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Kingdom of Silence

Kingdom of Silence

2020

Director

Rick Rowley

Runtime

98 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

Synopsis

A political thriller examining the complex relationship between the United States and Saudi Arabia, and how the murder of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi amplified entanglements between the two countries.

Where to Watch

Diversity & Representation

Overall Score

4.3/10

Fair


Category Breakdown

LGBTQ+ Representation

Minimal

The documentary focuses on international relations and the Khashoggi investigation. There are no LGBTQ+ narratives or themes present in this political context.

Gender Representation

Fair

The film examines how individuals navigate high-stakes political environments. While it touches on the human element of systemic failures, it lacks specific character arcs to deepen gendered perspectives.

Racial & Ethnic Diversity

Good

The film disrupts Western-centric storytelling by centering a Middle Eastern figure. It provides significant agency to a person of color within a global power struggle.

Religious & Cultural Diversity

Excellent

The narrative critiques traditional Western institutional alliances and strategic interests. It highlights the tension between state interests and individual human rights in foreign relations.

Disability Representation

Minimal

There is no information regarding the portrayal of physical or neurodivergent disabilities within this investigative work.

Strengths

  • Challenges Western hegemony by centering a non-Western tragedy.
  • Provides significant agency to a person of color in a global narrative.
  • Offers a sophisticated critique of international institutional alliances.

Areas for Improvement

  • Lacks representation of LGBTQ+ identities and themes.
  • Provides no visibility for physical or neurodivergent disabilities.
  • Limited engagement with specific gendered character arcs.

AI Analysis

Kingdom of Silence is a specialized political thriller that excels in challenging Western-centric geopolitical narratives. By centering the tragedy of Jamal Khashoggi, the film provides a platform for Middle Eastern perspectives and critiques the systemic entanglements between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia. However, the documentary's narrow investigative focus limits its breadth. Because it is a highly specific geopolitical study, it lacks representation across several social identity categories, resulting in a lower overall score despite its cultural depth. Ultimately, the film succeeds as a critique of power structures but does not aim for broad-spectrum social diversity.

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