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Housekeeping

Name: Housekeeping
Director: Jennifer Harrington
Released: 2015
Duration: 90 min

Representation Score

3.8/10

Limited

2015

PG-13

Director

Jennifer Harrington

Runtime

90 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Housekeeping is a psychological thriller that focuses on personal trauma and domestic instability rather than broader social critiques. The narrative centers on the protagonist's internal struggles within traditional societal structures. The film presents a central female character but within well-established social norms. It relies on genre clichés instead of exploring diverse identities or challenging existing power structures. Overall, the film stays within conventional boundaries, using its historical setting to maintain a homogeneous social environment without addressing broader societal issues.

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Category Breakdown

Does Housekeeping have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any visible LGBTQ+ characters or stories. The character interactions follow traditional assumptions about heterosexual relationships without questioning these norms.

How does Housekeeping portray gender?

Fair

Lucy Castillo's role emphasizes her domestic duties and family obligations. Despite having a significant role in the story, her actions are confined within traditional gender roles.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Housekeeping?

Limited

The cast is predominantly white, reflecting the film's mid-century setting. There is no indication of diverse ethnic backgrounds or perspectives in the narrative.

How does Housekeeping represent religion and culture?

Limited

The story adheres to conventional ideas about family duty. It does not question Western institutions such as the nuclear family or capitalist systems.

Does Housekeeping include disability representation?

Limited

Mental instability is used as a thriller element to create suspense. The film does not provide a detailed look at neurodivergence or mental health issues.

Present on Screen

The film features a strong central female protagonist who faces intense familial challenges.
The narrative explores personal psychological tension and domestic conflict effectively.

Limited or Absent

The film lacks representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-traditional gender narratives.
The portrayal of mental health serves more as a plot device than a nuanced depiction of disability.
The cast and setting are predominantly white, lacking racial and ethnic diversity.

Official Synopsis

Lucy Castillo, a young med student, has just given up a prized summer internship to bail out her troubled younger brother, Sal... again. He needs cash fast, and after being unable to find a job, Lucy reluctantly accepts the too-good-to-be-true position as a housekeeper offered to her through a friend of a friend. For only three weeks work, she will be paid enough to get Sal out of trouble. Things start to take a disturbing turn, however, as the job reveals itself to be anything but normal. Her never-seen employer seems to have a dark side, and Lucy's own haunted past begins to reappear, tormenting her. As the job spirals out of control and Sal's life hangs in the balance, Lucy's grip on reality disappears.

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