You are here:

Stricken

Name: Stricken
Director: Matt Sconce
Released: 2010
Duration: 90 min

Representation Score

4.5/10

Fair

2010

PG-13

Director

Matt Sconce

Runtime

90 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Stricken operates strictly within the boundaries of thriller and horror genres. It relies on familiar archetypes, such as the female protagonist facing externalized evil and the male detective investigating a crime spree. This reliance on genre conventions results in a narrative that feels predictable and lacks depth in representing diverse identities. The film's approach to identity is largely surface-level or absent. While the protagonist experiences psychological instability, these elements serve the plot's tension rather than offering a meaningful look at mental health. Similarly, the casting and cultural themes favor traditional Western perspectives without challenging them. Ultimately, the production lacks the intentionality needed to disrupt social hierarchies. It prioritizes standard suspense and survival clichés over diverse or representative storytelling.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Stricken have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film does not include any explicit LGBTQ+ characters or non-cisgender identities. The relationship between Sarah and Detective Aro follows a traditional storyline.

How does Stricken portray gender?

Fair

Sarah Black is a central female protagonist dealing with supernatural threats. She mostly follows the conventional 'final girl' cliché in horror films.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Stricken?

Limited

The cast lacks diversity and seems to follow traditional Western casting norms based on the character names.

How does Stricken represent religion and culture?

Limited

The film's themes align with Western horror traditions, focusing on individual survival and family trauma. It does not challenge established social or secular institutions.

Does Stricken include disability representation?

Limited

Psychological distress and visions are used as standard horror plot devices. The film does not explore mental health or neurodivergence in depth.

Present on Screen

The film features a central female protagonist who plays a significant role in navigating a psychological crisis.

Limited or Absent

The narrative relies heavily on the 'final girl' cliché rather than challenging gender hierarchies.
There is a lack of racial and ethnic diversity within the character profiles.
The film misses opportunities to provide nuanced representation of neurodivergence or mental health.
The story adheres to traditional Western archetypes without exploring diverse cultural perspectives.

Official Synopsis

After her mother's death and her father's brutal suicide, 25 year old Sarah Black fears she is losing her grip on reality. She is haunted by nightmares and terrifying visions, and she can't shake the feeling that something evil is about to find her. When people she cares about start to die, Sarah believes she may be next. Detective Scott Aro has been investigating a string of murders for 10 years, but nothing he has seen can prepare him for what lies ahead. As hope seems lost, the two must face the evil that has been unleashed and battle to stay alive as they discover that some things won't stay dead. It waits in the dark.

How are these scores produced? →