You are here:

Side Effect

Name: Side Effect
Director: Alexey Kazakov
Released: 2020
Duration: 93 min

Representation Score

2.8/10

Limited

2020

Director

Alexey Kazakov

Runtime

93 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Side Effect operates as a conventional horror-thriller that prioritizes psychological suspense over social commentary. The narrative structure relies on established genre clichés rather than deconstructing social hierarchies or overlapping identities. The film maintains a very traditional framework, focusing on a singular cultural experience and a heterosexual domestic unit. This approach limits the scope of representation, as the characters and themes remain within standard genre boundaries. Ultimately, the film lacks engagement with diverse identities, focusing instead on individual trauma and the supernatural consequences of seeking emotional shortcuts.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Side Effect have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The story focuses on a traditional marriage between a man and a woman. There are no queer narratives or non-cisgender identities in the plot.

How does Side Effect portray gender?

Fair

The film follows conventional gender roles. Andrey acts as the primary agent of change, while Olga is positioned as vulnerable and supernaturally possessed.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Side Effect?

Limited

The production features a homogeneous cast. There is no indication of multicultural casting or diverse ethnic backgrounds.

How does Side Effect represent religion and culture?

Limited

The narrative explores superstition and spiritualism through a psychic character. It serves as a cautionary tale about personal morality rather than a cultural critique.

Does Side Effect include disability representation?

Minimal

While the plot involves psychological trauma, there is no specific representation of neurodivergence or physical disabilities as central character identities.

Present on Screen

Explores the psychological toll of trauma and the consequences of seeking supernatural shortcuts to resolve domestic conflict.

Limited or Absent

Lacks representation of LGBTQ+ identities, diverse ethnic backgrounds, or neurodivergent characters.
Relies on traditional gender roles where the female protagonist has little control over her fate and becomes a vessel for external forces.
Maintains a homogeneous cast and a singular cultural perspective without multicultural engagement.

Official Synopsis

A traumatic experience leads to a break-up between a young married couple. In a desperate attempt to save their marriage, Andrey, the husband, seeks help from a psychic named Mara. His only wish is to make his wife Olga forget the past. Mara's magic works, but the second honeymoon soon turns into a living nightmare... Andrey gradually recognizes that he is dealing with a powerful evil that possesses his wife, and the price of the psychic's service is Olga’s life.

How are these scores produced? →