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Be Afraid

Name: Be Afraid
Director: Drew Gabreski
Released: 2017
Duration: 99 min

Representation Score

4.2/10

Fair

2017

TV-14

Director

Drew Gabreski

Runtime

99 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Be Afraid operates as a conventional genre piece that prioritizes established horror clichés over social complexity. The narrative structure relies on a traditional family unit and a patriarchal protagonist to drive suspense. The film lacks intentionality regarding diverse perspectives. Instead of exploring varied viewpoints, it utilizes standard Western domestic settings and neurological phenomena primarily as mechanisms for terror. Ultimately, the work functions within a framework of domestic suspense that reinforces traditional social hierarchies rather than disrupting them.

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Category Breakdown

Does Be Afraid have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

There are no LGBTQ+ characters or narratives addressing non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth identities in the film. The story centers around a traditional nuclear family.

How does Be Afraid portray gender?

Fair

The plot revolves around John Chambers, who embodies traditional masculine roles and acts as the primary protector. The narrative emphasizes patriarchal structures.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Be Afraid?

Limited

The film is set in a small Pennsylvania town with a homogeneous demographic. There is no indication of a multi-ethnic cast.

How does Be Afraid represent religion and culture?

Limited

The film adheres to Western clichés regarding the sanctity of the family. It lacks critiques of institutions like religion or the state.

Does Be Afraid include disability representation?

Limited

Sleep paralysis is used as a horror cliché to create vulnerability. The condition is not explored in depth or given much nuance.

Present on Screen

The film uses a recognizable, high-stakes domestic setting to build tension.

Limited or Absent

The narrative relies on traditional gender roles and patriarchal protector clichés.
Sleep paralysis is used as a horror device rather than a nuanced depiction of neurodivergence.
The story lacks representation of LGBTQ+ identities or multi-ethnic casting.

Official Synopsis

Not long after John Chambers and his family arrive at their new home in a small country town of Pennsylvania, John begins to experience sleep paralysis. Lying there paralyzed, trapped within his own nightmare, other-worldly beings visit John. They are entities which exist in the darkest shadows of the night and can only be seen out of the corner of one's eye. These encounters begin to haunt John, transforming to complete terror as he discovers the entities' sole purpose... the abduction of his seven year old son. In the end, John will uncover the town's horrific secret, a portal on his land, and make one last attempt to save his son before the shadow people permanently take him away to their world.

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