Reclaiming Normalcy: Exploring Disability Narratives in the Netflix films Keys to the Heart and Big World
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20259735
Abstract
This research analyzes disability narratives in Netflix films Keys to the Heart (2023) and Big World (2024) through the lens of Disability Theory by Lennard J. Davis. One represents disability in Filipino culture and the other portrays disability in Chinese culture, respectively. Davis says that disability is not only a medical condition but a social and political issue as well. The purpose of the study is to explore how disability is depicted in two different Asian cultures in the selected films. Furthermore, this research aims to explore how normalcy is constructed in both films. The main focus of this study is to examine disability as constructed by society or by persons with disabilities (PwDs). Additionally, the analysis of this research uncovers the relationship of disabled characters with the able-bodied characters in the both films. The goal of this study is to raise voice and awareness for the disabled people as marginalized group. The findings of this research reveals that disability has gained success and achievement through the ability of both disabled characters; Jayjay and Chunhe. Overall, the study unveils that both character have gained self-acceptance and such representations are aimed to create a fair society in which PwDs are treated equally.
Keywords: Disability, normalcy, stereotypes, social construction, Davis, film analysis
