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Black Adam

Name: Black Adam
Director: Jaume Collet-Serra
Released: 2022
Duration: 125 min

Representation Score

7.2/10

Good

2022

PG-13

Director

Jaume Collet-Serra

Runtime

125 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Black Adam succeeds in moving away from Anglo-centric storytelling by focusing on the fictional Kahndaq. By using a MENA ensemble and a post-colonial viewpoint, the film effectively challenges the 'Western savior' cliché through a localized struggle against systemic oppression. However, the film remains limited in its social scope. It does not address LGBTQ+ identities or disability representation, sticking to a narrow focus on superhuman archetypes. While female characters are given significant power, the main storyline revolves around masculine-coded battles for retribution.

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Category Breakdown

Does Black Adam have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film follows a traditional framework that assumes everyone is straight or cisgender. There are no visible LGBTQ+ characters or exploration of non-straight identities.

How does Black Adam portray gender?

Fair

Female characters such as Hawkgirl and Cyclone have significant influence and elemental powers. However, the main storyline focuses on masculine struggles for dominance.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Black Adam?

Excellent

The film stands out by placing a Middle Eastern/North African setting at its center. The majority MENA cast offers important representation in a genre often dominated by Western archetypes.

How does Black Adam represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The story adopts a post-colonial perspective by criticizing external intervention. It portrays the protagonist's quest for vengeance as a legitimate response to systemic oppression.

Does Black Adam include disability representation?

Limited

There is no meaningful depiction of neurodivergence or physical disability. Characters are defined by their superhuman abilities rather than any form of disability.

Present on Screen

Placing a Middle Eastern/North African setting at the center adds significant ethnic depth.
The post-colonial narrative criticizes external intervention and systemic exploitation.
Female characters like Hawkgirl and Cyclone have significant elemental power and influence.

Limited or Absent

The film lacks any visible LGBTQ+ characters or exploration of queer identities.
There is no meaningful representation of neurodivergence or physical disability.
The central narrative arc remains heavily focused on masculine-coded conflicts.

Official Synopsis

Nearly 5,000 years after he was bestowed with the almighty powers of the Egyptian gods—and imprisoned just as quickly—Black Adam is freed from his earthly tomb, ready to unleash his unique form of justice on the modern world.

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