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Trial

Name: Trial
Director: Keith Lynch, David T. Lynch
Released: 2016
Duration: 16 min

Representation Score

3.4/10

Limited

2016

Director

Keith Lynch, David T. Lynch

Runtime

16 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Trial primarily functions as a genre-driven science fiction thriller. Its strongest contribution to diversity is the central role of a character with a physical disability, which provides a level of ability to act often missing in mainstream media. However, the film lacks breadth. The narrative is centered on a male protagonist, and there is no evidence of racial, ethnic, or LGBTQ+ representation. The focus remains on the existential mechanics of mind transfer rather than social or systemic commentary. Ultimately, while the film engages with the concept of bodily autonomy, it lacks the multi-layered depth required for a higher diversity score.

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Category Breakdown

Does Trial have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any visible LGBTQ+ characters or identities. There is no mention of diverse gender expressions or identities within the story.

How does Trial portray gender?

Fair

The story centers around a male corporal. It does not challenge traditional gender hierarchies or subvert typical male leadership roles.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Trial?

Minimal

The narrative provides no information about the racial or ethnic backgrounds of the cast or the setting.

How does Trial represent religion and culture?

Fair

The film explores identity instability through mind transfer. This suggests a postmodern approach to the self rather than a critique of specific cultural institutions.

Does Trial include disability representation?

Good

The protagonist is a quadriplegic soldier who gains significant influence through a scientific procedure. This avoids passive clichés, although the narrative’s impact remains to be seen.

Present on Screen

The protagonist is a quadriplegic soldier, providing a central role for a character with a significant physical disability.
The narrative grants the disabled lead ability to act by making him the focal point of a high-stakes scientific procedure.

Limited or Absent

The film lacks visible representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth characters.
There is no evidence of racial or ethnic diversity within the cast or setting.
The story lacks subversion of traditional gender hierarchies, focusing instead on a male lead.

Official Synopsis

A pioneering mind transfer procedure offers a quadriplegic soldier the chance of a new life... but at a terrible cost. The corporal finds himself in another part of the science facility with no idea how he got there. These time jumps escalate out of control climaxing with a horrific realization...

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