You are here:

Cthulhu

Name: Cthulhu
Director: Dan Gildark
Released: 2008
Duration: 100 min

Representation Score

7.3/10

Good

2008

Director

Dan Gildark

Runtime

100 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Cthulhu stands out in the horror genre by placing queer intimacy at the heart of the protagonist's emotional journey. This departure from including someone from a minority group without giving them real depth adds a progressive dimension to the cosmic horror theme. The film's strength lies in its challenge to traditional structures, particularly through its critique of patriarchal leadership and the nuclear family. It uses the New Age cult to examine the failures of modern systems and traditional morality. However, the film faces issues with racial homogeneity and a strong focus on the male perspective. Additionally, there is a risk of using mental health characters primarily to increase the sense of paranoia.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Cthulhu have LGBTQ+ representation?

Excellent

The film focuses on a reunion between the main character and his childhood friend, emphasizing their intimate relationship as a key part of their identity rather than a superficial inclusion.

How does Cthulhu portray gender?

Fair

Women play important roles in advancing the plot, but the story mainly revolves around the male perspective and psychological experiences.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Cthulhu?

Limited

The cast and setting suggest a predominantly white and homogeneous group, with no clear indication of racial or ethnic diversity.

How does Cthulhu represent religion and culture?

Good

The story criticizes traditional Western institutions by portraying a New Age cult as a disruptive force. It questions the stability of the nuclear family and traditional leadership.

Does Cthulhu include disability representation?

Fair

Mental health issues are explored through a character living in an asylum, adding psychological depth but potentially serving to heighten the film's sense of paranoia.

Present on Screen

Places queer intimacy at the core of the protagonist's emotional journey.
Critiques traditional patriarchal leadership and the nuclear family structure.
Examines the failures of modern systems and traditional morality through a New Age cult.

Limited or Absent

Could benefit from more explicit racial or ethnic diversity among the cast.
The narrative remains heavily centered on the male perspective.
Avoids using mental health characters solely to increase the sense of paranoia.

Official Synopsis

A Seattle history professor, drawn back to his estranged family on the Oregon coast to execute his late mother's estate, is reacquainted with his best friend from childhood, with whom he has a long-awaited tryst. Caught in an accelerating series of events, he discovers aspects of his father's New Age cult which take on a dangerous and apocalyptic significance.

How are these scores produced? →