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Stiff

Name: Stiff
Director: Jim Towns, Mike McKown
Released: 2010
Duration: 83 min

Representation Score

4.5/10

Fair

2010

Director

Jim Towns, Mike McKown

Runtime

83 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Stiff is a character-driven psychological horror that prioritizes individual pathology over broader social issues. The film's focus remains narrow, centering on a dark, specialized psychological obsession between two protagonists. While the film explores complex themes of nihilism and subjective morality, it lacks demographic breadth and diverse casting.

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Category Breakdown

Does Stiff have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The story focuses on a heterosexual relationship between Troy and Lorri. There is no evidence of queer romance or characters with non-binary gender identities.

How does Stiff portray gender?

Fair

Lorri plays a significant role in driving the story and making decisions. However, the plot relies on traditional stereotypes about male suicide.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Stiff?

Limited

The film features a homogeneous cast with no indication of a multicultural or ethnically diverse cast.

How does Stiff represent religion and culture?

Fair

The narrative explores nihilism and subjective morality through a dark pact. It avoids critiques of systemic institutions, focusing instead on individual dysfunction.

Does Stiff include disability representation?

Limited

Troy's suicidal thoughts highlight mental health issues, but the condition mainly serves as a catalyst for the horror plot. It lacks a nuanced portrayal of the character's experiences.

Present on Screen

Lorri is portrayed with significant influence and a dominant role.
The film explores complex themes of nihilism and subjective morality.

Limited or Absent

The narrative lacks racial and ethnic diversity among the characters.
Mental health is primarily used as a functional element for the horror plot.
The story lacks queer representation or characters with non-binary gender identities.

Official Synopsis

Troy (Bill Scott), a suicidal office employee, forms a bond with Lorri (Lulu Benton), a crisis counselor with a secret necrophiliac obsession. The two make a secret pact: Lorri will help Troy kill himself, if she can have her way with him afterward. But, as they prepare to go through with the deed, Troy's feelings for Lorri begin to grow, putting a strain on their seemingly ideal arrangement, as Troy wonders if he really does want to give his life (and Lorri) up.

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