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Behind the Trees

Name: Behind the Trees
Director: Vikram Jayakumar
Released: 2019
Duration: 87 min

Representation Score

5.2/10

Fair

2019

Director

Vikram Jayakumar

Runtime

87 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Behind the Trees employs a cross-cultural setting to move the narrative away from purely Western environments. By placing American protagonists in the Indian wilderness, the film encourages a dialogue between different cultural perspectives and spiritual beliefs. However, the film largely adheres to traditional thriller formulas. The focus remains on a high-stakes rescue mission rather than an explicit deconstruction of systemic hierarchies or identity politics. While the setting and the central role of an Indian child offer a degree of non-Western representation, the character arcs do not appear to be driven by specific identity-related themes.

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Category Breakdown

Does Behind the Trees have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film focuses on a couple's romantic relationship but does not explicitly address non-binary or LGBTQ+ identities. There is no direct critique of the assumption that everyone is straight or cisgender.

How does Behind the Trees portray gender?

Fair

The story revolves around a duo and a child, but does not challenge traditional gender roles. Characters' actions are driven by external plot conflicts rather than exploring gender dynamics.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Behind the Trees?

Good

By featuring Los Angeles-based characters in the Indian wilderness, the film fosters a cross-cultural dialogue. An Indian child plays a central role, providing important non-Western representation.

How does Behind the Trees represent religion and culture?

Fair

The narrative incorporates spiritual themes through an exorcism, moving beyond secular Western frameworks. It introduces localized belief systems but does not clearly critique the lasting effects of historical colonization.

Does Behind the Trees include disability representation?

Minimal

The plot involves a child undergoing a distressing exorcism, but there is no verified portrayal of a permanent or neurodivergent disability with real ability to act.

Present on Screen

The cross-cultural setting provides a departure from Western-centric environments.
The inclusion of an Indian child in a central role offers non-Western representation.
The use of ritual and exorcism introduces localized, spiritual belief systems.

Limited or Absent

The narrative lacks explicit evidence of non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth identities or LGBTQ+ representation.
There is no clear subversion of traditional gender hierarchies or power dynamics.
The film does not provide evidence of a critique regarding post-colonial or anti-capitalist perspectives.

Official Synopsis

While on a romantic getaway in the Indian wilderness, a couple from Los Angeles accidentally witnesses the haunting exorcism of an 11-year old girl. They decide to rescue her.

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