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New Religion

Name: New Religion
Director: Keishi Kondo
Released: 2022
Duration: 100 min

Representation Score

8.4/10

Excellent

2022

Director

Keishi Kondo

Runtime

100 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Keishi Kondo’s *New Religion* is a bold deconstruction of social structures that uses the horror genre to explore bodily autonomy and spiritual growth. By centering on a woman navigating the fringes of society, the film successfully challenges traditional hierarchies and domestic expectations. The narrative effectively transitions from a personal study of grief to a broader critique of institutional stability. It prioritizes subjective, identity-driven experiences over rigid frameworks of organized religion or conventional social contracts. However, the film remains culturally homogeneous and lacks explicit representation of LGBTQ+ identities. While it explores unconventional interpersonal dynamics, it does not provide specific markers for diverse sexual orientations.

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Category Breakdown

Does New Religion have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film lacks explicit representations of LGBTQ+ identities or non-straight relationships. The narrative centers on the protagonist's personal trauma and her work as a sex worker.

How does New Religion portray gender?

Good

Miyabi disrupts traditional gender roles by centering a strong female protagonist whose actions are driven by her underrepresented status. The film avoids typical domestic stories, focusing instead on her unconventional work and reclaiming her body.

How racially and ethnically diverse is New Religion?

Fair

As a Japanese production, the film features a predominantly homogeneous cast. The theme of societal collapse hints at a more fragmented social landscape.

How does New Religion represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The story critiques capitalist and patriarchal norms by focusing on a protagonist outside traditional family structures. It explores individual spirituality and the breakdown of established social and religious institutions.

Does New Religion include disability representation?

Fair

The protagonist's psychological state and grief serve as a study of mental health and emotional vulnerability. This trauma drives the plot's progression.

Present on Screen

Strong subversion of traditional gender roles and domestic stories through a complex female lead.
Profound critique of patriarchal and capitalist norms via a underrepresented protagonist.
Innovative exploration of individual spirituality and the fragility of social institutions.

Limited or Absent

Lack of explicit LGBTQ+ representation or non-straight relationship dynamics.
Homogeneous casting that limits racial and ethnic diversity within the narrative.
Ambiguity regarding the specific portrayal of mental health and neuro-emotional vulnerability.

Official Synopsis

After her daughter's death, divorced Miyabi works as a call girl. One day, she meets a weird customer who wants to take a picture of her spine. Then, at another assignation, her feet. She soon realises that every time she allows her body to be photographed, her daughter's spirit gets closer. Soon only her eyes remain to be captured, leading to the collapse of society in this bold, visionary and unique fantasy.

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