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The Beyond

Name: The Beyond
Director: Lucio Fulci
Released: 1981
Duration: 88 min

Representation Score

3.9/10

Limited

1981

Director

Lucio Fulci

Runtime

88 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Lucio Fulci’s work emphasizes sensory experience and surreal imagery over conventional storytelling. While his 'dream logic' disrupts linear narratives, the film reflects the casting and thematic norms of its era. The narrative centers around a woman navigating a haunted hotel, providing her who play a significant role in driving the story. However, the film lacks depth in terms of racial, cultural, or LGBTQ+ representation. Overall, the film focuses on creating an aesthetic and visceral impact. It does not aim to challenge social hierarchies or offer progressive representation.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Beyond have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or non-straight relationships. It follows the supernatural horror style typical of the 1980s, focusing on creating an eerie atmosphere rather than exploring sexual orientation.

How does The Beyond portray gender?

Fair

A female character leads the story and has the ability to navigate supernatural events. However, the film does not explicitly address masculine authority or gender power dynamics.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Beyond?

Limited

The cast is mostly white, reflecting the casting practices of the time. There is no indication of intentional efforts to include diverse racial or ethnic perspectives.

How does The Beyond represent religion and culture?

Limited

Religious symbols and ideas about the afterlife are used as standard horror elements. The film operates within traditional horror frameworks without critiquing Western institutions or organized religion.

Does The Beyond include disability representation?

Minimal

Characters face psychological and physical trauma, serving as part of the horror experience. There are no detailed depictions of neurodivergence or physical disabilities.

Present on Screen

The film features a female protagonist at the heart of the story.
The protagonist has the primary role in driving the plot forward.

Limited or Absent

The cast lacks racial and ethnic diversity, remaining primarily white.
There is no representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-straight characters.
Disabilities and neurodivergence are portrayed as part of the horror spectacle rather than as lived experiences.
The film lacks socio-political commentary or critiques of religious institutions.

Official Synopsis

New Yorker Liza Merril inherits an old hotel in Louisiana and invests her savings to reopen the place, unaware that the hotel houses the body of a dead painter murdered decades earlier, and that the location is about to become a gateway to Hell.

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