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Ghostland

Name: Ghostland
Director: Pascal Laugier
Released: 2018
Duration: 91 min

Representation Score

3.3/10

Limited

2018

Director

Pascal Laugier

Runtime

91 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Ghostland is a character-focused psychological study that emphasizes the internal experience of trauma over social or systemic representation. It successfully elevates a female protagonist through a narrative of survival and resilience, moving beyond simple genre clichés. However, the film lacks broad diversity. The cast is homogeneous, and the narrative does not engage with various cultural, racial, or LGBTQ+ identities, focusing instead on a narrow, isolated psychological landscape. Ultimately, while the portrayal of mental health struggles adds depth, the film’s adherence to traditional social structures and its lack of demographic complexity result in limited diversity.

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Category Breakdown

Does Ghostland have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or narratives. Relationships and interactions are centered around traditional family and caregiver roles without exploring non-straight identities.

How does Ghostland portray gender?

Fair

Marie is a strong central character who avoids typical damsel-in-distress clichés. The story emphasizes her resilience and intelligence as key drivers of the plot.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Ghostland?

Limited

The cast is relatively uniform and focuses on a small, isolated group. The narrative does not explore multiple aspects of identity or use actors from different backgrounds.

How does Ghostland represent religion and culture?

Limited

The story centers on personal survival rather than systemic critiques or identity-based power dynamics. It does not engage with anti-Western or anti-capitalist themes.

Does Ghostland include disability representation?

Fair

The film examines invisible disabilities through the protagonist's severe PTSD. However, memory fragmentation and sensory dissociation serve primarily as thriller elements rather than studies of disability.

Present on Screen

The film offers a meaningful portrayal of female resilience through its central protagonist.
It provides a deep, nuanced exploration of the psychological effects of severe PTSD.

Limited or Absent

The cast lacks racial and ethnic diversity, remaining largely uniform.
There is a complete absence of LGBTQ+ representation or non-straight narratives.
The film does not engage with broader cultural or systemic identity-based power dynamics.

Official Synopsis

A mother of two inherits a home from her aunt. On the first night in the new home she is confronted with murderous intruders and fights for her daughters’ lives. Sixteen years later the daughters reunite at the house, and that is when things get strange...

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