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The Haunting of Molly Hartley

Name: The Haunting of Molly Hartley
Director: Mickey Liddell
Released: 2008
Duration: 82 min

Representation Score

2.3/10

Limited

2008

PG-13

Director

Mickey Liddell

Runtime

82 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The film follows a highly traditional narrative structure, relying on familiar supernatural clichés rather than exploring complex social issues. It emphasizes a clear-cut moral order rather than questioning it. While the story centers around a female character, her journey is focused on preserving her traditional values. The setting is a homogeneous suburban environment that upholds a standard social order. Overall, the film does not make a concerted effort to incorporate diverse perspectives or challenge conventional social structures, focusing instead on supernatural tension.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Haunting of Molly Hartley have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or relationships that go beyond the assumption that everyone is straight. The social world presented is very conventional, with no engagement with queer identities.

How does The Haunting of Molly Hartley portray gender?

Fair

A female character is central to the story and plays a significant role in driving the narrative. However, her journey focuses on surviving and maintaining her innocence rather than disrupting traditional gender roles.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Haunting of Molly Hartley?

Limited

The story takes place in a private school setting where the cast is predominantly white and reflects a typical American middle-class family. There is little diversity in the representation of different backgrounds.

How does The Haunting of Molly Hartley represent religion and culture?

Minimal

The narrative revolves around a traditional good-versus-evil theme, reinforcing Christian ideas of demonic possession and spiritual battles.

Does The Haunting of Molly Hartley include disability representation?

Minimal

Characters experiencing psychological distress and having visions are used mainly as plot devices for horror. These characters do not have much independence outside of their role in the supernatural storyline.

Present on Screen

Features a central female character who drives the narrative during the supernatural conflict.

Limited or Absent

Increase diversity and different backgrounds within the private-school setting.
Include more diverse identities and relationships that go beyond the assumption that everyone is straight.
Avoid using psychological distress solely as a horror plot device.
Explore more diverse cultural perspectives and challenge traditional religious binaries.

Official Synopsis

When teenage Molly Hartley moves to a new town, she's haunted by terrifying visions that may have to do with dark secrets from her past. Something evil lurks just beneath the lush surfaces of her private-school world, and it holds the rights to her very soul. On the eve of her 18th birthday, Molly is about to discover the truth of just who or what she is destined to become.

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