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What Lies Upstream

Name: What Lies Upstream
Director: Cullen Hoback
Released: 2017
Duration: 89 min

Representation Score

5.4/10

Fair

2017

TV-14

Director

Cullen Hoback

Runtime

89 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

What Lies Upstream is an investigative documentary that prioritizes systemic critique over demographic diversity. It succeeds in giving a significant role in driving the story to individuals living with physical disabilities and terminal illnesses. However, the film lacks representation of LGBTQ+ identities and non-cisgender narratives. Additionally, the cast reflects the homogeneous demographics of the Pacific Northwest communities under investigation, which limits broader social perspectives. Ultimately, the film's strength lies in its deconstruction of power, challenging the competence of Western institutions and corporate hierarchies.

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Category Breakdown

Does What Lies Upstream have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The documentary focuses on environmental health and corporate accountability. There are no LGBTQ+ characters or narratives addressing non-cisgender identities.

How does What Lies Upstream portray gender?

Fair

The film centers on domestic life and the impact of illness on families. It avoids traditional male leadership roles by highlighting the failures of male-dominated regulatory bodies.

How racially and ethnically diverse is What Lies Upstream?

Limited

The film features residents of the Pacific Northwest. The cast of interviewees appears largely homogeneous, reflecting the specific demographics of the region.

How does What Lies Upstream represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The narrative offers a strong critique of Western institutional structures and capitalism. It portrays corporate profit motives as being in direct opposition to public welfare.

Does What Lies Upstream include disability representation?

Good

The film provides a significant platform for individuals with physical disabilities and terminal illnesses. Their experiences serve as the primary drivers of the investigative plot.

Present on Screen

Provides a significant role in driving the story to individuals living with physical disabilities and terminal illnesses.
Offers a powerful critique of systemic corruption within capitalist and regulatory structures.
Avoids sentimentalizing disability by focusing on the systemic causes of medical conditions.

Limited or Absent

Lacks representation of LGBTQ+ identities and non-cisgender narratives.
Features a largely homogeneous cast with minimal racial and ethnic diversity.
Focuses heavily on a specific geographic demographic, limiting broader social perspectives.

Official Synopsis

This is the story of Erin Brockovich's investigation into a chemical spill spirals into an indictment of the entire system meant to protect drinking water, revealing cover-ups at the highest levels of government.

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