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The Mummy

Name: The Mummy
Director: Alex Kurtzman
Released: 2017
Duration: 110 min

Representation Score

2.6/10

Limited

2017

PG-13

Director

Alex Kurtzman

Runtime

110 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

The film achieves meaningful representation by casting a powerful, non-Western female antagonist, which disrupts standard genre clichés regarding gender and race. This provides a level of ability to act often missing in traditional blockbusters. However, the production remains anchored in conventional storytelling. The reliance on a Western male lead and the reinforcement of established social orders against ancient 'chaos' limits its progressive impact. Ultimately, while the film avoids common pitfalls like whitewashing the central supernatural force, it fails to engage with LGBTQ+ or disability representation, resulting in a conservative narrative structure.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Mummy have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any visible LGBTQ+ characters or explore non-straight identities. It focuses on a traditional storyline centered around a straight male protagonist and female antagonist.

How does The Mummy portray gender?

Fair

Ahmanet offers a nuanced challenge to gender hierarchies through her strong physical presence and supernatural power. However, the story's conclusion emphasizes the male protagonist's role.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Mummy?

Good

Sofia Boutella, who is of Egyptian and French descent, brings cultural authenticity to the role of the priestess. While the lead character is a Western archetype, the ensemble includes significant North African roles.

How does The Mummy represent religion and culture?

Limited

The story follows a conventional Western heroic framework. Ancient religious practices are shown as external threats to modern society rather than being critically examined.

Does The Mummy include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no representation of physical or neurodivergent disabilities among the main or supporting cast. Disability is not used as a narrative device.

Present on Screen

The casting of Sofia Boutella adds cultural authenticity to the role of the Egyptian priestess.
Ahmanet challenges the 'damsel in distress' cliché through her strong ability to act and power.
The film avoids whitewashing the primary supernatural force through diverse casting.

Limited or Absent

The narrative lacks any representation of LGBTQ+ identities or characters.
The story relies heavily on a traditional Western male protagonist archetype.
There is no representation of physical or neurodivergent disabilities within the cast.

Official Synopsis

Though safely entombed in a crypt deep beneath the unforgiving desert, an ancient queen whose destiny was unjustly taken from her is awakened in our current day, bringing with her malevolence grown over millennia, and terrors that defy human comprehension.

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