You are here:

The Wrong Friend

Name: The Wrong Friend
Director: David DeCoteau
Released: 2018
Duration: 90 min

Representation Score

1.7/10

Minimal

2018

TV-14

Director

David DeCoteau

Runtime

90 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

The Wrong Friend functions as a standard psychological thriller that adheres closely to established genre conventions. It prioritizes a localized, interpersonal conflict between a protagonist and an obsessed antagonist over any meaningful exploration of identity or systemic power dynamics. The film lacks intentionality regarding diverse representation. It follows a traditional framework that does not seek to disrupt social hierarchies or provide diverse perspectives, resulting in a narrative that feels culturally and socially narrow.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does The Wrong Friend have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The story centers on a romantic relationship between Riley and Chris, which assumes both are straight. There is no evidence of queer themes or non-cisgender identities.

How does The Wrong Friend portray gender?

Fair

The film relies on traditional clichés of a charming male predator and a vulnerable female lead. While the protagonist may take control, the narrative does not challenge gender hierarchies.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Wrong Friend?

Minimal

The narrative focus remains strictly on interpersonal psychological conflict. There is no information regarding the racial or ethnic makeup of the cast.

How does The Wrong Friend represent religion and culture?

Limited

The film operates within a standard Western thriller framework. It focuses on a private, domestic nightmare rather than engaging with broader social or political structures.

Does The Wrong Friend include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no indication of characters possessing visible or invisible disabilities. Neurodivergence is not used as a central narrative element.

Present on Screen

The female protagonist's potential to take control through survival provides a slight departure from purely passive roles.

Limited or Absent

The film relies heavily on conventional gender clichés of the predator and the victim.
There is a complete absence of racial, ethnic, or disability-related representation.
The narrative lacks engagement with broader cultural or systemic social critiques.

Official Synopsis

The moment Riley meets Chris, she thinks he is handsome, charming and affectionate. He seemed perfect, but after a party at his house, Riley sees that Chris has a darker side. His adoration turns to obsession, her dream into a nightmare and she must figure out what he is after.

How are these scores produced? →