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The Shallows

Name: The Shallows
Director: Xia Banchang
Released: 2025
Duration: 73 min

Representation Score

5.2/10

Fair

2025

Director

Xia Banchang

Runtime

73 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

The Shallows (2025) presents a significant shift in casting by featuring a non-Western ensemble in a survival thriller. This departure from traditional Western-centric casts broadens the demographic scope of the genre. However, the film lacks depth in representing LGBTQ+ identities, disabilities, or broader social issues. While the protagonist is portrayed with high ability to act and intelligence, the narrative remains focused on individual survival without engaging with larger societal contexts.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Shallows have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film does not include any characters with LGBTQ+ identities or experiences. There is no visible evidence of LGBTQ+ storylines or non-cisgender identities.

How does The Shallows portray gender?

Fair

The story revolves around a strong female protagonist who actively drives the plot. Her gender is not explicitly defined, but she is portrayed who play a significant role in driving the story and intelligence, avoiding passive stereotypes.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Shallows?

Good

The film features a diverse cast with actors like Chen Xiaoyun and Wang Sen, moving away from typical Western ensembles in a survival thriller setting.

How does The Shallows represent religion and culture?

Fair

The film focuses on an individual survival story without addressing broader social institutions or systemic power structures.

Does The Shallows include disability representation?

Minimal

The film does not feature any characters dealing with physical, sensory, or neurodivergent disabilities.

Present on Screen

The film features a diverse cast that breaks away from traditional Western-centric casting norms.
The protagonist is depicted who play a significant role in driving the story and intelligence, avoiding passive stereotypes.

Limited or Absent

The film lacks representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-cisgender character arcs.
There is no depiction of characters navigating physical or neurodivergent disabilities.
The narrative does not engage with broader social institutions or systemic power dynamics.

Official Synopsis

A scientist passionate about extreme sports, Li Qiang, faces off against a ruthless predator at the top of the ocean's food chain in a life-and-death game. Beneath the ominous clouds, danger lurks just beneath the surface.

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