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The Ninth

Name: The Ninth
Director: Nikolay Khomeriki
Released: 2019
Duration: 99 min

Representation Score

3.2/10

Limited

2019

Director

Nikolay Khomeriki

Runtime

99 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The Ninth is a period-specific mystery that emphasizes genre clichés over social disruption. While it features a female lead with significant influence, the narrative structure adheres closely to traditional crime-horror frameworks. The film introduces an international flavor through its British protagonist, but it does not actively challenge the Eurocentric or imperial hierarchies of the 19th-century setting. Instead, it serves primarily as a stylistic thriller rather than a vehicle for diverse representation. Ultimately, the film’s diversity is constrained by its reliance on historical genre conventions, focusing on occultism and ritualistic murder rather than identity politics.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Ninth have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film does not include explicit queer romantic storylines or characters with non-binary genders. The plot focuses on the investigation and interactions between the medium and law enforcement.

How does The Ninth portray gender?

Fair

Olivia Reed brings a unique perspective that challenges the traditional male dominance in detective stories. However, the plot revolves around the abduction and mutilation of female victims.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Ninth?

Fair

The setting includes an international element through a British medium working in the Russian Empire. The narrative seems to center on a relatively homogeneous social class.

How does The Ninth represent religion and culture?

Limited

The story uses esotericism and spiritualism as genre devices to create tension. It does not critique institutionalized religion or state power.

Does The Ninth include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no information about the portrayal of physical or neurodivergent disabilities in this narrative.

Present on Screen

The female lead, Olivia Reed, brings specialized knowledge that challenges traditional male authority.
The inclusion of a British medium adds an international dimension to the Russian setting.

Limited or Absent

The narrative risks relying on clichés about female victimhood through the focus on abducted and mutilated women.
The story lacks explicit representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-binary characters.
The film does not show a systematic effort to challenge historical social hierarchies.

Official Synopsis

Petersburg at the end of the 19th century was embraced by a massive enthusiasm for the occult sciences and esotericism. British medium Olivia Reed arrives in the capital of the Russian Empire on tour and gathers crowds of people at her public spiritualistic sessions. At this time, a series of ritual mysterious murders takes place in the city. Girls are abducted on the streets, their mutilated bodies are found in various parts of the city. The investigation is carried out by a young police officer Rostov and his assistant Ganin. With each new victim, things are becoming more confused. Suspicion leads Rostov to Olivia, and he decides to turn to her in the hope that her genuine or imaginary ability to summon the spirits of the dead can help to get on the trail of the killer.

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