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Close Calls

Name: Close Calls
Director: Richard Stringham
Released: 2017
Duration: 128 min

Representation Score

5.0/10

Fair

2017

Unrated

Director

Richard Stringham

Runtime

128 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Close Calls primarily functions as a psychological horror focusing on individual tension rather than broader social or multi-layered issues. The narrative centers on a single protagonist's internal struggle and immediate survival threats. While the film removes traditional gender hierarchies by excluding the father from the domestic equation, it lacks broader social or cultural context. The focus remains on genre-driven clichés such as substance use and psychological instability. Without data on the cast's racial or ethnic makeup, the film's ability to represent diverse backgrounds cannot be assessed. It prioritizes personal terror over social commentary.

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Category Breakdown

Does Close Calls have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film does not explicitly mention queer identities or non-cisgender narratives. Although themes of paranoia could allow for exploring identity, there is no evidence of LGBTQ+ presence.

How does Close Calls portray gender?

Fair

Morgan is a strong female lead navigating survival without a father's influence. The presence of a grandmother hints at a complex domestic hierarchy, but its empowering nature is unclear.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Close Calls?

Minimal

The film does not provide information about the racial or ethnic composition of the cast, so no assessment of racial diversity can be made.

How does Close Calls represent religion and culture?

Fair

The story explores domestic dysfunction and substance use, which might critique traditional family stability. However, it is unclear if these elements are systemic critiques or typical horror clichés.

Does Close Calls include disability representation?

Fair

The protagonist's paranoia and troubled state suggest a focus on mental health struggles. It is unclear if her condition is empowering or merely a plot device.

Present on Screen

Features a female protagonist navigating high-stakes survival scenarios independently.
Explores complex domestic hierarchies through the inclusion of a grandmother figure.

Limited or Absent

Lacks explicit representation of LGBTQ+ identities or queer narratives.
Provides no information regarding racial or ethnic diversity within the cast.
Mental health struggles may risk being used as a standard horror cliché rather than nuanced representation.

Official Synopsis

Morgan, a troubled, drug-addled teen, must deal with her crazy grandma and a psycho caller when her father leaves her home alone. As the calls keep coming in, a paranoid Morgan is forced to face some of her worst fears and inner demons when she believes everyone she knows is either plotting against her - or trying to kill her.

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