You are here:

Seance

Name: Seance
Director: John Preston
Released: 2001
Duration: 88 min

Representation Score

4.2/10

Fair

2001

Director

John Preston

Runtime

88 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Seance functions as a standard genre piece that prioritizes supernatural tension and individual survival. The narrative structure centers around a singular protagonist's trauma rather than exploring identity politics or deconstructing social hierarchies. The film adheres to traditional horror clichés common in the early 2000s. It lacks intentional characters who reflect more than one aspect of diversity, focusing instead on a localized, character-driven plot centered on a male-centric backstory. Ultimately, the work does not aim to disrupt social hierarchies or offer systemic critique, resulting in a narrow scope of representation.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Seance have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or those with non-cisgender identities. The story revolves around a supernatural haunting and a series of murders without addressing assumptions about straight relationships.

How does Seance portray gender?

Fair

The story centers on a male protagonist and his traumatic past. Women do not occupy roles of intellectual or physical superiority in the narrative.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Seance?

Limited

The plot follows conventional casting patterns for early 2000s independent horror. There is no indication of a non-white majority or subversion of casting norms.

How does Seance represent religion and culture?

Limited

A séance serves as the primary plot catalyst. The film explores individual supernatural terror rather than critiquing religious or Western institutions.

Does Seance include disability representation?

Limited

While childhood haunting can metaphorically relate to psychological trauma, the film does not explicitly address how these experiences are handled or grant ability to act to characters dealing with such issues.

Present on Screen

The film effectively uses a ritualistic séance as a focused plot catalyst for supernatural tension.

Limited or Absent

The narrative lacks LGBTQ+ representation and diverse character identities.
The story relies on a male-centric perspective, limiting gender diversity.
There is no evidence of racial or ethnic subversion in the casting.
The film misses opportunities to explore disability or neurodivergence with ability to act.

Official Synopsis

A preternatural spirit that haunted Jon (Corey Feldman) as a child is summoned by an ill-conceived séance to liven up a party only to unleash a litany of horrors and murders on the participants and anyone in his way.

How are these scores produced? →