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The Kiss

Name: The Kiss
Director: Erika Dapkewicz
Released: 2004
Duration: 25 min

Representation Score

2.1/10

Limited

2004

PG-13

Director

Erika Dapkewicz

Runtime

25 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The Kiss functions as a conventional supernatural thriller that emphasizes genre clichés over diverse representation. The narrative centers on a male-focused perspective, highlighting the disruption caused by a powerful female antagonist. While the female character holds significant influence through her disruptive role, the film leans heavily on traditional archetypes like the seductress, reinforcing rather than challenging gender dynamics. Overall, the film does not intentionally address racial, cultural, or LGBTQ+ diversity, sticking to the standard casting and thematic patterns of early 2000s horror.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Kiss have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film focuses on three male friends and their interaction with a female entity. It follows a traditional storyline that assumes everyone is straight or cisgender, without any queer relationships or diverse identities.

How does The Kiss portray gender?

Fair

The story uses the femme fatale archetype, presenting the female character as a seductress driven by anger. Despite having a strong role, her function is mainly to cause instability in the male lead.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Kiss?

Limited

The characters and settings described suggest a conventional casting typical of supernatural thrillers from the era. There is no indication of racial mixing or a non-Anglo-Saxon majority cast.

How does The Kiss represent religion and culture?

Limited

The plot revolves around individual supernatural experiences rather than critiques of Western institutions or secularism. The themes serve as genre conventions rather than exploring specific cultural or societal structures.

Does The Kiss include disability representation?

Minimal

The main character experiences physical and psychological changes, but these are portrayed as supernatural phenomena. There is no depiction of lived experiences related to visible or invisible disabilities.

Present on Screen

The female antagonist has a strong disruptive role within the narrative.
The film offers a focused, character-driven look at supernatural influence and psychological change.

Limited or Absent

The film relies on the femme fatale archetype, which reinforces traditional gender roles.
There is a lack of diversity in racial, ethnic, and LGBTQ+ identities among the characters.
The narrative does not engage with broader cultural or systemic social critiques.

Official Synopsis

THE KISS is a supernatural thriller that revolves around three bachelors... Kyle, Mike, and Jim. What starts as an afternoon hike leads to a late-night rendezvous with a beautiful seductress full of centuries of rage. In the 28 days that follow, Kyle will experience physical and psychological changes that endanger the lives of everyone around him.

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