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When Darkness Falls

Name: When Darkness Falls
Director: Arne Mattsson
Released: 1960
Duration: 113 min

Representation Score

1.6/10

Minimal

1960

Director

Arne Mattsson

Runtime

113 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Arne Mattsson’s thriller is a product of its historical context, prioritizing genre mechanics over social subversion. The film operates within the established moral and social structures of mid-century Sweden, reinforcing the conventional norms of 1960s European crime cinema. The narrative structure lacks intentionality regarding multi-layered representation. It functions as a traditional mystery that maintains the demographic and social hierarchies typical of its time and location.

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Category Breakdown

Does When Darkness Falls have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film adheres to the social constraints of 1960, offering no non-cisgender identities. It lacks any discernible presence of LGBTQ+ characters or themes.

How does When Darkness Falls portray gender?

Limited

The narrative centers on a male investigator, following traditional masculine leadership clichés. While Elisabeth is a focal point, power dynamics follow conventional hierarchies.

How racially and ethnically diverse is When Darkness Falls?

Minimal

Set in a rural Swedish village, the film reflects the demographic homogeneity of its era. There is no evidence of intentional racial blending or multi-layered casting.

How does When Darkness Falls represent religion and culture?

Fair

The story utilizes traditional Western settings like a vicarage and domestic spheres. Religious institutions function as standard narrative elements rather than subjects of critique.

Does When Darkness Falls include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no documented evidence regarding the inclusion of characters with visible or invisible disabilities. The focus remains strictly on the criminal investigation.

Present on Screen

The film provides a clear, atmospheric exploration of the mid-century Swedish crime genre.

Limited or Absent

The film lacks representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-cisgender characters.
The cast reflects a high degree of racial and ethnic homogeneity.
Gender roles follow traditional hierarchies without challenging masculine leadership clichés.

Official Synopsis

Young Elisabeth comes to Västlinge to meet her old relative, the vicar and and his young daughter. She is going to spend the Christmas there in peace and quiet but on Christmas Eve, the grocer is brutally murdered with an axe. Police inspector Christer Wijk comes to the small village to find the murderer. He soon discovers the puzzle of evidence that makes almost everybody a suspect.

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