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The Lazarus Effect

Name: The Lazarus Effect
Director: David Gelb
Released: 2015
Duration: 83 min

Representation Score

3.3/10

Limited

2015

PG-13

Director

David Gelb

Runtime

83 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The Lazarus Effect is a genre-driven thriller that emphasizes scientific ethics and supernatural tension over social representation. While it provides technical ability to act to female characters, the narrative remains anchored in traditional formulas. The film features a largely homogeneous cast that reflects a narrow professional demographic. This lack of racial and cultural diversity limits its ability to challenge societal norms. Ultimately, the story centers on the individual dilemma of scientific hubris. It operates within established cinematic conventions rather than exploring systemic identity or diverse social power dynamics.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Lazarus Effect have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or queer relationships. All interpersonal relationships follow a strictly heterosexual structure.

How does The Lazarus Effect portray gender?

Fair

Female characters play key roles in driving the plot through significant psychological changes. However, the male protagonist's grief serves as the main driver of the central conflict.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Lazarus Effect?

Limited

The cast is predominantly white, reflecting a narrow socioeconomic and racial demographic typical of Western professional settings.

How does The Lazarus Effect represent religion and culture?

Limited

The story explores the tension between scientific secularism and the supernatural. It presents the pursuit of knowledge as a cautionary tale about scientific arrogance.

Does The Lazarus Effect include disability representation?

Minimal

Neurological conditions are used to create supernatural horror rather than exploring neurodivergence or disability. The film does not address the lived experiences of disabled individuals.

Present on Screen

Female characters have significant technical expertise and engage in high-level medical discussions.
The central plot is driven by substantial psychological and biological transformations of female characters.

Limited or Absent

The cast lacks racial and ethnic diversity, remaining largely homogeneous.
The narrative lacks LGBTQ+ representation and queer dynamics.
Neurological conditions are used for horror rather than exploring neurodivergence or disability.

Official Synopsis

Medical researcher Frank, his fiancee Zoe and their team have achieved the impossible: they have found a way to revive the dead. After a successful, but unsanctioned, experiment on a lifeless animal, they are ready to make their work public. However, when their dean learns what they've done, he shuts them down. Zoe is killed during an attempt to recreate the experiment, leading Frank to test the process on her. Zoe is revived -- but something evil is within her.

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