You are here:

The Greasy Strangler

Name: The Greasy Strangler
Director: Jim Hosking
Released: 2016
Duration: 93 min

Representation Score

5.2/10

Fair

2016

Unrated

Director

Jim Hosking

Runtime

93 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

The film functions as a work of postmodern surrealism that focuses on dismantling social norms rather than demographic representation. It achieves its impact by aggressively breaking down the sanctity of the family unit and traditional Western social norms. While the film performs poorly in conventional categories such as race, gender, and LGBTQ+ inclusion, it excels in cultural subversion. It replaces traditional order with a landscape of situational ethics and social decay. Ultimately, the film uses grotesquerie to critique the stability of civilized norms, though it fails to offer nuanced roles to underrepresented identities.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does The Greasy Strangler have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film doesn't include any clear LGBTQ+ stories or characters with non-cisgender identities. Relationships in the film focus on a twisted, unhealthy search for romantic connections.

How does The Greasy Strangler portray gender?

Fair

Gender roles are challenged through extreme social dysfunction rather than empowerment. Female characters mainly act as catalysts for the protagonists' strange behavior contests.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Greasy Strangler?

Limited

The film lacks diverse racial or ethnic representation. It features a homogeneous cast within a stylized, grotesque urban setting.

How does The Greasy Strangler represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The film stands out by breaking down Western institutions and the traditional family structure. It shows parental relationships as codependent and grotesque, operating outside normal ethical standards.

Does The Greasy Strangler include disability representation?

Limited

Characters display extreme physical quirks and behaviors similar to neurodivergence. However, these traits are used to create discomfort and absurd humor rather than giving characters meaningful roles.

Present on Screen

Effectively breaks down traditional Western institutions and the nuclear family unit.
Offers a sharp critique of social stability through moral relativism and absurdity.
Challenges traditional masculinity by portraying protagonists as grotesque and socially paralyzed.

Limited or Absent

Lacks diverse racial, ethnic, or LGBTQ+ representation among the characters.
Does not provide nuanced roles to female characters or those with disabilities.
Uses physical or mental 'otherness' primarily for discomfort and comedic effect.

Official Synopsis

Ronnie runs a Disco walking tour with his son, Brayden. When a sexy woman takes the tour, it begins a competition between father and son for her love. It also signals the arrival of an oily strangler who stalks the streets at night.

How are these scores produced? →