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Rock, Paper, Scissors

Rock, Paper, Scissors

Representation Score

4.0/10

Limited

2019

R

Director

Tom Holland

Runtime

84 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Rock, Paper, Scissors operates within a conventional psychological thriller framework that prioritizes genre clichés over progressive representation. The narrative is driven by a male-centric protagonist and themes of personal legacy, which limits the opportunity for systemic subversion. While the cast offers some racial variety, the film's focus on ancestral estates and individual trauma keeps the story rooted in traditional Western storytelling. There is little evidence of intentional efforts to challenge social hierarchies or provide nuanced identity-based narratives. Ultimately, the film functions as a standard genre piece, lacking the thematic depth required to address multi-layered identities.

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Category Breakdown

Does Rock, Paper, Scissors have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film lacks explicit LGBTQ+ narratives or characters that challenge the assumption that everyone is straight or cisgender. Luke Macfarlane’s role does not provide confirmed queer ability to act or thematic focus.

How does Rock, Paper, Scissors portray gender?

Limited

The story centers on a male protagonist, a reformed serial killer, reinforcing traditional masculine-driven plot dynamics. It follows standard thriller clichés rather than subverting gender hierarchies or elevating female intellect.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Rock, Paper, Scissors?

Fair

The cast includes racial variety through actors like Quinton Aaron and Najarra Townsend. However, the ancestral estate setting suggests a focus on Western lineage rather than deconstructing racial power dynamics.

How does Rock, Paper, Scissors represent religion and culture?

Limited

The narrative focuses on personal redemption and family legacy within a traditional estate. It lacks critiques of Western or institutional structures, sticking to conventional storytelling regarding individual morality.

Does Rock, Paper, Scissors include disability representation?

Fair

The film explores psychological instability and trauma through its haunting premise. It remains unclear if these elements offer meaningful neurodivergent representation or simply serve as genre-driven plot devices.

Present on Screen

  • The cast includes racial variety through performers like Quinton Aaron and Najarra Townsend.
  • The inclusion of Luke Macfarlane offers potential for nuanced queer representation.

Limited or Absent

  • The film relies on male-centric protagonist dynamics that reinforce traditional gender roles.
  • The narrative lacks explicit LGBTQ+ themes or characters that critique the assumption that everyone is straight or cisgender.
  • The focus on ancestral estates leans toward Eurocentric structures rather than diverse cultural critiques.
  • Psychological elements may function as mere plot devices rather than meaningful disability representation.

Official Synopsis

After being released, a reformed serial killer moves into his family's ancestral estate and is haunted by his past -- both the living and the dead.

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