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The Promise

Name: The Promise
Director: Sophon Sakdaphisit
Released: 2017
Duration: 113 min

Representation Score

4.5/10

Fair

2017

Director

Sophon Sakdaphisit

Runtime

113 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The film is a conventional supernatural drama that prioritizes atmospheric tension and emotional resolution. It operates primarily within established genre clichés to explore themes of guilt and broken promises. The film does not actively seek to challenge social hierarchies or traditional norms. Instead, it relies on a culturally homogeneous setting and traditional gender dynamics to drive its narrative.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Promise have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any explicit LGBTQ+ characters or stories. The main conflict centers around a heterosexual agreement, avoiding any engagement with queer identities.

How does The Promise portray gender?

Fair

The female lead plays a significant role in navigating supernatural dangers and motherhood. However, the film adheres to conventional portrayals of maternal protection and female vulnerability within traditional social roles.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Promise?

Fair

As a Thai production, the film features a culturally homogeneous cast. It provides authentic regional representation without attempting to disrupt casting norms through multi-layered racial blending.

How does The Promise represent religion and culture?

Fair

The story explores themes of memory and regret through a subjective morality lens. While family is central, it is depicted through dysfunction and the weight of past mistakes.

Does The Promise include disability representation?

Limited

The film does not significantly address visible or invisible disabilities. Psychological distress is used as a standard horror cliché rather than a nuanced exploration of mental health issues.

Present on Screen

Provides authentic regional representation as a Thai production set in Bangkok.
Gives the female protagonist significant control over managing supernatural threats and maternal responsibilities.

Limited or Absent

Lacks representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-cisgender narratives.
Does not offer a nuanced exploration of neurodivergence or mental health issues.
Relies on conventional gender roles and traditional depictions of female vulnerability.

Official Synopsis

Ib and Boum decide to commit suicide together in Bangkok in 1997. After reneging on the promise, the vengeful ghost of Ib returns 20 years later to haunt Boum and her 15 year old daughter, Bell.

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