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Choose or Die

Name: Choose or Die
Director: Toby Meakins
Released: 2022
Duration: 85 min

Representation Score

5.3/10

Fair

2022

MA-17

Director

Toby Meakins

Runtime

85 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Choose or Die successfully shifts the power dynamic by placing a female protagonist in charge of her survival. Jules navigates reality-warping challenges through her own actions, avoiding the traditional male protector cliché found in survival horror. However, the film maintains a narrow demographic focus. Casting is predominantly white and lacks diversity, and the narrative does not incorporate LGBTQ+ identities or varied racial backgrounds. This results in a more limited demographic scope. Ultimately, the film emphasizes postmodern themes and psychological tension over identity issues. While it explores the breakdown of societal structures and the impact of technology, it misses opportunities to provide deeper insights into these topics.

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Category Breakdown

Does Choose or Die have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or address issues related to heterosexuality as the norm. The story revolves around personal survival without highlighting the experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals.

How does Choose or Die portray gender?

Fair

Jules, the female protagonist, leads the plot through her intelligence and resilience. This challenges typical horror narratives by eliminating the need for a male protector figure.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Choose or Die?

Limited

The casting is primarily white and uniform. The storyline centers on the protagonist's economic hardships without incorporating racial or ethnic diversity.

How does Choose or Die represent religion and culture?

Fair

The film examines the merging of digital and physical worlds. It critiques the consumption of technology through a cursed medium but does not delve into political or cultural commentary.

Does Choose or Die include disability representation?

Limited

There are no intentional representations of visible or invisible disabilities. Psychological distress is portrayed as a supernatural horror element rather than a detailed exploration of mental health.

Present on Screen

The film features a strong female protagonist who makes critical decisions and demonstrates independence.
It effectively challenges traditional masculine leadership clichés common in survival horror.
The narrative provides a compelling look at the blurring lines between reality and digital consumption.

Limited or Absent

The casting lacks racial and ethnic diversity, focusing mainly on a homogeneous demographic.
There is a noticeable absence of LGBTQ+ characters or perspectives within the narrative.
The film misses chances to offer nuanced portrayals of neurodivergence or mental health issues.

Official Synopsis

In pursuit of an unclaimed $125,000 prize, a broke college dropout decides to play an obscure, 1980s survival computer game. But the game curses her, and she’s faced with dangerous choices and reality-warping challenges. After a series of unexpectedly terrifying moments, she realizes she’s no longer playing for the money but for her life.

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