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The Raking

The Raking

2017

Director

Bryan Brewer

Runtime

98 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

Synopsis

THE RAKING tells the story of a group of college students who set out to debunk an urban legend in Joshua Tree, California for their anthropology thesis, only to find that they become part of the legend themselves.

Where to Watch

Diversity & Representation

Overall Score

3.8/10

Limited


Category Breakdown

LGBTQ+ Representation

Limited

The film lacks explicit LGBTQ+ characters or narratives. The group dynamic centers on a traditional anthropology thesis, suggesting a conventional character framework without non-cisnormative identities.

Gender Representation

Fair

While the cast includes female members like Cree Kelly and Allie Rivera, the film follows standard horror ensemble structures. It does not appear to subvert traditional gender hierarchies or leadership roles.

Racial & Ethnic Diversity

Fair

The setting and subject matter offer potential for cultural exploration, but the cast lacks documented evidence of high-agency characters of color. The ensemble follows standard independent genre casting patterns.

Religious & Cultural Diversity

Limited

The story utilizes folklore and urban legends but lacks an anti-Western or anti-capitalist lens. The survivalist arc reinforces existing social structures rather than deconstructing them.

Disability Representation

Minimal

There is no documented evidence regarding the inclusion of characters with visible or invisible disabilities. No assessment can be made regarding agency or the avoidance of tropes.

Strengths

  • The ensemble includes female cast members like Cree Kelly and Allie Rivera.
  • The anthropology theme provides a potential framework for exploring folklore and cultural motifs.

Areas for Improvement

  • The film lacks explicit LGBTQ+ representation or narratives that critique heteronormativity.
  • There is no evidence of high-agency characters of color or race-bent casting.
  • The narrative fails to subvert traditional gender hierarchies or masculine leadership roles.
  • The plot does not employ an anti-Western or anti-capitalist lens to challenge social structures.

AI Analysis

The Raking operates as a conventional creature feature that prioritizes genre tropes over social subversion. The narrative focuses on a group of college students investigating an urban legend, which follows a standard survivalist arc common in independent horror. While the ensemble includes female cast members, the film does not actively challenge gendered power dynamics or traditional hierarchies. The lack of intersectional complexity or progressive thematic intent keeps the representation at a baseline level. Ultimately, the film lacks specific indicators of diverse identity or cultural critique. It functions as a straightforward genre piece rather than a work designed to explore or deconstruct systemic social structures.

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