You are here:

Flatliners

Name: Flatliners
Director: Niels Arden Oplev
Released: 2017
Duration: 111 min

Representation Score

7.9/10

Good

2017

PG-13

Director

Niels Arden Oplev

Runtime

111 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Flatliners (2017) successfully diversifies its professional ensemble by featuring a multi-ethnic cast in elite academic roles. It also highlights strong women's ability to drive the story in scientific pursuits. However, the film remains limited by its reliance on traditional romantic structures and the use of psychological trauma as a horror device. While it questions institutional authority, it does not delve deeply into complex identity-driven narratives.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Flatliners have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film does not include significant LGBTQ+ representation or explore non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth identities.

How does Flatliners portray gender?

Fair

Female characters play key roles in an elite medical environment, driving the central scientific inquiry with significant influence.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Flatliners?

Good

The film showcases a multi-ethnic cast in a high-pressure professional setting, avoiding the cliché of racial homogeneity in academic leadership roles.

How does Flatliners represent religion and culture?

Good

The narrative emphasizes personal truth over strict institutional frameworks, challenging established medical ethics.

Does Flatliners include disability representation?

Fair

Psychological instability and trauma-induced hallucinations are central to the character arcs. However, these elements primarily serve as horror-driven plot devices.

Present on Screen

Strong women's ability to drive the story in high-stakes, intellectually demanding medical roles.
A multi-ethnic cast that avoids racial homogeneity in professional settings.
A narrative that challenges rigid institutional and ethical frameworks.

Limited or Absent

Lack of significant LGBTQ+ representation or exploration of non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth identities.
Psychological struggles are used as horror devices rather than nuanced explorations.
Interpersonal dynamics remain largely centered on traditional relationship structures.

Official Synopsis

Five medical students, hoping to understand the mystery of what lies beyond life, embark on a dangerous experiment. When their hearts are stopped for a short period of time, they have a near-death experience…

How are these scores produced? →