You are here:

Darby and the Dead

Darby and the Dead

Representation Score

8.7/10

Excellent

2022

PG-13

Director

Silas Howard

Runtime

100 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Darby and the Dead weaves queer identity into its supernatural premise, moving beyond including someone from a minority group without giving them real depth to offer a substantive exploration of identity. The film highlights women's ability to drive the story and the emotional realities of coming-of-age. While the film excels in queer and gender representation, it offers less clarity regarding the specific racial and ethnic makeup of its ensemble.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Darby and the Dead have LGBTQ+ representation?

Excellent

The film focuses on the relationship between Darby and Capri, highlighting queer identity rather than treating it as a side plot. This relationship challenges the typical high school hierarchy.

How does Darby and the Dead portray gender?

Good

The film elevates women's ability to drive the story through protagonists who navigate complex emotional and supernatural situations. It avoids traditional female archetypes by emphasizing female friendship and romantic tension.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Darby and the Dead?

Fair

The contemporary British setting hints at a more inclusive society. However, the specific ethnic makeup of the ensemble remains undefined within the main narrative focus.

How does Darby and the Dead represent religion and culture?

Good

The narrative prioritizes personal grief over religious doctrine when discussing the afterlife. It adopts a secular approach to morality and identity fluidity.

Does Darby and the Dead include disability representation?

Good

Darby's ability to see ghosts serves as a metaphor for neurodivergence or sensory differences. This explores the experience of social alienation and navigating a unique perception of reality.

Present on Screen

  • Queer identity is a central narrative driver rather than a peripheral subplot.
  • The film emphasizes women's ability to drive the story and emotional competence through its protagonists.
  • Supernatural elements provide a meaningful metaphor for neurodivergence and social alienation.

Limited or Absent

  • The specific ethnic composition of the ensemble is not clearly defined.
  • The narrative focus on supernatural dynamics may overshadow broader racial diversity.

Official Synopsis

After Darby Harper suffered a near-death experience as a child, she gained the ability to see ghosts. To combat the existential boredom of high school, she runs a side business counseling local spirits in her spare time. When an unexpected occurrence happens between Darby and Capri, the most popular girl at her high school, Darby reluctantly agrees to help her and in the process learns how to fit in with the living world again.

How are these scores produced? →

Where to Watch

Rate this Movie

No rating selected
Use arrow keys to select a rating from 1 to 5 stars
Optional text review, maximum 2000 characters
Tip: Wrap spoilers with ||double pipes|| to hide them
0/2000 characters
You must be signed in to submit a rating

Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to share your thoughts on this movie!

Use the rating form above to leave a star rating and optional review.