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The Darkening

Name: The Darkening
Director: Jack L. Young
Released: 2012
Duration: 97 min

Representation Score

3.8/10

Limited

2012

Director

Jack L. Young

Runtime

97 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The Darkening operates strictly within the established boundaries of the psychological horror genre. The narrative structure relies on traditional clichés, such as a male protagonist's descent into madness and a focus on domestic trauma. Representation is largely absent, with the film centering on a homogeneous family unit. Characters function primarily to drive the thriller elements rather than to challenge social norms or provide diverse perspectives. Ultimately, the film lacks intentional disruption of societal norms. It adheres to standard cinematic frameworks, offering little in the way of diverse or subversive storytelling.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Darkening have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The story revolves around a heterosexual marriage between James Harrison and his wife. There is no evidence of LGBTQ+ identities or critiques of traditional social structures.

How does The Darkening portray gender?

Fair

The plot centers on a male protagonist's psychological trauma. Women are central to the story but are portrayed within traditional domestic roles tied to the protagonist's past.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Darkening?

Minimal

The narrative focuses on the Harrison family, indicating a homogeneous domestic setting. There is no indication of a diverse cast or characters of color with significant roles.

How does The Darkening represent religion and culture?

Fair

The film follows conventional Western thriller clichés involving ancestral violence. It lacks an explicit critique of Western institutions, capitalism, or organized religion.

Does The Darkening include disability representation?

Limited

The protagonist's use of therapy suggests a focus on mental health. However, it is unclear if this is handled with ability to act or used as a plot device.

Present on Screen

The film explores complex themes of psychological trauma and the breakdown of the individual.

Limited or Absent

The film lacks racial and ethnic diversity, focusing on a homogeneous cast.
Gender roles rely on traditional archetypes tied to the male protagonist's history.
There is no visible representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth perspectives.

Official Synopsis

After twenty years, James Harrison and his wife return to his old house where his mother was murdered. As James continues therapy, a string of murders occurs, and he finds himself too familiar with the details of the murders as his world unravels.

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