You are here:

The Calling

Name: The Calling
Director: Richard Caesar
Released: 2000
Duration: 89 min

Representation Score

1.2/10

Minimal

2000

Director

Richard Caesar

Runtime

89 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

The Calling is a traditional genre piece that adheres strictly to established cinematic and religious clichés. It functions as a standard thriller without attempting to disrupt social hierarchies or integrate diverse identities. The film relies heavily on conventional religious motifs, specifically the concept of the Antichrist. This focus reinforces traditional Western religious frameworks rather than offering a critique of institutional norms. Overall, the production lacks visible efforts toward multicultural or diverse representation, reflecting a non-progressive media profile common to its era.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does The Calling have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or narratives that question the assumption that everyone is straight or cisgender. It centers around a traditional maternal horror theme.

How does The Calling portray gender?

Limited

The story features a female protagonist, but it relies on clichés of female vulnerability and biological destiny. The narrative follows a conventional thriller structure.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Calling?

Limited

The production follows a homogeneous casting pattern typical of early 2000s genre cinema. There is no indication of a non-white majority cast.

How does The Calling represent religion and culture?

Minimal

The plot is deeply rooted in Judeo-Christian eschatology. It reinforces traditional religious frameworks and absolute moral binaries rather than challenging them.

Does The Calling include disability representation?

Minimal

Themes of psychological trauma and hallucinations are present, but it is unclear if these are portrayed with real power. No specific neurodivergent representation is identified.

Present on Screen

The narrative centers on a female protagonist.

Limited or Absent

The film lacks diverse identities and casting.
The plot relies on traditional clichés regarding female vulnerability.
The narrative reinforces religious absolutes rather than exploring moral complexity.
There is no evidence of LGBTQ+ representation.

Official Synopsis

On her wedding night, a young woman conceives a child during an hallucinatory encounter. Several years later, as her friends and family begin to behave strangely, she pieces together clues that lead to one conclusion...her son is the Antichrist

How are these scores produced? →