You are here:
When the Screaming Starts

When the Screaming Starts

2021

Director

Conor Boru

Runtime

89 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

Synopsis

When Norman Graysmith is invited into the home of an aspiring serial killer, Aidan Mendle, he believes he has the subject for the documentary that will make his career.

Where to Watch

Diversity & Representation

Overall Score

5.1/10

Fair


Category Breakdown

LGBTQ+ Representation

Fair

The film lacks explicit evidence of LGBTQ+ characters or narratives. The story focuses on the interpersonal dynamics between a filmmaker and a killer without addressing non-cisnormative identities.

Gender Representation

Fair

The narrative subverts horror tropes by centering a female serial killer. This shift in agency disrupts traditional hierarchies that typically associate mass violence with male characters.

Racial & Ethnic Diversity

Limited

The cast includes ethnic variety through actors like Yasen Atour and Octavia Gilmore. However, the plot does not center racial identity as a primary driver of the story.

Religious & Cultural Diversity

Good

The mockumentary format critiques media institutions and the ethics of voyeurism. Through satire, the film explores professional ambition and the subjective nature of morality.

Disability Representation

Minimal

There is no verifiable evidence regarding the portrayal of physical or neurodivergent disabilities within the film's cast or synopsis.

Strengths

  • Subverts traditional horror tropes by featuring a female serial killer as the primary driver of the plot.
  • Utilizes a mockumentary framework to critique media ethics and the pursuit of professional ambition.
  • Features a cast with some ethnic variety, avoiding a purely homogeneous ensemble.

Areas for Improvement

  • Lacks explicit representation or narratives centered on LGBTQ+ identities.
  • Does not center racial or cultural identity as a meaningful part of the narrative.
  • Provides no verifiable portrayal of physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

AI Analysis

When the Screaming Starts offers a moderate level of representation by challenging standard genre archetypes. Its strongest contribution is the subversion of gendered violence, placing a woman in the role of the primary aggressor. However, the film remains limited in its exploration of intersectional identities. It lacks visible LGBTQ+ representation and does not use racial or cultural identity as a central narrative engine. Ultimately, the film functions as a character study of narcissism and media ethics. It uses satire to deconstruct social expectations rather than focusing on deep identity politics.

How are these scores produced? →

Rate this Movie

No rating selected
Use arrow keys to select a rating from 1 to 5 stars
Optional text review, maximum 2000 characters
Tip: Wrap spoilers with ||double pipes|| to hide them
0/2000 characters
You must be signed in to submit a rating

Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to share your thoughts on this movie!

Use the rating form above to leave a star rating and optional review.