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They Carry Death

Name: They Carry Death
Director: Samuel M. Delgado, Helena Girón
Released: 2021
Duration: 75 min

Representation Score

5.9/10

Fair

2021

Director

Samuel M. Delgado, Helena Girón

Runtime

75 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

They Carry Death functions as a revisionist historical drama that challenges the traditional 'Great Man' theory of history. By juxtaposing Columbus's expedition with an intimate struggle in the Old World, the film shifts focus from conquest to the precariousness of existence. The dual-narrative structure allows for a deconstruction of the Age of Discovery. It moves away from the triumph of exploration to examine the desperate, often futile attempts to circumvent mortality. Ultimately, the film offers a somber meditation on the human condition, centering those operating on the fringes of historical greatness rather than traditionalist hagiography.

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Category Breakdown

Does They Carry Death have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film emphasizes survival and family bonds rather than exploring LGBTQ+ identities. There is no explicit mention of non-straight relationships or LGBTQ+ characters.

How does They Carry Death portray gender?

Fair

A female protagonist provides a strong counterpoint to the male-dominated journey. Her struggle to save her sister highlights her care-based role against the masculine pursuit of conquest.

How racially and ethnically diverse is They Carry Death?

Good

The film challenges Eurocentric clichés by focusing on overlooked figures within the colonial apparatus. The setting in the Canary Islands adds a geographic layer that complicates standard Anglo-centric historical narratives.

How does They Carry Death represent religion and culture?

Good

The film critiques the romanticization of Western exploration by framing the voyage as an uncertain flight from fate. It prioritizes localized knowledge through the inclusion of a healer.

Does They Carry Death include disability representation?

Minimal

While the story involves characters facing death, it is unclear if disability is portrayed with specific ability to act. The material does not confirm if it is more than a plot device.

Present on Screen

Elevates women's ability to drive the story through the Old World subplot, providing a strong counterpoint to the male-dominated voyage.
Challenges Eurocentric discovery clichés by focusing on underrepresented figures within the colonial expedition.
Uses a fragmented structure to critique the romanticization of Western expansion and institutional triumphs.

Limited or Absent

Lacks explicit representation or exploration of LGBTQ+ identities within the current narrative framework.
Provides insufficient evidence regarding the specific ability to act or portrayal of characters with disabilities.
The focus on mortality and survival may overshadow broader identity-based character development.

Official Synopsis

1492. Among the crew led by Christopher Columbus travel three men who by now should have been dead. They managed to avoid their sad fate by participating in this uncertain journey. After reaching the Canary Islands they flee taking with them one of the ship's sails. Meanwhile, in the "Old World", a woman tries to save her dying sister by taking her to a healer. Both of these trips attempt to make fun of death. Both of these trips are at the mercy of history

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