!! How rare are those? (Honestly DM me any recs because they are few and far between.)

For a lot of the movie, he was really just living his best life. It was good to see him happy.

Highlights a portion of history when transgender wasn’t even a term yet. And yet here he is, feeling it. It’s something I had never thought about much, but is so important.

He really really connects with that girl! And she does know and she loves him anyway! It’s so real!

Absolutely, undebatable, so importantly - groundbreaking for its time.

[thevitorussotest]

Battle of the Sexes (5/6)

The Vito Russo Test (3/3):

At least one queer character… ✔️ Yep. There’s 2 explicitly. 

Who is not predominantly defined by their sexual orientation/gender… ✔️ Nah, she’s a tennis player. And a woman.

And is tied into the plot in such a way that their removal would have a significant effect. ✔️ She is the protagonist. 

My Two Cents (2/3): 

What made me cringe:

Lesbian cheats on man during her self-discovery.

It doesn’t truthfully represent Billy Jean King’s experience of being tossed around by the press and isolated for her affair and her sexual orientation within the sport and her life. It was a harrowing path that she found herself on, which is important to keep track of historically, but mostly unacknowledged in this movie. 

What made me happy:

Girl power!

So many women on the cast!

Emma Stone...

Highlighting an actual powerful woman as one such role model while illuminating the fact that is is in fact a lesbian!!

Little Miss Sunshine is one of my all-time favorite movies, and the direction that I fell in love with there shines through again here. I also tend to love movies in which Steve Carell is a real character, so here we are.

[thevitorussotest]

The Carmilla Movie (5/6)

The Vito Russo Test (3/3):

At least one queer character… ✔️ I don’t think any of them are cishet. I mean, there’s a possibility that like 3 of them are, but I like to think not. Even going off of only canonical identities, we have at least 3 lesbians and a nonbinary character. 

Who is not predominantly defined by their sexual orientation/gender… ✔️ None of them are!! Not one!

And is tied into the plot in such a way that their removal would have a significant effect. ✔️ There would be nothing left without them.

My Two Cents (2/3):

What made me cringe:

Jealousy.

I watched it a while ago, but as I recall not ALL the gays get a happily every after... Which seems fine considering the ratios in this, but one could still hope for a bit more ingenuity during the climax.

Oh this movie is absolutely cheesy. Don’t go into expecting anything less. But I had watched the webseries leading up to this, and I knew that this was coming. So I can’t really say that made me cringe either. However, if you have not watched the webseries and don’t intend to, I frankly have no idea what your experience with this will be. 

On that note, here are some things I wanted from the movie based on my experience with the series that I didn’t get: Danny!!!! LaFerry? 

What made me happy:

NONBINARY CHARACTER PLAYED BY NONBINARY ACTOR! (Kaitlyn Alexander)

Natasha Negovanlis. Dominique Provost-Chalkley. I could really just list the whole cast here. What a bunch of good and good-looking beans.

Absolute lesbian fan service, AKA the sex scene, AKA domestic life.

What heteronormativity?

Same charm/cheesiness of the webseries wrapped up in some much, much higher production quality. 

[thevitorussotest]

The Miseducation of Cameron Post (5/6)

The Vito Russo Test (2/3):

At least one queer character… ✔️ There’s really only like... two characters that aren’t queer. 

Who is not predominantly defined by their sexual orientation/gender… ✖️ Sadly, I’m giving this one a no. The movie is about her struggling with her sexual identity, and I don’t know a lot about her outside of her questioning that. That said, in general, each character has some depth to them in some sense, even if it comes a single trait.

And is tied into the plot in such a way that their removal would have a significant effect. ✔️ As I said, there would only be two characters left without the queer folks, and that includes the extras.

My Two Cents (3/3):

What made me cringe:

Nothing really made me cringe. The film did a great job of making me uncomfortable with a lot of what I was watching, but that is exactly what it was meant to do. There was no trope or negative perpetuation that I can think of.

What made me happy:

I just think the movie has a perfect amount of everything. Enough of a strong will, enough of doubt, enough of giving in, enough violence, and just the right emotion tinged at the end.

This is the first time I have ever seen two-spirit, or Winkte, representation on screen. And to make it even better, both the character and the actor are Native American.

Overall diverse cast, and characters with a variety of surprising backgrounds.

No unnecessary romance.

The one scene with the roommate. As I said, just enough. One shocking scene, and then back to the status quo. 

The fact that we were told of something graphic, something horrifying, and yet did not have to see it.

The ending. Just. Enough. Enough hope, and enough despair.