The White Boy Saved Us All Again in Gladiator II
A direct fall into the white savior narrative

In 1939 two young lovers are forced to part when the girl's father falls into debt and sells her to a wealthy widow in central Bangkok. She returns two years later, to find herself torn between love and duty.
A direct fall into the white savior narrative
The differences in these films could not be more blatant, and yet Gus Van Sant has found a way to portray the same messages and use the same techniques in each.
The accountant in question is Christian Wolff (Ben Affleck), who’s neurodivergent. We know this because at a dating event, he bores women with tax advice. He also places his breakfast foods in neat stacks and has no friends.
I understand that this would have been consistent with the language used by that generation, due to its role in the medical profession, however as someone who has family members with Down Syndrome I took it very personally.
This coming-of-age musical features a strong representation of LGBTQ+ individuals coming-of-age.
For a young girl who wishes to keep her current traditions, this holiday will end up with a surprise twist.