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Infidel

Name: Infidel
Director: Cyrus Nowrasteh
Released: 2019
Duration: 107 min

Representation Score

0.6/10

Minimal

2019

Director

Cyrus Nowrasteh

Runtime

107 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Infidel is a film that intentionally reinforces established Western hierarchies and religious certainties. It avoids deconstructing social norms, opting instead to defend traditional institutions through a lens of religious absolutism. The narrative uses identity to draw sharp boundaries between Western values and perceived extremist ideologies. Rather than seeking a multi-layered approach, the film utilizes cultural and religious markers to delineate 'in-group' versus 'out-group' dynamics. Ultimately, the work functions as a critique of religious relativism. It prioritizes a worldview where traditional family units and religious convictions act as stabilizing forces against external radicalism.

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Category Breakdown

Does Infidel have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or individuals with non-conforming gender identities. The story focuses solely on religious and geopolitical conflicts without addressing queer themes.

How does Infidel portray gender?

Limited

The narrative adheres to traditional gender hierarchies and a patriarchal structure. The wife’s role is depicted in a supportive, conventional manner without challenging established gender roles.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Infidel?

Limited

Although the setting is international, ethnic diversity is used to create a binary between Western protagonists and Middle Eastern antagonists. Casting emphasizes a clear geopolitical and religious divide.

How does Infidel represent religion and culture?

Minimal

The film rejects moral ambiguity, positioning Christian values as a central pillar of Western identity. Non-Western religious institutions are portrayed as threats to the protagonists.

Does Infidel include disability representation?

Minimal

The film does not focus on visible or invisible disabilities. Characters are defined by religious and national identities rather than physical or neurodivergent experiences.

Present on Screen

The film offers a clear, focused narrative centered on religious and geopolitical conflict.
It uses an international setting to create a high-stakes, global atmosphere.

Limited or Absent

The film relies on traditional gender hierarchies and patriarchal structures.
Representation of ethnic diversity is used primarily to reinforce a binary between Western and Middle Eastern identities.
The narrative lacks engagement with LGBTQ+ identities or non-conforming gender perspectives.

Official Synopsis

An American is kidnapped while attending a conference in Cairo and ends up in prison in Iran on spying charges. His wife goes to Iran, determined to get him out.

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