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The Believers

Name: The Believers
Director: John Schlesinger
Released: 1987
Duration: 114 min

Representation Score

6.0/10

Fair

1987

Director

John Schlesinger

Runtime

114 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The film provides a sophisticated critique of systemic corruption by centering the narrative in Calcutta with a predominantly Indian cast. This approach disrupts conventional Hollywood clichés and offers a nuanced look at post-colonial identity. However, the film remains deeply rooted in traditional masculine hierarchies, focusing on male-dominated spheres and leaving little room for female or LGBTQ+ representation, creating a significant imbalance in social diversity. Ultimately, the work's strength lies in its cultural and racial depth, which compensates for its narrow gender dynamics.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Believers have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film focuses on patriarchal religious and criminal hierarchies and lacks queer-coded characters or non-straight storylines.

How does The Believers portray gender?

Limited

The narratives are centered around male-dominated spheres such as the priesthood and organized crime. Female roles are limited and often sidelined.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Believers?

Excellent

The film features a predominantly Indian cast and avoids a Western-centric perspective. It integrates the local population into the socio-political fabric of Calcutta.

How does The Believers represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The story deconstructs religious authority, depicting institutions as corrupt entities. It critiques systemic power and the exploitation of the impoverished.

Does The Believers include disability representation?

Fair

The film explores psychological trauma and the vulnerability of children. However, these characters often serve as plot tools rather than individuals with their own choices.

Present on Screen

Exceptional use of a predominantly Indian cast to avoid a Western-centric perspective.
Nuanced portrayal of post-colonial identity and local ability to act within the setting.
Sharp, sophisticated critique of religious and institutional corruption.

Limited or Absent

Significant lack of female roles and representation within the central conspiracy.
Minimal presence of LGBTQ+ characters or non-straight storylines.
Characters experiencing trauma often lack independent ability to act, serving primarily as plot devices.

Official Synopsis

Mourning the accidental death of his wife and having just moved to New York with his young son, laconic police psychologist Cal Jamison is reluctantly drawn into a series of grisly, ritualistic murders involving the immolation of two youths.

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