You are here:

The Patrol

Name: The Patrol
Director: Tom Petch
Released: 2013
Duration: 85 min

Representation Score

5.1/10

Fair

2013

PG-13

Director

Tom Petch

Runtime

85 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

The Patrol functions as a conventional war drama that adheres to established genre clichés. It prioritizes the historical realities of Operation Herrick over disrupting social hierarchies or storytelling that reflects multiple aspects of identity. The narrative focuses on the psychological and tactical struggles of British troops in Helmand Province. This focus tends to reinforce traditional masculine archetypes and Western-centric perspectives. While the setting provides inherent opportunities for ethnic diversity, the film appears designed to reflect institutional military narratives rather than engage in progressive social deconstruction.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does The Patrol have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film does not include explicit LGBTQ+ character arcs or non-cisgender identities. The story focuses on military tactics and stresses, which tend to prioritize traditional masculine roles over queer representation.

How does The Patrol portray gender?

Fair

Set during a 2006 British Army deployment, the film centers on traditional military hierarchies. The cast is predominantly male, focusing on combat stress and masculine leadership roles.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Patrol?

Fair

The Afghan setting provides opportunities for ethnic diversity through local populations and multi-ethnic military units. However, the perspective remains centered on Western protagonists and their specific struggles.

How does The Patrol represent religion and culture?

Limited

The story aligns with typical depictions of military duty and institutional struggle. It lacks anti-Western or secularist critiques, favoring a traditional nationalistic framework.

Does The Patrol include disability representation?

Limited

Physical injury likely serves as a plot device for character trauma. There is no evidence of neurodivergent characters or actors with disabilities having meaningful narrative roles.

Present on Screen

The Afghan setting provides an inherent opportunity for ethnic diversity through local populations.
The multi-ethnic nature of the British military unit offers potential for racial representation.

Limited or Absent

The film lacks explicit LGBTQ+ character arcs or non-cisgender identities.
The narrative appears centered on traditional masculine leadership and hierarchies.
Disability is likely used as a tragic plot device rather than nuanced representation.
The perspective remains heavily focused on Western protagonists and institutional duty.

Official Synopsis

Afghanistan, 2006, Helmand Province becomes one of the most dangerous places on Earth as the British Army is deployed into the Taliban heartland. The Operation, Herrick, became synonymous with the struggle as British troops fought a losing battle against this unseen enemy.

How are these scores produced? →