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The Pack

Name: The Pack
Director: Tomáš Polenský
Released: 2020
Duration: 91 min

Representation Score

6.0/10

Fair

2020

Director

Tomáš Polenský

Runtime

91 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

The Pack is a social realist drama that excels in its sophisticated exploration of neuro-biological diversity. By focusing on a protagonist managing Type 1 diabetes, the film goes beyond superficial clichés to examine the tension between physical reality and social acceptance. However, the film's scope is limited, operating within a largely homogeneous cultural and racial setting. The focus on a male-dominated hockey team narrows its gender and LGBTQ+ representation. Ultimately, the film's strength lies in its critique of exclusionary social hierarchies, though it falls short in demographic diversity.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Pack have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film does not include explicit references to LGBTQ+ identities or non-straight relationships. The protagonist faces outsider status but the story emphasizes social integration and physical well-being rather than queer themes.

How does The Pack portray gender?

Fair

The story revolves around a traditional masculine hockey environment. While the 'law of the pack' emphasizes hyper-masculinity, the protagonist's vulnerability offers a critique of traditional male dominance.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Pack?

Limited

The film is set in Zlín, which suggests a relatively homogeneous social environment. There is no indication of significant racial or ethnic diversity or diverse casting to break traditional demographic norms.

How does The Pack represent religion and culture?

Good

The film critiques traditional social institutions by portraying the athletic 'pack' as exclusionary. It highlights systemic victimhood to challenge established group dynamics and social cohesion.

Does The Pack include disability representation?

Excellent

David's struggle with Type 1 diabetes is portrayed in a nuanced manner, avoiding 'inspiration porn' by focusing on the taxing, lived reality of managing chronic illness.

Present on Screen

Provides a nuanced, realistic portrayal of Type 1 diabetes and invisible disability.
Offers a sophisticated critique of exclusionary social hierarchies and peer pressure.
Avoids 'inspiration porn' by focusing on the authentic, taxing reality of chronic illness.

Limited or Absent

Lacks significant representation of racial or ethnic diversity within the setting.
Provides little to no evidence of LGBTQ+ identities or queer narratives.
The narrative remains heavily centered on traditional masculine social structures.

Official Synopsis

When his family moves to the city of Zlín and 16-year-old David joins a new hockey team, the Wolves, he is determined to succeed. There’s, however, the other goalie, Miky – and his position seems unshakeable. The team doesn’t welcome David with open arms either. Captain Jerry and his gang do as they please, while the team follows the ‘law of the pack’. David has been weakened by his recently discovered diabetes, and that is not tolerated here. He is still coming to terms with his body, learning to estimate the insulin doses his life depends on. On the team, David is the outsider, bracing the avalanche of bullying that gradually gains speed.

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