Malignant
2021
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Representation score: 4.7 out of 10
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Smile
Representation Score
5.3/10
Fair
2022
RDirector
Parker Finn
Runtime
115 minutes
Average Rating
No ratings yetNew Showbiz Analysis
Smile is a character-driven psychological horror that focuses on individual trauma rather than broader social critiques. While it successfully challenges traditional gender roles by placing a woman in a position of authority, it lacks deeper exploration of diverse identities. The film excels in its nuanced, though terrifying, portrayal of mental health issues and PTSD. It avoids using neurodivergence as a simple villainous plot device, instead focusing on the protagonist's lived experience of psychological collapse. However, the film remains socially narrow. The homogeneous casting and lack of LGBTQ+ representation limit the narrative to a specific, middle-class professional environment, missing opportunities for greater cultural and racial diversity.
Category Breakdown
Does Smile have LGBTQ+ representation?
The film follows a traditional framework that assumes everyone is straight or cisgender. There are no prominent LGBTQ+ characters or stories that question this assumption.
How does Smile portray gender?
Dr. Rose Cotter holds a position of professional authority and demonstrates strong decision-making skills. The film avoids the damsel in distress cliché, emphasizing her active role in navigating a collapsing reality.
How racially and ethnically diverse is Smile?
The cast and setting reflect a relatively homogeneous social environment. There is a lack of significant racial blending within the primary character arcs.
How does Smile represent religion and culture?
The story depicts the breakdown of traditional family and medical support systems. It challenges the 'triumph over adversity' narrative through a fatalistic view of trauma.
Does Smile include disability representation?
The narrative offers a harrowing depiction of PTSD and psychological fragmentation. However, the line between mental illness and supernatural possession sometimes blurs, complicating the character's ability to drive the story.
Present on Screen
- Places a woman in a position of high professional authority, challenging traditional gender roles.
- Provides a nuanced, harrowing depiction of mental health struggles and PTSD symptoms.
- Avoids the damsel in distress cliché by focusing on the protagonist's active role.
Limited or Absent
- Lacks LGBTQ+ representation and stories that question traditional assumptions.
- Features a relatively homogeneous cast with limited racial and ethnic diversity.
- The intersection of mental illness and supernatural possession can complicate character's ability to drive the story.
Official Synopsis
After witnessing a bizarre, traumatic incident involving a patient, Dr. Rose Cotter starts experiencing frightening occurrences that she can't explain.
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